Rhinoplasty, or more commonly known as a nose job, is one of the procedures where a little improvement can go a long way. The nose is such a pivotal facial feature that even small corrections to its size, shape, or position can improve the balance of the overall face. Dr. Adam Stein has performed thousands of procedures during his career, and rhinoplasty is one of his specialties. If your nose has caused you distress or insecurity, a rhinoplasty may be what you need.
What is an Open Rhinoplasty?
There are two types of rhinoplasty, closed and open. A closed rhinoplasty is where the incisions are all contained to the inside of the nose through the nostrils. With open rhinoplasty, a small Z-shaped incision is made on the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. This gives Dr. Stein good visibility and access to the cartilage, bone, and tissues of the nose to repair and sculpt those tissues to your greatest advantage. Closed rhinoplasty limits this visibility and access, so often, an open rhinoplasty is recommended unless the correction you’re seeking is minimal and does not involve the nasal tip.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Rhinoplasty?
Advantages
Shorter procedure times – Because the visibility to the internal structures is improved with open rhinoplasty, Dr. Stein can achieve more in depth correction to more structures in less time. This results in less bruising despite the elevation of skin, and can reduce recovery times.
Improved structural support – With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions within the nostrils can potentially weaken the nasal structure. With open rhinoplasty, greater access to more structures of the nose gives Dr. Stein more techniques—such as sutures or grafts—to improve your nose’s shape without compromising integrity of the tissues. More cartilage is preserved in this technique, so your structural support isn’t reduced.
Visibility improves shaping – Being able to better view the tissues being remodeled gives Dr. Stein more precision control over shaping of the tissues. Structures can be modified rather than simply removed, improving their strength as well as appearance.
Disadvantages
Scarring – This is the open rhinoplasty’s greatest drawback, though it’s truly not a big one. Because of the columella incision, there is the potential for a visible scar. However, because that tissue is only visible by looking up from underneath the nose—not a common perspective—the scar is only obvious from certain angles. Dr. Stein’s attention to the careful and precise placement of stitches helps this incision heal to where it will be barely visible.
More tissues are impacted – Open rhinoplasty does manipulate more of the tissue of your nose, which can result in more tissue trauma and theoretically prolong recovery. But because Dr. Stein has greater visibility, he can more quickly conclude the procedure. So while more tissues are manipulated, those tissues are corrected faster and you spend less time under anesthesia.
Am I a Good Candidate for Open Rhinoplasty?
Men and women who have concerns about the size, shape, symmetry, or positioning of their nose are candidates for rhinoplasty. If you’ve experienced self-consciousness or emotional distress over the way your nose balances your face, Dr. Stein can help. Candidates in good general health who don’t smoke typically are happiest with their outcomes.
What Results Can I Expect with Open Rhinoplasty?
You can expect the bruising and swelling to subside enough in 1 week to return to work without it being obvious you’ve had a surgical procedure performed. Because the corrections are personal to each patient, you can get an idea of Dr. Stein’s skills and successful results by viewing our photo gallery.
Dr. Stein and his staff are just the absolute best! From the moment of scheduling a consultation until now, after my 6 week follow-up, they have been nothing but friendly, knowledgeable, professional, accommodating, and most importantly, they delivered the results I had been hoping for! I had put off having a rhinoplasty for years and after the personalized care I received from Dr. Stein and his staff, I wish I had found them years ago. I look better, I can breathe better, and I feel so much better. If you’re nervous about making an appointment during COVID, don’t be, they are meticulous about safety measures and I never once felt uncomfortable or at risk. Surgery day was fantastic and I was comfortable for every second of it and that’s all thanks to the entire team that makes you feel like family while you’re in their care. I would absolutely without hesitation see Dr. Stein again for future procedures!
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about an open rhinoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein at Stein Plastic Surgery based in Raleigh, NC today! Simply fill out the form on this page or give us a call at (919) 261-7099.
*Individual results may vary.