Rhinoplasty - Case 26

This patient is just 10 days post-op from her rhinoplasty. Newer techniques, including the preservation rhinoplasty approach that Dr. Cross used on this patient, allowed her to look nearly completely recovered less than 2 weeks after her procedure. She wanted a natural-looking nose with no bump and no "hook" or "plunge." Many surgeons promote "closed rhinoplasty" techniques that do not use a scar at the base of the nose. It is argued that a closed approach heals faster. While Dr. Cross agrees that a closed rhinoplasty technique should be used when the results will be as good or better than when an "open approach" is used, this patient is just one example of how quickly a well-performed open approach can heal.  Even at 10 days, the incision at the base of the nose is nearly invisible.  The open approach also allows for more precision when shaping and molding the cartilage of the nose.  Ultimately, the best approach for any patient is the approach that is most customized to their unique individual anatomy.