Rhinoplasty — Open vs. Closed San Francisco Nose Surgery

Deciding on a rhinoplasty technique can be a confusing task if the patient has no understanding of their choices. Here is a brief description between two of the major choices patients will be faced with: the open and closed techniques.

When using the open rhinoplasty approach, your plastic surgeon will make a tiny incision on the external skin that separates the nostrils. The nasal skin can then be lifted, offering a great deal of surgical access to the underlying architecture of the nose. This technique involves an incision that is more visible after surgery. Hiding the incision is preferable for many patients.

The closed rhinoplasty technique features tiny incisions within the nostrils – more specifically, between the internal nasal cartilages. Most people opt for closed, because the incisions are better hidden from view.

To learn more about the rhinoplasty procedure, contact Dr. Evan Ransom at his San Francisco office to set up an appointment for a consultation.