Refine your nose, with no scar on the outside.
In closed rhinoplasty, every incision is made inside the nostrils, so there is no visible scar. It is an excellent choice for well-defined changes such as smoothing a hump, straightening a mildly crooked nose or correcting a broken nose, and breathing problems can be treated at the same time.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota, MBBS, MS (ENT, Head & Neck), Chief Rhinoplasty Surgeon, Centre for Advanced ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MicroCare ENT Hospital & Research Institute.
- Incisions
- Inside the nostrils
- Outside scar
- None
- Best for
- Defined changes
- Splint removed
- About day 7
- Work or college
- 7 to 10 days
- Final shape
- 6 to 12 months
What is closed rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty, also called endonasal rhinoplasty, reshapes the nose entirely through small incisions inside the nostrils. The skin is not lifted off the tip, and there is no incision on the columella, the strip between the nostrils.
The surgeon works through these hidden openings to reshape bone and cartilage, using fine instruments and, where helpful, an endoscope for a clear view of the inside of the nose.
Before you decide, read Prof. Dr. Vinnakota's book Your Best Nose, which answers 100 common rhinoplasty myths.
What closed rhinoplasty is suited to
Nasal fractures
Resetting displaced nasal bones after an accident or sports injury.
Post-accident nose deformityNarrowing the bridge
Bringing wide nasal bones closer with controlled osteotomies.
Broad nose correctionModerate tip refinement
Reshaping the tip cartilages through the nostrils when only modest change is needed.
Septum and turbinates
Straightening a deviated septum and reducing enlarged turbinates.
Functional rhinoplastyAdvantages of the closed approach
- No external scar: every incision is hidden inside the nose.
- Often less early swelling, because the skin of the tip is not lifted.
- A slightly quicker social recovery for many patients.
- Natural support kept intact, as the tissues holding the tip are left largely undisturbed.
- Breathing correction can be done in the same operation.
When open rhinoplasty is the better choice
Closed rhinoplasty gives a more limited view of the framework. We recommend the open approach instead for:
- Major tip reshaping or several tip grafts.
- A severely crooked or twisted nose.
- Revision surgery with scar tissue and altered anatomy.
- Major grafting, such as rib cartilage to rebuild a collapsed bridge.
Patient results
Photographs of patients of MicroCare ENT, shown with their consent. The first result was achieved with closed rhinoplasty. Every nose is different and individual results vary. See all before and after pictures.
Closed or open rhinoplasty?
| Closed rhinoplasty | Open rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | All inside the nostrils | Inside, plus a small one on the columella |
| Outside scar | None | A faint line that usually fades |
| View of the framework | Limited, through the nostrils | Direct and complete |
| Best for | Humps, mild crookedness, fractures, moderate tip work | Complex tips, severe deviation, grafting, revisions |
| Early swelling | Often a little less | Slightly more in the first 2 weeks |
The operation
- Assessment and planningFacial analysis, photographs and a nasal endoscopy to confirm the closed approach suits your nose.
- AnaesthesiaUsually general anaesthesia, as a day-care procedure or with one night's stay.
- Incisions inside the noseSmall incisions are made inside the nostrils to reach the bone and cartilage.
- ReshapingThe hump is smoothed, bones are realigned, the tip is refined and the septum straightened as planned.
- Splint and recoveryA light splint supports the new shape; the incisions heal inside the nose.
Recovery after closed rhinoplasty
- A blocked feeling, like a cold
- Splint removed at about day 7
- Work or college from 7 to 10 days
- Most bruising settles
- Strenuous exercise can resume
- Glasses can rest on the nose again
- Remaining swelling settles
- Follow-up for up to one year
Closed rhinoplasty cost in Hyderabad
The cost depends on what needs to be done, such as hump reduction, bone work, tip refinement or septal correction, rather than on the approach itself.
Why choose MicroCare ENT
ENT surgeons, at home inside the nose
Led by Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota, with more than 26 years of endoscopic nasal surgery, the core skill of closed rhinoplasty.
Both approaches offered
We perform closed and open rhinoplasty, so the choice is made for your nose.
Breathing protected
The septum, turbinates and valves are assessed and treated in the same plan.
Honest, patient-centred care
Realistic advice, itemised quotes and follow-up for up to one year in an NABH-accredited hospital.
Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota
MS (ENT, Head & Neck) · Chief Rhinoplasty Surgeon, Centre for Advanced ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MicroCare ENT Hospital & Research Institute
More than 26 years in ENT surgery, with endoscopic sinus surgery training at the University of Graz, Austria, and rhinoplasty training at Marien Hospital, Stuttgart, under Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Gubisch.
Frequently asked questions
Is closed rhinoplasty really scarless?
There is no scar on the outside of the nose, because all the incisions are inside the nostrils. They heal out of sight.
Is closed rhinoplasty better than open?
Neither is better for everyone. Closed rhinoplasty suits smaller, well-defined changes and gives a slightly quicker early recovery. Open rhinoplasty is better for complex tips, major grafting, severely crooked noses and revisions. Your surgeon recommends the approach after examining you.
Can the tip be changed through a closed approach?
Moderate tip refinement is often possible, with the tip cartilages reshaped through the nostrils. If the tip needs major restructuring or several grafts, the open approach gives better control.
Can closed rhinoplasty fix breathing problems?
Yes. A deviated septum can be straightened and enlarged turbinates reduced through the nostrils, often in the same operation as the cosmetic changes.
How quickly will I recover?
The splint is removed at about day 7 and most people return to work or college in 7 to 10 days. Early swelling is often a little less than after open surgery, and the final shape settles over 6 to 12 months.
Is closed rhinoplasty cheaper?
The cost depends on what needs to be done rather than the approach itself. A smaller closed procedure is often less complex, but your itemised quote is based on your plan.
Can a broken nose be fixed with closed rhinoplasty?
Often, yes. Displaced nasal bones and a crooked bridge after injury can frequently be corrected through a closed approach, as in one of the results shown on this page.
See also open rhinoplasty, the rhinoplasty operation and our FAQs.
Begin with a conversation
Meet Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota to find out whether closed rhinoplasty suits your nose. Leave your name and number and we will open WhatsApp with your details filled in, or call +91 94949 40725.