What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?

To the layperson the only discernible difference between open and closed rhinoplasty is a very well concealed ¼ inch scar at the base of the front underside part of the nose, between the nostrils. Surgeons joke that the scar may be noted only by a patient’s dog, or lover. The remainder of the incision is made inside the nose in both cases. Some surgeons perform one type of rhinoplasty exclusively. The more versatile surgeon can utilize both techniques with the following logic. The closed technique works well in less complicated cases, typically in removing a hump. The open technique is performed when correcting significant asymmetry, deviation, or when needing to do fine tip work. Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are the two types of rhinoplasty procedures available. Open rhinoplasty is used to achieve great symmetry when doing tip work, while closed rhinoplasty is generally done for hump reduction.