The gold standard for complex nasal reshaping. Open rhinoplasty offers surgeons maximum visibility and precision for dramatic, natural-looking transformations. When comparing open vs closed rhinoplasty, the open technique is preferred for significant structural changes.
Premium All-Inclusive Package
Open rhinoplasty, also known as external rhinoplasty, is a surgical technique where a small incision is made across the columella — the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. This approach allows the surgeon to lift the nasal skin and soft tissues, providing direct visualization of the underlying nasal structures.
Unlike closed rhinoplasty where all incisions are hidden inside the nose, open rhinoplasty gives surgeons an unobstructed view of the nasal framework. This comprehensive access makes it the preferred technique for complex cases, significant structural changes, and revision surgeries.
The term "open" refers to the external incision that "opens up" the nose, allowing the surgeon to see and work on the cartilage and bone directly. The tiny scar on the columella typically fades to near-invisibility within a few months.
Understanding the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty is crucial for choosing the right technique for your goals. Here's a comprehensive comparison.
| Feature | Open Rhinoplasty | Closed Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
|
Incision Location
|
Small cut across columella (external + internal) |
All incisions inside nostrils (no external cuts) |
|
Surgical Visibility
|
Full, direct view of nasal structures | Limited visibility (working "blind") |
|
Precision Level
|
Maximum precision & control | Requires more surgeon experience |
|
Best For
|
Complex reshaping, major changes, revision | Minor corrections, subtle changes |
|
Surgery Duration
|
2-3 hours | 1-2 hours (shorter) |
|
Visible Scarring
|
Tiny scar (fades in 3-6 months) | No visible scars |
|
Swelling Duration
|
Slightly longer (tip swelling) | Faster resolution |
|
Revision Surgery
|
✓ Ideal choice | ✗ Not recommended |
|
Tip Work Capability
|
✓ Excellent control | Limited access |
External Approach
Endonasal Approach
Not sure which technique is right for you? Our surgeons will recommend the best approach based on your unique anatomy and goals. Open rhinoplasty is our most performed procedure due to its superior precision and versatility.
📋 Get Expert RecommendationDiscover why open rhinoplasty is the preferred technique for patients seeking significant, precise, and natural-looking nasal transformations.
The open approach provides surgeons with an unobstructed view of the entire nasal framework, allowing for more accurate assessment and modification.
With full access to nasal structures, surgeons can make incredibly precise adjustments that are difficult to achieve with closed techniques.
Open rhinoplasty is the gold standard for revision surgery, allowing correction of complications from previous procedures with maximum visibility.
The nasal tip requires delicate work. Open rhinoplasty allows for sophisticated tip plasty techniques that create natural, refined results.
The precision of open rhinoplasty leads to more predictable outcomes. What you see during surgery is what you get long-term.
With complete control, surgeons create noses that harmonize with your facial features — no "operated" look, just natural beauty.
With decades of combined experience, our board-certified surgeons have mastered the open rhinoplasty technique, delivering exceptional results for patients from over 50 countries.
Understanding the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty is crucial for choosing the right technique for your goals. Here's a comprehensive comparison.
| Feature | Open Rhinoplasty | Closed Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
|
Incision Location
|
Small cut across columella (external + internal) |
All incisions inside nostrils (no external cuts) |
|
Surgical Visibility
|
Full, direct view of nasal structures | Limited visibility (working "blind") |
|
Precision Level
|
Maximum precision & control | Requires more surgeon experience |
|
Best For
|
Complex reshaping, major changes, revision | Minor corrections, subtle changes |
|
Surgery Duration
|
2-3 hours | 1-2 hours (shorter) |
|
Visible Scarring
|
Tiny scar (fades in 3-6 months) | No visible scars |
|
Swelling Duration
|
Slightly longer (tip swelling) | Faster resolution |
|
Revision Surgery
|
✓ Ideal choice | ✗ Not recommended |
|
Tip Work Capability
|
✓ Excellent control | Limited access |
External Approach
Endonasal Approach
Not sure which technique is right for you? Our surgeons will recommend the best approach based on your unique anatomy and goals. Open rhinoplasty is our most performed procedure due to its superior precision and versatility.
📋 Get Expert RecommendationUnderstanding each step of the surgical process helps you feel confident and prepared. Here's exactly what happens during your open rhinoplasty surgery.
You'll receive general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Within minutes, you'll be comfortably asleep and feel nothing during the entire procedure.
The surgeon makes a small, precise incision across the columella (the strip of skin between your nostrils). This tiny cut is the key to open rhinoplasty, allowing full access to nasal structures.
The nasal skin is carefully lifted from the underlying bone and cartilage framework. This step gives the surgeon complete, direct visualization of your nasal anatomy.
The main surgical work: removing humps, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, adjusting nostrils. Cartilage may be repositioned or grafts placed for structural support.
The incision is meticulously closed with fine sutures. A protective nasal splint is applied externally, and soft splints may be placed inside to support the new structure.
You'll wake up in our comfortable recovery suite under medical supervision. Most patients feel groggy but pain-free. After a few hours, you'll be transferred to your hotel to rest.
Get answers to the most common questions about open rhinoplasty, including how it compares to closed rhinoplasty.
Open rhinoplasty is a surgical technique where a small incision is made across the columella (the skin between your nostrils), allowing the surgeon to lift the nasal skin and directly visualize the underlying structures.
In contrast, closed rhinoplasty uses incisions hidden entirely inside the nostrils, with the surgeon working through limited visibility.
Neither technique is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your specific goals and nasal anatomy. However, open rhinoplasty is preferred for most patients because:
Closed rhinoplasty may be suitable if you only need minor hump reduction or subtle refinements and prioritize zero external scarring.
The incision across the columella is extremely small (about 4-5mm) and heals remarkably well. Within 3-6 months, the scar typically fades to a thin white line that's virtually invisible, even up close.
Our surgeons use meticulous suturing techniques to minimize scarring. In our experience, patients forget about the scar within a few months and consider the superior results well worth it.
Open rhinoplasty typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of changes needed. More extensive work (like revision surgery or significant structural reconstruction) may take longer.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you'll be completely asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. You'll spend an additional 2-3 hours in recovery before being discharged to your hotel.
Most patients are surprised by how little pain they experience. During surgery, you're under general anesthesia and feel nothing. After surgery, discomfort is typically described as "pressure" rather than sharp pain.
We provide prescription pain medication for the first few days, though many patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers after day 2-3. The most uncomfortable aspect is usually nasal congestion from swelling, not pain.
Recovery happens in stages:
Most patients return to work after 10-14 days and feel comfortable in social situations. You can fly home after 7-10 days.
Open rhinoplasty is essential for revision cases because it allows the surgeon to:
Revision rhinoplasty is inherently more complex, and the visibility provided by the open approach is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.
Yes! Open rhinoplasty is the ideal technique for complex tip work. The direct visualization allows surgeons to precisely reshape the lower lateral cartilages that create the tip shape.
For bulbous tips, the surgeon can trim and suture the cartilages to create definition. For droopy tips, rotation and projection can be adjusted with grafts and precise suturing techniques.
We recommend staying in Istanbul for 7-10 days after your open rhinoplasty. This allows time for:
Flying is safe after cast removal, though some patients prefer to wait until day 10 when bruising has faded more. Cabin pressure doesn't affect your results.
Our all-inclusive open rhinoplasty packages start from $3,490, which is approximately 70% less than comparable procedures in the UK, US, or Western Europe.
Your package includes:
Yes, open rhinoplasty typically has slightly more tip swelling that takes longer to resolve compared to closed rhinoplasty. This is because the columellar incision temporarily disrupts some lymphatic drainage.
However, the difference is usually only noticeable to you (not others), and most patients feel the superior precision and results are worth the slightly extended swelling period.
Exercise should be gradually reintroduced:
Avoid anything that raises blood pressure significantly in the first month, as this can increase swelling and risk of bleeding.
Our patient coordinators are available 24/7 to answer all your questions about open rhinoplasty. Get personalized advice for your specific case.
