Open/Closed Rhinoplasty in Memphis, TN, with Dr. Langsdon
Rhinoplasty is surgery that can improve the appearance of the nose and bring facial proportions into better harmony. Rhinoplasty can also improve certain types of breathing problems.
Also known as a nose job or nose reshaping surgery, the procedure can be performed to reduce the size,, change the shape, or reconstruct the nose.
There are two main approaches to rhinoplasty: open and closed (or minimalist) rhinoplasty. Dr. Langsdon specializes in both approaches. In fact, he is among the very few specialists in the world who are experts in both the open and closed rhinoplasty techniques.
Dr. Phillip Langsdon is a leading figure in the field of facial plastic surgery. He has developed improved techniques for rhinoplasty, including a preservation rhinoplasty technique that enhances the natural look when changes are made to the tip of the nose. Dr. Langsdon served as president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) in 2018-19 and is considered by many to be one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in America.
To learn more about how open/closed rhinoplasty in Memphis might benefit you, contact The Langsdon Clinic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Langsdon.
What Is the Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?
The two main approaches to nose reshaping surgery, open and closed rhinoplasty, are used for different types of nose changes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and each offers tremendous opportunity for customization to address the unique needs of each patient.
Open (also known as external rhinoplasty) is performed by making a small incision in the thin strip of skin between the nostrils, on the underside of the nose. The discrete placement of this incision below the nose usually renders the resulting scar difficult for the casual observer to identify when healed.
Through this small incision, the surgeon has full access to the nose’s cartilage and bone and can make significant structural changes. With open rhinoplasty, the nasal tip can be reshaped, a hump can be removed, a crooked nose straightened, and a deviated septum corrected. Cartilage grafts can be added to raise or widen the nose. Repairs can also be made to improve the nasal airway.
The primary benefit of the open approach to rhinoplasty is in giving the surgeon more access to the nose’s structure for greater visibility during nose reshaping. Open rhinoplasty may be preferred when making more significant changes to the shape of the nose, such as straightening a very crooked nose or correcting a deformed nasal tip. The open approach may also be preferred for revision rhinoplasty (when the surgery is being performed to correct a problem from a previous procedure).
Closed rhinoplasty is performed through tiny incisions inside the nose, resulting in no external scarring. Closed rhinoplasty is actually an older approach than open rhinoplasty and does provide some advantages in terms of less visible incisions and the possibility of maintaining some tissue support. As with any surgical technique, improvements have been made and continue to be made, and Dr. Langsdon is a leader in these refinements.
Dr. Langsdon achieves excellent results using closed rhinoplasty in reshaping the tip of the nose, reducing humps, and reducing the overall size or length of the nose. The closed approach is well suited to correcting certain internal nose problems, including a deviated septum or bones that protrude into the nasal passages.
Compared with open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty typically results in less post-surgical swelling and a faster recovery.
Why Might I Consider Open or Closed Rhinoplasty?
You might consider rhinoplasty if your nose:
- is out of proportion with your other facial features—in length, width, or projection
- is crooked or off-center
- has a nasal tip that is bulbous, distorted, or drooping
- has a hump you find unattractive
- causes you breathing problems
Open or closed rhinoplasty can be used to address any of the issues listed above, but one approach or the other is likely to be preferred depending on the nature and extent of the change being made. For example, closed rhinoplasty can be used, in some cases, to reduce the size of the nose, but open rhinoplasty is preferred when the nose is crooked, very asymmetric, or has been previously operated upon. Open rhinoplasty is usually the choice for revision rhinoplasty (correcting problems from an earlier nose surgery).
Dr. Langsdon will decide on the surgical approach for your rhinoplasty in consultation with you once he gets a clear understanding of your goals for the procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Langsdon as My Memphis Rhinoplasty Surgeon?
Dr. Langsdon is a pioneer in rhinoplasty surgery and is considered by many to be one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in America. Through his work with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which he led as president in 2018-19, he has organized and overseen the organization’s medical education program. He has published his innovations in surgical technique, taught young doctors specializing in facial plastic surgery, and led special rhinoplasty training programs for experienced surgeons. He is among the select group of facial plastic surgeons who are skilled in performing both open and closed rhinoplasty.
Dr. Langsdon’s expertise and innovations are all focused on one overriding goal: to produce beautifully natural-looking results for his patients. You should trust nothing less than a talented and compassionate surgeon for your rhinoplasty, and Dr. Langsdon has the experience and specialization to create outstanding results. People from throughout the U.S., and abroad travel to Dr. Langsdon’s practice because of his unmatched expertise.
Dr. Langsdon usually does not place packing inside the nose. He takes a little more time to place absorbable sutures to replace the internal tissues, rather than simply place packing in the nose. Paking causes more discomfort, more bruising, more swelling and will obstruct any airflow through the nose.
Consultation and Planning for Your Open or Closed Rhinoplasty
At The Langsdon Clinic, we strive to personalize each rhinoplasty so that the patient’s results are as natural looking as possible.. We understand that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all type of nose, so our goal is to shape our patients’ noses in a way that fits their facial architecture. We create natural-looking results by striving to create balanced and proportional results to the patient’s unique facial features.
Dr. Langsdon takes multiple factors into account when planning his rhinoplasty. Before your rhinoplasty, Dr. Langsdon will carefully analyze your nose to look at the shape of your nasal structures and the quality of your skin. Based on his analysis and an understanding of your goals for the procedure, Dr. Langsdon will plan either an open or closed rhinoplasty approach. He will explain his recommended approach and what you can expect from the procedure and will answer all of your questions.
What Can I Expect in My Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Your rhinoplasty will usually be performed in The Langsdon Clinic’s ambulatory surgical center. In preparation for surgery, you will be given medication to help you relax, promote healing, and minimize post-operative swelling and bruising. For most patients, deep sedation is used and supplemented by local anesthesia.
Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. The exact approach that Dr. Langsdon uses for your surgery will depend on your anatomy and your goals, as determined in your consultation.
In an open procedure, a small incision is made just below the tip of the nose, between the nostrils. In a closed procedure, incisions are made inside the nose.
If your rhinoplasty is being performed to correct a hump on your nose, Dr. Langsdon will remove small pieces of cartilage or bone and reposition structures to improve the hump.
An injured, twisted, or deformed nose may require some complicated techniques to improve the condition.
To increase the size of the nose, cartilage grafts may be used. These may be taken from your nasal septum, from an ear or rib.
If you are having rhinoplasty to reshape the tip of your nose, Dr. Langsdon will make those changes by reshaping the cartilage in that part of the nose.
The rhinoplasty surgery takes about one to two hours for uncomplicated cases. Asymmetric, crooked, previously operated or deformed noses may take more time. Once you are alert again after your sedation and anesthesia, a trusted friend or family member may take you home or a nearby hotel.
What Can I Expect in Recovery After Rhinoplasty?
We will provide you with a post-operative recovery plan customized to the unique aspects of your rhinoplasty procedure. There may be some swelling, bruising, and tenderness, but because Dr. Langsdon does not usually pack the nose, there is less swelling, bruising and discomfort than when the nose is packed. Medications are prescribed to improve your post treatment comfort, to promote healing and minimize swelling. You will need to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling during the early post treatment healing period.You will need to rest at home for the first week after surgery and avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks. Most patients are able to go back to office work or school a week after their rhinoplasty. Swelling may not be noticeable after a week or two, and the improvements to your nose will be visible then. Your results will continue to improve over the next few months, and it can take up to a year for residual swelling to completely disappear.
View Gallery
Visit our Before and After Photo gallery to see real patient results at The Langsdon Clinic.
Schedule Your Memphis Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
Contact The Langsdon Clinic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Langsdon. During this consultation, Dr. Langsdon will:
- examine your nose, carefully analyzing the shape of your nasal structures and the quality of your skin
- consider the harmony of your facial features
- ask questions to understand your goals for the procedure
- give you his expert recommendation on the best approach to meet your needs
- you may send photographs of your nose before your visit
Patients seeking open or closed rhinoplasty in Memphis have chosen Dr. Langsdon time and time again because of his natural and balanced results. If you would like to partner with one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in America, we invite you to call 901-755-6465 or reach us online today.