Open vs. Closed Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery: Which Is The Best Option For Me?

Every year, Dr. Porter of Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, MD sees patients in need of revision rhinoplasty because they received unsatisfactory results from their initial rhinoplasty procedure performed by another plastic surgeon Sometimes a lack of communication results in a look the patient didn’t want. Occasionally the patient has increased difficulty breathing. Whatever the reason, revision rhinoplasty is sometimes needed, and Dr. Porter has the skill, precision, and artistic eye to provide the natural-looking results you’re looking for. But what approach will be the best option for your rhinoplasty procedure? Dr. Porter wants all of her patients to be happy with their final look, which is why she takes ample time to fully evaluate the structure of your nose, inside and out. In addition to fully examining your nose, Dr. Porter will also sit with you during your initial consultation to learn more about you as a person and find out exactly what you want to achieve with your revision functional rhinoplasty surgery. Keep reading as we discuss more about open rhinoplasty versus closed rhinoplasty and how you can better understand which approach might be best for your revision surgery.

Let’s Discuss The Different Surgical Rhinoplasty Approaches Used By Dr. Porter

Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are two separate approaches. However, they both provide the same, long-lasting results for patients in the Washington, DC area.

Open Rhinoplasty

At Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Porter most often uses the open approach during revision functional rhinoplasty surgery. This surgery involves making a tiny cut between the nostrils (the columella). This incision is used to lift the skin of the nose out of the way so Dr. Porter is able to fully visualize the structures of the nose in order to perform the procedure. This technique does leave a small scar on the outside of the nose, but Dr. Porter is able to disguise it well.

Closed Rhinoplasty

A closed revision rhinoplasty surgery only involves incisions on the inside of the nose; therefore, Dr. Porter’s patients who choose this technique will not have any visible scarring. However, this approach has limitations and is not appropriate for all revision rhinoplasty candidates. If extensive changes are needed, Dr. Porter may require an open approach instead.

How Will Dr. Porter Decide On The Best Option For Me?

To determine the best technique to use for your revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Porter will first perform a full examination on your nose. She will carefully discuss your treatment goals with you and look at the current structure of your nose to determine which type of rhinoplasty approach would provide the results that align with your expectations. Dr. Porter has treated patients from the immediate area of the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia), as well as patients from far and wide, including many international patients. Washington, DC patients needing a moderate amount of work done on their nasal bridge can benefit most from a closed rhinoplasty technique. Others needing work performed on their nasal tip or another extensive reshaping will benefit most from an open rhinoplasty.

Call Dr. Porter Of Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery Today

Patients needing revision rhinoplasty tend to require a more complex treatment plan than their initial procedure due to changes that the first surgery made to the structures of the nose. If you are having trouble breathing after your initial rhinoplasty, or you are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of your initial results, call Dr. Porter today at her office in the Washington, DC area (301) 652-8191 to book your revision rhinoplasty consultation and find out how she can help!