Open Rhinoplasty Or Closed Rhinoplasty? Which Is Best?

If you are unhappy with your nose, you will probably agree that there is no other feature of the face that makes as much of an impact on your overall appearance. Even the slightest change in the size or shape of your nose can have a dramatic effect, so it is not surprising that more and more patients are turning to cosmetic surgery each year. At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi wholeheartedly believes that every patient should have the nose he or she feels they should have been born with. To this end, Dr. Khorsandi is dedicated to helping patients achieve a gorgeous and natural-looking result through rhinoplasty. 

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, informally known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure designed to improve certain features of the nose for both cosmetic and functional benefit. There are multiple methods and techniques for performing rhinoplasty, and it will ultimately be up to your surgeon to determine which type is best for you. 

How can rhinoplasty help me? 

The list of potential benefits of rhinoplasty is impressive. Not only can a nose job help patients address a variety of aesthetic concerns, but it can also have potential functional benefits, including improved breathing. Some of the complaints which can potentially be corrected through rhinoplasty  include:

• Nose too large
• Bridge of the nose too wide
• Bump in the nasal bridge
• Hook on tip of the nose
• Upturned nose
• Obstructed breathing
• Deviated septum
• Nostrils too small or large
• Interrupted sleep
• Snoring 

During your initial one-on-one consultation at VIP Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Khorsandi will discuss your concerns at length and thoroughly evaluate your nose in order to determine if, and how,  rhinoplasty may be able to help you.

What’s the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty? 

If you have been considering a nose job and have begun to research the procedure, it is likely that you have come across information regarding both the open and closed rhinoplasty techniques. While it is widely accepted that both methods can lead to equally successful outcomes, there are some key differences and advantages to each. 

• Open rhinoplasty: In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon places his or her incision(s) on the outside of the nose, usually along the portion of tissue that separates the nostrils. In doing so, the surgeon gains open access and is able to manipulate the various nasal structures easily and more extensively than in closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty can be useful for patients who have more severe functional complaints and/or desire a dramatic change in the appearance of their nose. One important thing to note about open rhinoplasty is that, because there is an external incision used, the patients will have a visible scar. However, in most cases, the scar is very small, fades significantly over time, and is hardly noticeable. 
• Closed rhinoplasty: Many patients are interested in the possibility of closed rhinoplasty, as it eliminates the need for external incisions and, ultimately, visible scars. During closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon will make all necessary incisions inside the nose. While beautiful results and functional improvements can still be made, closed rhinoplasty does have some limitations. Patients who have mild to moderate concerns may be candidates for closed rhinoplasty. 

What is ethnic rhinoplasty? 

For men and women of certain ethnicities, particularly those of Asian, African American, and Middle Eastern descent, choosing a surgeon who is well-versed in ethnic rhinoplasty is essential. These patients often have cosmetic and internal nasal structures that are unique to their heritage, meaning that specific techniques must be implemented in order to achieve a successful outcome while still maintaining a natural and appropriate look of the nose.

Dr. Khorsandi is extremely familiar with the complexities and nuances of ethnic rhinoplasty, as well as the critical differences between male and female rhinoplasty, and he takes great care to help patients achieve their ideal aesthetic outcome in a subtle, yet gorgeous, way.  

Can rhinoplasty be covered by insurance? 

When considering any procedure, it is understandable that patients have questions about potential insurance coverage. In the case of rhinoplasty, the insurance provider’s decision to cover the procedure ultimately comes down to whether or not the surgery can be considered medically necessary. For men and women suffering from obstructed breathing, as in the case of a deviated septum, some insurance companies may offer partial or full coverage for the procedure. Rhinoplasties that are performed purely for cosmetic reasons are not typically eligible for insurance coverage. The knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery can help guide you through the process of learning more about what procedures may or may not be covered by insurance.

If you are ready to begin the journey to a new and improved look, call our convenient Las Vegas, NV office to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!