Open Rhinoplasty


Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery that is performed on the nose to improve its shape or function. One of the most popular techniques is open rhinoplasty which is where the surgeon makes any incisions inside the nose as well as a small incision that goes across the columella (the skin strip from the top of the nose to the upper lip that separates the nostrils). This allows the surgeon to better view the areas to be changed inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon access to all of the soft tissues underneath the outside of the nose. However, it does leave a visible incision that will heal over time.

The ideal candidate for open rhinoplasty is a person looking to make a change in the appearance or function of the nose (such as improving the ability to breathe). A good candidate is someone with more complex anatomy and/or more of a complex reconstruction procedure that needs to be performed by the surgeon. Also, a person with significant deformities of the nasal cartilage and soft tissues is also an ideal candidate.

The cost of open rhinoplasty varies by the amount of work that needs to be performed as well as the skill level of the surgeon. Differences in the price also depend on any fees charged by the doctor or the facility and the geographic location of the surgery. In general, the cost of open rhinoplasty is $5000-$10,000.

Patients can expect some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes for a few weeks. It can take up to a year for the final results to be visible. There might be a scar where the incision was made on the outside of the nose but this scar should fade over time. The final results should be permanent as long as the patient does not suffer an injury or trauma to the nose.

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty

submitted on   Thu Jun, 04, 2015 by John Rachel, MD     
Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery performed on the nose. Open rhinoplasty is done through incisions created on the inside of the nose as well as a small incision across the columella (the strip of skin running from the tip of the nose to the upper lip that separates the nostrils). Closed...