Open Rhinoplasty is an intricate and highly effective surgical technique for enhancing the appearance and function of the nose. Dr. Joseph Russell, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Charleston, SC, will be your trusted guide on a journey to discover the transformative potential of external rhinoplasty.
This comprehensive resource will provide you with insights into the procedure’s techniques, advantages, and considerations, allowing you to make an informed decision about pursuing open rhinoplasty to achieve your aesthetic and functional goals.
Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or addressing specific nasal concerns, join us as we delve into the art and science of this rhinoplasty procedure.
Table of Contents
What is Open Rhinoplasty?
It is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes and enhances the appearance of the nose. In general, open rhinoplasty affords the best access to the structure of the nose. This surgical procedure enables Dr. Russell to make more precise and substantial enhancements and improvements to the nose’s structure and appearance.
Open Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Open Rhinoplasty Before and After Patient 1:
The patient had been troubled by excess columella length, a bridge bump, and a nose deviation towards the right side of her face. Her decision led her to opt for an open rhinoplasty procedure with Dr. Joseph Russell.
At the 2-week post-surgery mark, the corrections in all areas have been successfully addressed. The patient is thrilled with the transformation of her new nose.
Open Rhinoplasty Before and After Patient 2:
Three months post-surgery, the patient, who underwent rhinoplasty and septoplasty under the care of Dr. Joseph Russell, displayed remarkable progress. She presented with a prominent dorsal hump, a deviated septum, and an asymmetric nasal tip. Her objectives encompassed both cosmetic enhancement and the resolution of significant breathing difficulties.
Dr. Russell opted for an open rhinoplasty approach to comprehensively address all her concerns in a single procedure. The patient now enjoys improved nasal breathing and embraces her transformed appearance with satisfaction.
Open Rhinoplasty Before and After Patient 3:
Dr. Joseph Russell expresses a profound appreciation for the transformative impact of rhinoplasty on the entire face. Today marks the one-month follow-up with a delightful patient who underwent open rhinoplasty, and both the patient and Dr. Russell are delighted with the outcomes.
While there remains a minor degree of residual swelling, it has significantly diminished by this stage, and the patient can anticipate further refinement in the appearance of her nose over the course of the year.
How Does Dr. Russell Perform Open Rhinoplasty?
To start the surgery, Dr. Russell creates an incision across the columella, the tiny strip of tissue between the nostrils. He then delicately lifts the nose’s skin, to see the underlying nasal structure.
Following this, he may need to adjust or remove bone and cartilage from the nasal bridge and tip. Upon completing the surgery, he repositions the skin over the newly shaped nose and closes the incision with sutures.
Dr. Russell often performs the open approach to rhinoplasty with cartilage grafting or when the nasal tip requires additional support. Patients with prominent or asymmetrical/crooked noses typically prefer this approach, as well.
To determine the best approach, Dr. Russell assesses your goals during a consultation. In this consultation, he can identify your specific needs and tailor the approach on a case-by-case basis.
Open Rhinoplasty Pros & Cons
In an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Russell creates a small incision across the columella (the patch of skin between the nostrils). He then gently lifts the skin, to gain direct access to the inner nasal workings. This allows him to precisely adjust the bone and cartilage.
Pros to Open Approach:
- Dr. Russell can directly access the inner nasal structure.
- More significant alterations to the shape and size of the nose.
- A more accurate and precise procedure.
- Allows easier cartilage grafting.
Cons to Open Approach:
- Swelling is more noticeable and lasts longer.
- Lengthier operation than closed rhinoplasty.
- Separating nasal tissues may result in additional scars.
Recovery From Open Nose Surgery
Following the rhinoplasty surgery, patients commonly experience swelling of the nose. The extent of this swelling varies from person to person. Typically, patients can anticipate a significant reduction in swelling within the first four weeks post-op.
Once he completes the surgery, Dr. Russell applies a nose cast. Most patients wear this cast through the first week. At home, patients should focus on rest and refrain from physically demanding activities.
After another week, Dr. Russell removes the cast and performs an examination to see how the nose is recovering. Bruising and swelling will have improved and mostly subsided by this point.
In the third and fourth weeks of recovery, patients can resume their regular activities, observing changes in their noses as swelling significantly subsides by this time. Patients may also continue to see subtle changes in their nose’s shape across another year.
Frequently Asked Open Rhinoplasty Question
Where do the stitches go?
After the surgery, Dr. Russell will reposition the skin over the nasal framework. He then uses sutures to secure the inner structures and places stitches beneath the tip of the nose. He also places stitches on the columella, the area that separates the nostrils. Within 5-7 days post-op, Dr. Russell will then remove the stitches.
Will my nose break?
Breaking the nose is an approach favored by other plastic surgeons, because it is easier to work with. Instead, Dr. Russell strives to avoid this, and prefers to reshape the nose by adjusting the nasal structure.
How long will bruising last?
After a nose job, the amount of and intensity of bruising and swelling differs between patients. Patients with thin skin tend to bruise more commonly than others. In general, bruising mostly subsides within the first 2 weeks post-op.
Am I A Candidate for Open Rhinoplasty?
Open nose job procedures are suitable for individuals seeking to enhance the size or shape of their nose. It’s especially beneficial for those with concerns affecting their breathing. Candidates should prioritize good physical health and abstain from smoking and alcohol consumption, both before and after the surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation
To obtain additional information or arrange a consultation with Dr. Russell, kindly reach out to his Charleston office at (843) 576-3302.