Features of open rhinoplasty

While carrying out this correction, the doctor makes a cut of columella. This is the anatomical element that separates the nostrils. The plastic surgeon performs incision on tissues in natural nose folds located between the nostrils and on the base of each nostril. Thereafter, the skin is separated from the cartilage tissue. This technique is preferred when it is necessary to reconstruct the nose cartilages, install the implants or perform correction after unsuccessfully performed operation. This intervention method involves a longer rehabilitation period since the peeling of tissues is performed together with vessels injury. Scars after such interventions remain at the area where columella incisions were made and around each nostril, but after a time they are reduced in size and soon disappear altogether. Plasty is performed under general anesthesia, with the exception of nose reconstruction. In this case local anesthesia may be used.

Indications and advantages of the open rhinoplasty

Since this method is highly traumatic, it should be used only when there are special indications.

Indications for rhinoplasty:

• Violation of the nose form in the barrier area;
• Hypertrophy of nasal shells;
• Crook in the nose;
• The need for a compensation of nose form with the help of implants;
• Thickened or drooping tip.

The technique has a number of contraindications. These include bleeding disorder, HIV, cancer, pregnancy and lactation or focus of inflammation in the area of ​​intervention. In order to exclude all contraindications, the patient will be assigned a number of analyzes, examinations and take a consultation with a doctor.

A significant advantage of this plasty is that it is much easier to gain access to anatomical structures of the nose when using this type of plastic surgery. Due to free access there is the ability to diagnose bone and cartilage changes, adjust implants and correct the shape of the nose without deformation of the surrounding tissues. List of indications for such plastics is broader than using a closed technique. In addition, the closed technique is practiced in Ukraine by a few surgeons only, because it is more complex and requires special skills.

Complications after open rhinoplasty

Possible negative effects can arise for several reasons. This may be the lack of qualification of the doctor entrusted to perform the operation, characteristics of the organism and non-observance of the rehabilitation regime.

Immediately after the intervention the patient will be bothered by bruising, swelling, pain and bleeding from the nose during a few weeks. This is all the result of extensive intervention and the symptoms will disappear with proper care. Loss of sensation and smell is also possible. All reactions are restored independently. Recovery time depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. Serious complications include abscess, perforation of the septum, cartilage atrophy or difficult breathing through the nose. These types of complications require further surgery.

Recovery period

Despite all the advantages, such plasty requires a longer recovery period. After the surgery, the patient remains in the clinic for a period of from 2 to 7 days under the supervision of doctors in order to avoid risks. The duration depends on how much tissue was damaged during the intervention. It is required that the plastic surgeon would install a plaster bandage. It is removed in about 1 week. The maximum degree of swelling occurs on the third day. Bruises pass away on 10th-14th day, but there may be slight yellowness for 2-3 weeks. It will take 2-3 weeks to reduce the swelling. The swelling disappears completely after 1-3 months. The first results will be seen not earlier than in 6 months. The final healing occurs within 1 year. During this year, it is necessary to protect the nose from impacts and other intensive actions onto it in order to eliminate the risk of injury. Throughout the recovery period, the doctors recommend to abandon visiting baths, saunas and solariums, refuse to swim in natural water basins and reduce consumption of salt, spices or alcohol. It is also recommended to sleep on the back, with the head on the high pillow; it will reduce the swelling.

Open method of rhinoplasty is somewhat more traumatic and has a more prolonged period of rehabilitation. Closed rhinoplasty method is used more frequently in our clinic; our experts are authors of scientific publications relating to closed rhinoplasty technique.

To learn more about rhinoplasty, the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, visit the information section of our website.