What’s a closed rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a very popular surgical procedure that alters the shape and the size of the nose and improves the respiratory function. There are two rhinoplasty techniques, the open and the colosed one, and they offer different possibilities to the doctor who, depending on each cases, chooses the appropriate method. During a closed rhinoplasty incisions are made inside the nose (the nostrils). The surgery reduces the size of the nasal bone or cartilage and changes the nose’s shape according to each patient’s different anatomy. It is a technique that takes less time and has shorter recovery time compared to an open rhinoplasty but, at the same time, addresses mainly simple cases that do not require significant changes or interventions in the nose area.

Who’s a good candidate?

A closed rhinoplasty is ideal for patients that want to improve their nose’s appearance, and more specifically correct the nose hump or improve their breathing ability. It mainly concerns patients that desire minor corrections mainly on the upper part of the nose, the hump, as well as its width and, in some cases, its tip. This is not the right technique for complicated cases that require a more invasive technique like the open rhinoplasty.

Facts I need to know

A closed rhinoplasty surgery is performed in an organised clinic, under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. Incisions are made in the inside of the nose, leave no visible marks and give access to different areas that need correction. Internal incisions, besides the fact that are well hidden, cause less swelling and offer shorter recovery time to patients. After the operation is completed and incisions are closed with stitches a small splint is placed on the nose, just like during an open rhinoplasty, to ensure the bones and the cartilage stay still.

Recovery Time

A closed rhinoplasty, compared to an open rhinoplasty, causes smaller trauma to the nose and, therefore, has a shorter recovery time. Most patients return to their everyday routine 2 to 3 days after the surgery an to their work a week later. Once the splint is removed patients notice slight swelling and bruising that subside in the 7 to 10 following days. Strenuous exercise or any movement that may injure the nose must be avoided for some time after the surgery. When the swelling fades completely the final results become fully visible and they are permanent.

Doctor’s Remarks

Closed rhinoplasty is a surgery that offers great satisfaction to patients and no longer causes the discomfort it used to. Intense post surgery pain is treated with long-acting anesthetics and thanks to modern techniques used swelling is limited and returning to every day life is possible one week following the surgery, sometimes sooner.
I always take into consideration each patients wishes and try to achieve a harmonious result that mathches their face.
I was trained on modern rhinoplasty techniques in Amsterdam, during the International Course in Modern Rhinoplasty, Department ENT University of Amsterdam.