A rhinoplasty is an intimate procedure that most patients don’t take lightly.
This is totally understandable. The shape of the nose can change how an entire face comes together, both in the mirror and in how someone is perceived by others.
In modern rhinoplasty, there are two main surgical techniques: open and closed. While they achieve similar goals, the choice between them can affect how the surgery is performed, how healing looks, and how results settle over time.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Mark Bosbous takes the time to carefully plan each rhinoplasty based on a patient’s facial structure and their goals for surgery. No two noses are the same, and the approach matters just as much as the outcome — which is why methods must often differ from patient to patient.
In this article, we’ll break down what each approach involves and how surgeons decide which one makes more sense in different situations.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
One of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures around the globe, rhinoplasty is meant to either change the size or shape of one’s nose through strategic reduction, shaving down, grafting, and other methods to achieve the desired results.
Over 1 million people around the globe have these surgeries every year, and the trend doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty is performed entirely through incisions made inside the nostrils, which means there is no visible external scarring. All of the reshaping is done internally, making this approach less invasive than an open rhinoplasty in many cases. Because of that, surgery time is often shorter, swelling can be more limited, and recovery may feel easier for some patients.
That said, the closed technique does come with limitations. Since the surgeon has less direct visibility of the nasal structure, it’s generally better suited for more subtle adjustments. Larger or more complex changes are usually harder to achieve using this approach alone.
Still, many patients are excellent candidates for closed rhinoplasty. It’s often used for refining small areas, smoothing minor bone or cartilage irregularities, or correcting issues that don’t require extensive structural work. In those situations, the closed approach can deliver effective results without the need for a more invasive technique.
Open Rhinoplasty
With an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision along the strip of skin between the nostrils. That incision allows the skin of the nose to be lifted so the underlying structure is fully visible.
This technique gives far more control over the shape of the nose. When someone wants changes to the nasal tip, needs correction for asymmetry, or requires more precise reshaping, open rhinoplasty makes that work easier to do accurately.
Additionally, open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to reinforce the nose internally when needed. Adding structural support helps maintain shape as the nose heals and can prevent long-term issues like collapse or weakness, especially in cases where more cartilage is removed or repositioned.
Recovery can feel a bit different compared to a closed approach. Swelling around the tip tends to last longer, and numbness in that area is more common at first.
Still, if your goal is seeing noticeable changes to the overall shape or structure of the nose, surgeons often reach for the open technique because it offers the precision those cases require.
What Makes A Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty addresses a range of concerns. For some people, the nose feels too large or too small in proportion to the rest of the face. For others, it’s the width that bothers them.
Symmetry is another common reason people look into rhinoplasty. That can mean one side of the nose looking different from the other, or the nasal tip sitting slightly off-center.
Some patients are bothered by the shape of their nostrils or the nasal tip, especially when those features draw attention in a way that feels out of balance. Others focus on their overall profile and how the nose fits with their chin, forehead, and facial structure as a whole.
In addition to cosmetic concerns, rhinoplasty can also address functional issues. A deviated septum, for example, can make breathing difficult and interfere with sleep.
Final Thoughts
Many patients who undergo rhinoplasty report feeling more confident afterward, not because their nose looks dramatically different, but because it no longer draws the same level of attention. The goal for most people is subtlety, results that blend naturally with the rest of the face.
Choosing the right surgical approach plays a major role in how rhinoplasty results ultimately look and feel. That’s why working with an experienced surgeon who understands facial balance and technique selection matters so much.
At his Milwaukee clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous approaches facial plastic surgery with precision and care, focusing on outcomes that feel personal and well considered. Building trust and working closely with patients throughout the process is a central part of his approach. If you’d like to learn more, schedule a consultation now.