Open Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The main difference between open and closed nose aesthetics is the small incision located between the nostrils. This incision is usually approximately 3–4 mm in size and can only be seen upon close inspection.

One of the methods frequently preferred in nose aesthetic operations worldwide is the open nose surgery (open rhinoplasty) method. Although closed rhinoplasty may be preferred in some cases where the deformity is not very advanced, this procedure is applied less frequently compared to the open technique.

In the open rhinoplasty method, the tissues that cause deformation of the nose can be seen more easily and the surgical intervention can be performed in a more controlled manner. At the same time, it is a reliable and successful method for improving breathing function and correcting nasal deviation.

What is Open Nose Surgery (Open Rhinoplasty)?

Open nose surgery, which is one of the classic and most reliable methods of nose aesthetics, is one of the surgical techniques frequently preferred for aesthetic interventions performed on the appearance of the nose. The open surgery technique is widely preferred as a primary option by many plastic surgeons.

In the open nose surgery, also known as the open rhinoplasty method, incisions that include the inner surface of the columella area are applied from the inner part of the nasal wings. Thanks to this technique, the nasal skin is lifted from the nasal bridge, allowing the entire nasal anatomy to be seen by the surgeon.

The merging of the skin mucosa on the front surface of the columella area allows the nasal skin to be lifted easily. In this way, the surgeon can perform more controlled interventions on the nasal bones and cartilage tissues.

The surgical intervention to be performed on the nose is applied after the skin is lifted. The most important difference from closed nose surgery is that the edema that occurs after surgery may take slightly longer to heal and disappear.

However, the very small incision made during the operation usually disappears to a large extent within an average of 6 months.

Who is Open Nose Surgery (Aesthetic Rhinoplasty) Suitable For?

While some surgeons who perform nose aesthetics prefer the open method, some surgeons may prefer the closed method. Which technique will be applied often depends on the surgeon’s evaluation and the patient’s nasal structure.

The plastic surgeon determines the most appropriate method by evaluating the patient’s nasal structure, complaints, and aesthetic expectations.

After the open method and the closed method are applied to two different individuals, the only difference between them after one year is a very faint small incision mark seen in the columella area.

Open nose surgery includes the procedure of lifting the nasal skin after an incision made in the lower part of the nose. During this procedure, the tissues and connective tissues in the nose become more visible for surgical intervention.

The open rhinoplasty method is a popular treatment method that can be applied to many patients.

In some patients who have previously undergone open nose surgery, revision rhinoplasty may be preferred over time.

In addition:

• In patients who have axis deviation in the nose
• In S and C type nasal deformities with septal deviation
• In cases where the nasal bone structure is curved

the open rhinoplasty method is preferred aesthetically.

Piezo nose aesthetics is a modern method that allows the nasal bones to be shaped more precisely. It can often be applied together with the open rhinoplasty method, especially in patients who have a sloped forehead and a curved bone structure.

How is Open Nose Surgery Performed?

Open rhinoplasty, which is one of the most frequently preferred methods of nose aesthetic surgery, is performed as follows:

• Before the treatment, a detailed consultation is held between the doctor and the patient and the nose aesthetics plan is created.
• The patient’s photographs are taken and the planned nose shape is digitally designed and shown to the patient.
• The final nose shape and surgical planning are determined at this stage.
• Open technique rhinoplasty is performed with a small incision applied to the lower part of the nostrils.
• A V-shaped incision is made in the columella area and the incision is continued from the inner surface.
• In this way, the skin and tissues on the nasal bridge are lifted.
• Once the nose is opened, the necessary surgical intervention is applied to the bone and cartilage tissue.
• This procedure, which takes slightly longer than closed rhinoplasty, is advantageous because it provides a wider field of view.
• After the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or standard stitches.

What is the Process After Open Nose Aesthetics?

Open nose surgery is a surgical operation performed under general anesthesia. For this reason, patients are usually kept under observation in a healthcare facility for one day.

During the postoperative process:

• Approximately 4–5 hours after the surgery, the patient is encouraged to walk.
• Mild swelling and bruising in the first days are normal.
• A liquid-based diet is recommended for the first 3–4 days.
• Resting for approximately 1 week is recommended.
• The stitches are usually removed within 7–10 days or dissolve on their own.
• Swelling and edema decrease significantly in most patients within 1–2 weeks.

In order to prevent damage to the stitches, the patient should avoid heavy sports and intense physical activities. In addition, hot steam applications should be avoided and it is necessary to wait at least 2 months before entering pools or the sea.

It is recommended to avoid harsh movements while brushing teeth.

Taking a shower immediately after surgery is not recommended. Generally, a short shower can be taken after 3–4 days.

Since it is a surgical procedure, it is important to avoid blood-thinning medications and foods.

Glasses should not be worn for the period recommended by the doctor, and sunscreen must be used when going outdoors.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

Open rhinoplasty, also known as open nose surgery, may vary depending on the scope of the surgical intervention to be performed and the patient’s nasal structure. The duration of the surgery may be longer especially in individuals who have nasal deviation and breathing problems. Operations that require fewer procedures are completed in a shorter time. In general, the average duration of open rhinoplasty surgery varies between 2–3 hours.

What Are the Advantages of Open Nose Aesthetic Surgery?

The open rhinoplasty technique, which is one of the nose aesthetic surgeries, has many advantages. Thanks to the open technique, the surgeon can see the nasal anatomy from a wider angle, allowing more controlled and detailed interventions during the operation.

The main advantages of open nose surgery are as follows:

• It is a more controlled method compared to closed nose surgery. Being able to see the entire nasal tissue makes it easier to perform procedures on the nasal bridge.
• It provides easier intervention in patients whose nasal structure is complex and who have more than one problem.
• In the event of any complication that may occur during closed nose surgery, open nose surgery can be applied.
• The nasal bridge can be easily shaped. Shape deformities in the nasal structure can be treated more easily with adjustments made on cartilage and bone tissues.
• It is easier to control in the event of possible bleeding. Since the entire nasal structure can be seen, it provides a safer procedure for the surgeon.
• Piezo technology and other modern nose aesthetic techniques can be easily applied during open rhinoplasty.
• Achieving a symmetrical appearance of the nostrils and shaping the nasal tip by intervening in the cartilage structure provide more predictable results.
• It allows the application of different surgical techniques in revision nose aesthetic operations.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Open Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Although open nose surgery is a method that has many advantages compared to closed nose surgery, it may include some risks and complications. As with any surgical procedure, certain risks may also exist in open rhinoplasty operations.

Possible risks that may be seen in open rhinoplasty surgery are as follows:

• After the surgery, the swelling and edema that occur at the tip of the nose may take time to completely disappear. Since the vascular tissue in the columella area is cut, the formation of new tissue may require a certain period of time.
• The duration of the operation may be prolonged depending on the patient’s nasal structure and the scope of the procedure to be performed.
• A small incision mark that may be slightly noticeable when viewed from the front may occur in the columella area located between the nostrils.
• In rare cases, damage to the columella area may affect the circulation at the tip of the nose.
  In operations performed by an experienced surgeon, the risk of such complications is quite low.

Will There Be a Scar After the Surgery?

Open nose surgery is an aesthetic surgical procedure that aims to help the person achieve the desired nose shape and breathe more comfortably. In this operation, a small incision is made in the columella area located between the nostrils.

The scar that occurs as a result of this incision is usually seen as a very small V-shaped mark. During the first 6–12 months after the surgery, this scar may appear slightly reddish.Over time, the redness decreases and the scar gradually becomes less noticeable. The incision mark of approximately 2–3 millimeters located under the nose usually turns into the skin color and becomes almost unnoticeable in most patients once the healing process is completed.

Comparison of Open and Closed Nose Surgery

Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty techniques are two different surgical methods used in nose aesthetic surgeries. There are some important differences between these two techniques.

In the open rhinoplasty method, a small incision is made in the columella area located at the tip of the nose. In the closed rhinoplasty method, the incisions are made through the cartilage tissues inside the nose.

After the open technique, a small incision mark may occur in the area between the nostrils. In the closed technique, since the incision is inside the nose, there is no visible scar from the outside.

In open surgery, the connective tissues are cut and the nasal bridge becomes completely open to intervention. In closed rhinoplasty, some of the connective tissues are preserved.

In the closed surgical method, the procedure is performed by entering the nose through the opening of the nasal wings. For this reason, the surgeon’s field of view is more limited. In the open technique, the nasal bridge and nasal anatomy can be seen from a wider angle.

Although the closed technique may seem advantageous because it does not leave a visible scar from the outside, the open rhinoplasty technique is more frequently preferred worldwide because it provides the surgeon with a wider field of view.

Which Nose Surgery Method Should Be Preferred?

Both open and closed nose surgery techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, the method to be applied is usually determined by the plastic surgeon after evaluating the patient’s nasal structure, complaints, and expectations.

Since nose aesthetic surgery is a serious surgical procedure, it must be performed in a well-equipped healthcare institution.

The technique to be chosen is often determined depending on the surgeon’s experience and area of expertise. In addition, in revision surgeries of rhinoplasty operations previously performed with the open technique, the open technique is generally preferred again.