Whether you feel your nose is too big, too long, hooked or maybe even has a bump on the bridge, you may have dreamed about someday undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure to correct it.  A rhinoplasty, or “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that corrects the size, shape and contours of the nose. Rhinoplasties can even help to correct breathing issues by opening up the sinus cavity or straightening a crooked septum, which can cause congestion.

Though septum straightening is generally considered a separate procedure, many surgeons can correct a crooked septum during a rhinoplasty surgery. Best of all, septum straightening is often covered by insurance, so there may be no additional fee for this procedure, and your insurance may even cover part of the anesthesia fee.

If you are considering a rhinoplasty, there are several factors to consider about the surgery itself. The main choice most patients face is the decision for an open versus closed rhinoplasty. So, what are the differences between these two procedures, and who is best suited for each?

Closed Rhinoplasty

A closed, or endonasal, rhinoplasty means that all the incisions made during the procedure are done inside the nose. This is beneficial to most patients, because it means there will be no visible scarring anywhere on the face. Unfortunately, because the incisions are all inside the nose, this procedure can be a bit more difficult and complicated than an open rhinoplasty. It can also be more difficult to make precise changes to the tip of the nose in a closed rhinoplasty, so for patients seeking a very delicate nasal tip or seeking to correct structural damage to the nose, a closed rhinoplasty may not be the best option.

Open Rhinoplasty

An open (or external) rhinoplasty means the surgeon makes a small incision known as a trans-columellar incision to connect the right and left nostril incisions. Unfortunately, with an open rhinoplasty, a small scar is often visible between the nostrils; however, it is usually not very noticeable, and the improved accuracy and attention to detail provided by using an open rhinoplasty over a closed is well worth the risk of a small scar.

So, which surgery should you choose – open or closed? That depends on what your nose currently looks like, and what you’d like it to look like after your surgery. For patients not looking to change much or make adjustments to the tip of the nose, a closed rhinoplasty is a good choice. For others who require extensive reconstruction or who would like a very specific look, an open rhinoplasty may be a better fit.

Which surgery will work best for your desired outcome is between you and Dr. Chau, who will discuss which procedure will work best for you, and why. If you are ready to schedule a free consultation for a rhinoplasty procedure, give Dr. Chau’s office a call at 888-966-9471 today.