The nose can often be the first thing people notice when they meet a person.

And just like anyone who struggles with the look of a particular feature on their face, if a person is unhappy with the appearance of their nose, they can become very self-conscious of this specific characteristic.

So, it’s no surprise that nose jobs were on the list of the top five most-searched cosmetic surgery procedures in 2019, with nearly 2,500 patients undergoing the operation in the UK alone.

A nose job, or what’s medically known as a ‘rhinoplasty’, is an effective way of changing your nose’s shape, size, and appearance.

Whether you’ve been looking into having a nose job for a while or are just starting your research into the procedure, you may not be aware that different types of nose jobs are available to you.

A trained surgeon will recommend the most suitable nose job to provide you with the look you’re after at your first consultation.

So let’s start by highlighting the two main nose job options that most surgeons will discuss with you at an initial, pre-op consultation; the ‘open rhinoplasty’ and ‘closed rhinoplasty’.

Of course, any qualified surgeon will run through the differences in these procedures with you in detail, so you have the knowledge and understanding of the different processes.

So, keep on reading if you’d like to discover what to expect if you went ahead with either procedure, the pros and cons of each option, and which of the two will more likely be suitable for you.

Open rhinoplasty vs closed rhinoplasty

Open and closed rhinoplasties have various benefits that are suitable for different individual patient cases. Still, they are both effective ways of creating the nose shape or size you’ve always dreamed of.

Once you have been to your initial consultation, your surgeon will highlight which option they feel is best for you.

This decision may be down to the specific results you are looking to achieve, the surgeon’s particular field of expertise and the method they’d feel most comfortable offering to you.

Following your research, you will be able to discuss the option you feel is most suitable for you, but it will be at the surgeon’s discretion which rhinoplasty is chosen in your case.

But what are the differences between the two procedures?

So, let’s start with an ‘open’ rhinoplasty.

An open rhinoplasty is often referred to as the more ‘precise’ of the two nose job options, as it involves lifting the skin from the nose to achieve better visibility.

An open rhinoplasty involves working on the septum, nostrils, dorsum and tip of the nose, often a suitable option for patient’s wanting a bump or lump removed.

A surgeon may also recommend this type of surgery if you are looking to alter the shape or size of the tip, as this type of procedure ensures a closer look at the inside of the nose.

As part of the open rhinoplasty procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision between the nostrils and lift the skin away from the nose.

By lifting the skin, the surgeon has sufficient visibility of the nose, allowing them to shape the cartilage and tissue to achieve the patient’s desired look.

The open rhinoplasty procedure is quickly becoming one of the more popular nose job options, with many surgeons learning the practice to achieve more precise results.

But with these benefits, an open rhinoplasty also has its disadvantages.

It’s important to note that you may be on the operating table for several hours if you undergo an open rhinoplasty.

The more precise nature of this process means the procedure is lengthier, with the necessary incisions and work needed requiring more skilled operating time.

The work needed to fulfil an open rhinoplasty also causes more impact to the nose, so patients can expect a longer recovery process.

So, what about a ‘closed’ rhinoplasty?

A closed rhinoplasty is an alternative option for a nose job procedure.

This type of procedure is often recommended for first-time cosmetic surgery goers, as it is less invasive.

It’s also an effective option if a patient is looking to remove any bumps in the nose or simply make the nose look thinner.

A closed rhinoplasty is typically less sophisticated than its counterpart, as it doesn’t involve removing the skin from the nose.

The surgeon completing the closed rhinoplasty will do all their work by making small incisions around the nostrils, with the surgeon only accessing the inside of the nose through this area.

As the surgeon only accesses the nose through the nostrils, this means the patient can expect no visible scarring and is less likely to experience swelling post-op.

Being a less invasive option, the patient can also be back to a normal routine next to no time, whereas an open rhinoplasty requires a longer recovery period.

But of course, there are some cons to this type of nose job procedure too.

As the surgeon doesn’t require removing the skin to see the inside of the nose, visibility is low, meaning the procedure is often noted as less precise than its alternative.

The procedure is undoubtedly the most outdated of the two options, so many surgeons have moved towards open rhinoplasty instead.

So, which rhinoplasty option is the best for me?

When deciding which option is the most appropriate for you, it’s essential to understand the results you’re looking to achieve.

If you are concerned about lumps and bumps or simply want a thinner looking nose, a closed rhinoplasty is less invasive and offers excellent results, often for a more affordable price.

But, you may struggle to find an experienced surgeon who can fulfil this type of procedure today.

With this in mind, open rhinoplasty surgery utilises modern surgical processes to carefully sculpt the nose you’ve always longed for.

And if you are looking for reconstructive surgery following an accident or sports injury, an open rhinoplasty is undoubtedly the most effective option for your needs.

If you’re still unsure about which option is best for you, we’d recommend speaking with a reputable surgeon or aesthetic centre to answer any questions you may have.

At MedicoTrips, we have worked closely with Dr Abdullah Etöz, associate clinical doctor of Plastic Surgery at Acıbadem Hospital Groups in İstanbul, for many years.

Dr Etöz has many years of experience performing nose job procedures, so he is well-equipped to offer you the necessary surgery to craft the nose shape and size you aim for.

If you’re considering a nose job and would like more information on the right procedure for you, the team at MedicoTrips are here to help you.

Get in touch with us today on +44 (0) 121 288 4552 for more information.