If there is one feature that elevates your face profile, it is your nose. Therefore, so many people undergo rhinoplasty, or a nose job to fix their facial beauty. This surgical procedure corrects the size, shape, and function of your nose.
Furthermore, there are two types of nose job performed, known as closed and open rhinoplasty.
However, the main question remains unanswered, closed vs open rhinoplasty; which offers the best results? Continue reading to clear the confusion.

Rhinoplasty has performed through two primary approaches; closed and open. Closed rhinoplasty is the least invasive procedure where the surgeon makes an incision inside your nostrils. This allows for minor changes in the nose shape such as reducing the bridge length or redefining the tip.
In contrast, during open rhinoplasty the surgeon makes a cut on the skin (columella) that lies between two nostrils. This provides a better view at the inner nasal structures to fix complexities such as correcting a deviated nasal septum or reforming a nasal bridge.
Closed vs Open Rhinoplasty: Which Has More Advantages?

Both closed and open rhinoplasty procedures offer benefits to their candidates. Let’s find out which method provides more health advantages:
- Less Invasive – Closed rhinoplasty is a least invasive procedure when compared to open rhinoplasty which offers reduced swelling on the face.
- High Accessibility – Open rhinoplasty cuts the skin between two nostrils, giving the surgeon a higher accessibility to operate within your nose than closed rhinoplasty.
- Minimum Scarring – Closed rhinoplasty results in a minor cut inside your nostrils which is not visible to the naked eyes, leaving minimum scarring.
- Suitable For Complex Cases – Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to go deeper into your nasal tissues to repair complicated problems such as deviated septum or injured bridge.
- Quick Recovery – Closed rhinoplasty has a minimally invasive approach, it enables the incision to get healed quickly, allowing you to resume your daily activities more earlier than open rhinoplasty.
Closed vs Open Nose Surgery: Which Has More Drawbacks?
Every surgery comes with its complications and risks. Similarly, both closed and open rhinoplasty has certain limitations.
Here’s the list of drawbacks involved with closed rhinoplasty:
- Reduced access to the inner nasal structures
- Less precise than open rhinoplasty
- May not be suitable for complex cases
- Limited visualization of the nasal anatomy
- May require additional procedures
- May not be suitable for patients with thick skin
However, open rhinoplasty also has some limitations:
- Highly invasive procedure
- Longer healing time
- Visible scar on the columella
- More expensive than closed rhinoplasty
- High risk of complications
- Increased postoperative pain than other nasal procedures
- Longer recovery period
Closed vs Open Rhinoplasty: Which Technique Is Best?


The choice to pick between closed and open rhinoplasty depends on patients’ needs and health conditions. For instance, if you require minor adjustments to the nose such as refining your nose tip or altering your bridge length then closed rhinoplasty should be the treatment of choice.
However, if you are having complex nose injuries which may range anywhere from congenital deviated septum to ruptured nasal bridge after trauma. The open rhinoplasty gives you better results.
What to Expect During the Rhinoplasty?
Both types of nose surgery follow the same protocol. Your surgeon will administer general anesthesia or local anesthesia before starting the rhinoplasty. During the procedure, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions to correct the alignment of nasal bone or reshape nasal structures.
However, the procedure can take up to 3 hours depending on the complexity of your case.
Closed vs Open Rhinoplasty – Cost Comparison

The total cost of the nose surgery varies based on the complexity of the case and technique used. For instance, the average cost of closed rhinoplasty ranges from $3000 to $6000, while open rhinoplasty is comparatively expensive with the charges varying between $5000 to $10,000.
Closed vs Open Rhinoplasty – Recovery Timeline
Recovery after rhinoplasty varies according to the surgical techniques. Patients undergoing closed rhinoplasty tend to heal faster and usually resume their day-to-day activities within 5 to 7 days. However, open rhinoplasty has a longer recovery period, with patients starting feeling better after 7 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of closed rhinoplasty?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the overall satisfaction rate for closed rhinoplasty is around 90%.
Is closed rhinoplasty more natural?
Yes, closed rhinoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that doesn’t change the natural alignment of your nasal bridge or tip, resulting in no visible scars and more natural appearance.
Can I wear glasses after closed rhinoplasty?
You should avoid glasses after closed rhinoplasty for a few weeks because it may put excess pressure over your nose to limit the healing process.
How long does it take to see the final results after closed rhinoplasty?
It may take a few months to a year to witness visible changes after closed rhinoplasty. This happens due to the time required by the nose to subside swelling and adapt to newer bony structures.