When preparing for plastic surgery, patients ask themselves the question: which is better - open or closed rhinoplasty? In fact, there is no exact answer to this question. There is, of course, a fundamental difference between the two methods, but they are both equally in demand. The choice of the method of surgery for a particular patient is determined individually and depends on many factors, such as:
- nature of nasal defects. If a large amount of intervention is planned, or if the correction requires the installation of implants, sawing of the bones of the nose, it is better to use open rhinoplasty, which involves greater visualization of the surgical field and the visibility of even small structural elements.
- surgeon qualification. Closed access is not for every specialist. The surgeon requires extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty, impeccable knowledge of the anatomical internal structures.
- features of the previous operation. Reoperation is usually performed using the open rhinoplasty technique, since it is extremely important for the doctor to see all the nuances of the previous intervention.
At the consultation in the clinic, the specialists take into account your wishes regarding the operation, however, the final decision on whether to perform open or closed rhinoplasty is made by the doctor, based on the patient's individual characteristics and indications.
Indications and contraindications for open rhinoplasty
Indications for open rhinoplasty
Indications for open rhinoplasty are the same as for any rhinoplasty:
- high, wide, flat back of the nose;
- asymmetry;
- dips and irregularities;
- rounded, lowered or too raised tip of the nose.
Contraindications for open rhinoplasty
- age up to 18 years (the process of tissue formation is not over yet);
- inflammatory ENT diseases;
- herpes in the active phase;
- decompensated diabetes mellitus;
- blood clotting disorder;
- menstruation.
Procedure for open rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Previously, the patient must pass the tests prescribed by the surgeon.
Open rhinoplasty provides a complete visualization of the operation process: the surgeon has the opportunity to examine in detail all the structures of the nose. During the correction, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the columella (the area of skin between the nostrils). Next, a small marginal incision is made from the columella to the inside of each nostril.
In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon carefully cuts the skin in the area of the columella with special surgical scissors, separating it from the cartilaginous framework of the nose. Now the doctor has the opportunity to examine in detail all the anatomical components, assess the state of the structures of the cartilaginous and bone sections and give them the necessary shape. During an open rhinoplasty operation, the doctor can remove and move parts of cartilage, bone, install special nasal implants, etc.
At the end of the open rhinoplasty, the surgeon applies a thin suture material to the incision area: delicate work with the incision allows you to get an invisible scar. Turundas are installed in the nasal passages (they are removed the next day), a hard plaster bandage is applied (the doctor will remove it for 10-11 days).
Thus, the only and temporarily visible part of the incision in open rhinoplasty is the columella zone. The incision brightens, and in a few months becomes invisible.
Rehabilitation after open rhinoplasty
The first 1-2 days after open rhinoplasty you will be in the clinic's hospital.
You can evaluate the primary result of open rhinoplasty after removing the plaster cast, but the nose will still look swollen. The picture will be clearer by 1. 5 months from surgery. At least two months after open rhinoplasty, you must give up sports. Contact sports (boxing, wrestling) can be started no earlier than after 6 months: the nose after open rhinoplasty requires careful treatment and the complete exclusion of even minimal injuries.
For a two-month period after open rhinoplasty, you should forget about the sauna, steam bath and wearing glasses.