The Different Rhinoplasty Procedures

Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery performed to alter the size or shape of the nose or to restore proper function to the nasal structures. Many people turn to rhinoplasty when they are unhappy with the look of their noses and want a more aesthetic appearance.
If you are thinking about getting rhinoplasty, it may be comforting to know you’re not alone. Over 220,000 people had surgical nose reshaping procedures in 2013.
The most common rhinoplasties are called Open Rhinoplasty and Closed Rhinoplasty. A plastic surgeon may also be required to perform a Revision Rhinoplasty, also called a Secondary Rhinoplasty. For minor changes to the nose, there is also a non-surgical procedure called Filler Rhinoplasty.
Here are the four basic cosmetic and medical nose reshaping procedures:
Open Rhinoplasty
The Open Rhinoplasty procedure is used for major nose reshaping. During this surgery, the doctor will make an incision in the strip of skin separating the nostrils. With the skin and soft tissue lifted off, the surgeon can see and work with the underlying nasal anatomy.
The advantages of Open Rhinoplasty are giving the surgeon a direct visualization of the cartilage and other nasal anatomy, and the ability to manipulate nasal shape with more control and precision.
Closed Rhinoplasty
With a Closed Rhinoplasty, the incisions are made within the nose. Then, as in an Open Rhinoplasty, the skin is separated from the bone and cartilage, allowing the surgeon access to the underlying structure. The bone and cartilage can then be reshaped, removed or augmented to achieve the desired shape or structural correction.