Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey
Open rhinoplasty is a technique used in aesthetic and functional nasal surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the columella area, lifts the nasal skin, and gains direct access to the underlying structures. It is particularly preferred in cases requiring significant changes to the nasal tip, cartilage grafts, or correction of severe deformities. This method allows the surgeon to view the nasal structure in detail, making it ideal for precise adjustments. However, there is a possibility of leaving a small scar on the columella. This technique is frequently used in cases requiring structural support.
What Is Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is a surgical method used to solve aesthetic or functional problems of the nose. In this procedure, a small incision is made on the tissue called the columella, which separates the nostrils, and the nasal skin is carefully lifted. This allows the surgeon direct access to the bone and cartilage structures of the nose. This method is preferred in cases where the nose needs to be reshaped and is particularly beneficial for complex changes to the nasal tip. Open rhinoplasty became popular in the early twentieth century and became even more widespread due to advancements in surgical techniques after the war.
How Is Open Rhinoplasty Performed?
Open rhinoplasty is a technique that allows the surgeon direct access to the nasal structure. In this method, a small incision is made in the area called the columella between the nostrils, and this incision is connected with other marginal incisions made to the nasal cartilages. This provides the surgeon with a wide field of view to the lower and upper lateral cartilages and the nasal bones. It is used especially in correcting severe deformities and functional problems.
During this surgery, the structures the surgeon accesses are:
- Lower lateral cartilages
- Upper lateral cartilages
- Nasal bones
Open rhinoplasty is ideal for making structural and aesthetic improvements. Particularly in conditions like septal deviation and nasal valve collapse, this method allows the surgeon to directly see the nasal anatomy and make precise corrections. Additionally, cartilage grafts can be placed, and septal adjustments can be made during the surgery.
Because the open technique provides more visibility, it allows the surgeon to achieve safer and more effective results in more complex cases. The incision scars formed after surgery usually heal inconspicuously and do not create an aesthetically disturbing appearance. This technique, which offers more intervention opportunities compared to closed rhinoplasty, allows the surgeon to better analyze all structures in the nose, supporting more successful long-term results.
When Is Open Rhinoplasty Performed?
Open rhinoplasty is used in situations that require complex and precise nasal reshaping by providing better access to the nasal structure for the surgeon. This technique, especially preferred in significant structural changes and revision surgeries, offers a wider field of view and allows the surgeon to make fine adjustments. Open rhinoplasty is preferred in the following situations:
- Complex nasal deformities
- Septal deviation
- Dorsal nasal irregularities
- Revision rhinoplasty
- Congenital nasal anomalies
- Breathing problems
Open rhinoplasty is also used when significant changes in the nasal structure or correction of complications from previous surgeries are necessary. During the surgery, the nasal skin is carefully lifted, allowing both aesthetic and functional issues to be addressed. This technique provides the surgeon with more control over the nasal tip and internal structures, resulting in better aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Who Is Not Suitable for Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty may not be suitable for some patients, and evaluating this beforehand is crucial for the safety of the surgical process. For the surgery to be successful, patients’ general health status, psychological makeup, and existing medical conditions should be considered. The following health issues and conditions stand out among patient groups that are not suitable:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cocaine addiction
- Bleeding disorders
- Unstable mental health
- Previous rhinoplasties (within 12 months)
- Cardiovascular problems
- Severe diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
Among the contraindications for surgery, patients who carry the risk of complications related to anesthesia and those with serious diseases affecting the heart and blood circulation stand out. Additionally, the patient’s psychological state is important; their expectations after surgery should be realistic, and their psychological balance should be stable. For patients who smoke, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking before surgery, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
While open rhinoplasty is an effective method for correcting complex nasal deformities, it may not be suitable for every patient. Especially scars from previous surgical interventions can negatively affect the healing process and lead to additional complications. Therefore, the doctor’s preoperative evaluation and detailed examination of the patient’s medical history are critical steps.
How Is Open Rhinoplasty Applied?
Open rhinoplasty is an aesthetic and functional surgical method usually applied in cases requiring significant structural changes. The procedure is performed with an open incision to provide full access to the nasal structure and to perform more complex reshaping. While reshaping the nose, both aesthetic appearance and functional improvements are targeted. Here is the step-by-step process of open rhinoplasty:
- Anesthesia is administered
- A small incision is made on the columella area
- The nasal skin is lifted
- Access to cartilage and bone structures is provided
- Cartilage is removed or added
- Incisions are carefully sutured
During this process, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s nasal anatomy and personalizes the procedure according to their needs. For example, if significant changes will be made to the nasal tip, a cartilage graft may be used. If the patient has breathing difficulties, septal deviation can be corrected. In the postoperative recovery period, external splints and internal tampons applied support the nose and accelerate the healing process. Swelling and bruising usually subside within the first few weeks. The surgeon’s experience is one of the most important factors that directly affect the healing process and the outcome of the surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is a surgical method applied to achieve successful results, but like every surgical procedure, it can lead to some side effects and complications. These side effects can vary depending on the difficulty level of the surgery, the patient’s anatomical features, and the healing process. Some of the most common side effects are:
- Risk of infection
- Bleeding and hematoma
- Visible scarring
- Nasal congestion
- Aesthetic dissatisfaction
- Temporary or permanent numbness
- Septal perforation
- Skin necrosis
These conditions, which are among the possible postoperative complications, can usually be controlled with appropriate treatment and a careful healing process. The surgeon informs the patient about risks and possible outcomes before surgery. Also, situations requiring revision are not uncommon and are considered an option for patients experiencing aesthetic dissatisfaction.
How Successful Is Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty generally yields quite high results in terms of success rates. In surgeries performed targeting both aesthetic and functional goals, most patients achieve significant levels of satisfaction. When performed by experienced surgeons, success rates vary between 85% and 95%. Improvements are recorded in patients’ nasal shape and breathing function.
Success rates vary depending on the following factors:
- Purpose of the surgery
- Complexity of the deformity in the case
- Surgeon’s experience
- Patient’s healing process
Cases requiring revision surgeries are generally reported between 5% and 15%. Serious complications are rare, but some patients may experience mild swelling or bruising for a few weeks. Additionally, although the likelihood of experiencing dissatisfaction with the appearance and function of the nose after surgery is low, individual factors can affect the result. Therefore, open rhinoplasty should be carefully planned and applied according to the patient’s needs.
How to Prepare for Open Rhinoplasty?
Preparing for open rhinoplasty is vital for a successful operation and recovery process. At this stage, there are many steps the patient needs to pay attention to, and each should be carefully implemented.
Firstly, the patient needs to have a detailed consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the nasal structure is evaluated, and the patient’s expectations from the surgery are clarified. Additionally, medical history and current health problems are reviewed.
Medical tests to be done before surgery are also an important preparation step. The surgeon may request some tests if deemed necessary. These include blood tests, respiratory function tests, and physical examination. Also, recommendations such as discontinuing certain medications and quitting smoking may be given.
- Quitting smoking
- Discontinuing aspirin and similar blood-thinning medications
- Blood tests
- Respiratory function tests
- Physical examination
On the night before surgery, patients are usually given detailed instructions. If general anesthesia is planned, they are asked to fast for a certain period. Additionally, transportation should be arranged in advance as they cannot drive after surgery.
It is important for the patient to be mentally and psychologically prepared on the day of surgery. The surgeon plans the exact procedure in advance and may organize preoperative 3D modeling sessions in some cases. To create realistic expectations, the patient should be reminded that the recovery process can be long and that some scars may remain.
How Should Post-Open Rhinoplasty Care Be?
Post-open rhinoplasty care should be carefully followed to accelerate the healing process and minimize possible complications. It is very important to follow the surgeon’s recommendations in the postoperative period. There are some important points that the patient should pay attention to during the recovery process:
- Keep the head elevated
- Avoid blowing the nose
- Pay attention to nasal hygiene
- Limit physical activities
- Cold compress can be applied
- Prefer a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Attend follow-up appointments regularly
During this period, touching the surgical area should be avoided, and medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly. Swelling and bruising are usually natural results of the surgery, but these symptoms decrease over time. If wearing glasses is necessary, using lenses instead of glasses may be recommended for a certain period according to the doctor’s advice. The healing process can vary from person to person, so patience is necessary, and communication with the doctor should be maintained. Being careful to protect the nose and support the healing process in the postoperative period contributes to more successful long-term results.
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