“Closed Rhinoplasty” to Reduce Scarring Concerns… Precise Diagnosis Based on Nasal Structure Is a Must

​​<JAYJUN Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Clinic> Medical Director Park Kisoo, Board-Certified Plastic Surgery Specialist

 

Among those considering rhinoplasty, “closed rhinoplasty”—which can reduce concerns about external scarring and recovery time—is gaining attention. Recently, as there has been a growing trend toward prioritizing natural-looking results that harmonize with the entire face and a quick return to daily life—rather than simply raising the bridge of the nose—interest in the closed rhinoplasty method has also been increasing.

Closed rhinoplasty is a surgical technique performed through the nasal cavity without making an incision on the columella—the column of tissue between the nostrils. Since no external incision is visible, it is characterized by minimal concern regarding external scarring after surgery. Additionally, depending on the extent of the surgery and the degree of tissue dissection, this approach can help minimize discomfort during the recovery process, such as swelling and bruising.

In particular, the closed rhinoplasty approach may be considered for patients seeking relatively natural corrections to the nasal bridge or tip. Because it allows for nasal reshaping within the desired scope while avoiding external incisions, it is gaining attention from patients who are concerned about scarring or who wish to return to their daily lives quickly. However, just because it is called closed rhinoplasty does not mean it can be applied in the same way to all patients.

When deciding on a surgical method, rather than basing the decision solely on the advantage of “leaving no scars,” patients should first confirm whether the procedure is suitable for the condition of their nose. It is crucial to comprehensively evaluate factors such as the thickness of the nasal skin, the shape of the cartilage, the condition of the nasal septum, the degree of nasal deviation, any history of previous surgery, and the desired extent of correction before deciding on a surgical method.

Furthermore, since the surgical field in closed rhinoplasty may be more limited compared to open surgery, the surgeon’s anatomical understanding and skill level are also critical factors. This is because even within the closed technique, the scope of application can vary depending on the patient’s nasal structure and the goals of the surgery.

Medical Director Park Kisoo (Board-Certified Plastic Surgery Specialist), Director of JAYJUN Plastic Surgery, stated, “Closed rhinoplasty has the advantages of causing less concern about scarring and allowing for a relatively quick recovery since no external incisions are made, but the limitation of a restricted surgical field must also be taken into account,” adding, “While it may be suitable for relatively simple corrections of the nasal tip or bridge, open surgery may be more appropriate for high-difficulty cases—such as severe nasal deviation, complex nasal deformities, or revision surgery—that require precise correction while directly visualizing the structure.”

He continued, “Rather than deciding on a surgical method in advance, it is important to accurately diagnose the patient’s nasal structure and the desired extent of improvement before selecting the most appropriate approach,” and advised, “Patients should thoroughly understand the pros and cons of both closed and open techniques and work with their medical team to develop a surgical plan tailored to their individual needs.”