Open Or Closed Surgery?

The difference between an open or closed technique is the opening of the nose by external, visible incisions that allow the surgeon to literally see the cartilages and tissues of the nose. Closed is of course done "blindly" although it is my personal belief that both are fine and if you're good - you're good. My surgery was closed.

Although some may argue that for extensive reconstructive surgeries, open is better. I have seen some truly, almost miraculous surgeries performed with a closed technique but also have seen some great closed and the scar is practically non-existent.  I must also say that many newer surgeons are beginning to perform open techniques and this very well may be the wave of the future for rhinoplasty??  Your guess is as good as mine.  My best friend had her revision open and I can't see her scar, as well as her result is really symmetrical.  Not all surgeons do both so consult with several surgeons to find which suits you best. It is the end result and the longevity of the result that matters. The end justifies the means. 

The open technique usually takes longer and allows for scrutinizing and meticulous work although it truly depends upon the skill of the surgeon. There are highly skilled surgeons who perform and prefer either and less than average surgeons who do the same. Just choose your surgeon wisely and your odds of a better result are increased. However, sometimes the open technique will be better for one's needs. It truly depends.

Open Rhinoplasty
The visible incision is usually across the columella (the column of flesh that separates the nostrils) in the fashion of "step" or stair" and even sometimes an inverted "V". When there is reconstruction of an older keloidal or prominent scar there may be a "Z" incision or "Z-plasty" instead. Either way the skin and thin fat layer overlying the cartilages and bone is pulled back and secured with a device called a retractor that looks like a modified shoe horn or better yet, a nasal crowbar or sorts. This actually looks a bit gruesome and you'd never think that your tissues will look normal again after this type of tissue 'torture' but it does. The skin is very resilient in most people and can "bounce back" to its original state with only the slight scar as evidence.

Closed Rhinoplasty

To be Continued...

References
Toriumi DM: Open Rhinoplasty in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Bailey et al. eds., 1st Ed., 1993, Philadelphia JB Lippincott, pp2128-2140
Tardy ME: Rhinoplasty in Otolaryngology- head and neck Surgery, Cumming et al. eds, 2nd Ed., 1993, St. Louis, Mosby, pp 807-856
Kyung Shik Suh, M.D; Open Rhinoplasty - March 7, 1998


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