The Art of Closed Rhinoplasty: A Modern, Scarless Approach to Nose Reshaping in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland.

Posted by The Naderi Center

When people think about nose surgery, they usually ask about scars and how long recovery takes. Rhinoplasty remains a very popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Many patients want results that look natural and show no signs of surgery.

The closed rhinoplasty is an answer. People call it a “scarless nose job” because it places all cuts inside the nostrils. This leaves no visible scar. The recovery is often smooth plus fast. For those who want small but important changes, closed rhinoplasty works as a good solution.

Woman smiling confidently after closed rhinoplasty with no visible scars and natural-looking nose results.
Closed rhinoplasty hides all incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars.

Quick Facts About Closed Rhinoplasty Surgery

  1. The closed approach, often known as “scarless nose job,” uses cuts that stay inside the nostrils.
  2. The method helps patients who want small changes, as it smooths a bump or shapes the tip.
  3. Recovery is faster than open nose surgery, and the scar does not show.
  4. Dr. Shervin Naderi specializes in rhinoplasty. He has more than 20 years of experience and works with both open and closed methods.
  5. The right approach depends on each patient’s unique nose and goals.

What Is Closed Rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty, sometimes called a scarless nose job or endonasal rhinoplasty, describes a surgery where all cuts happen inside the nose. No cut shows on the outer skin of the nose. The procedure fits patients wanting small changes to the bridge of the nose – it also suits patients wanting some shaping of the nose tip or small fixes to the nose’s balance or how it works. Patients who had a nose surgery before and need a small change to even out areas or add small grafts also find this procedure useful. In these cases, a surgeon does not need to cut the outside of the nose and lift skin from the tip to reach the rest of the nose.

Closed vs. Open Rhinoplasty

In contrast, open rhinoplasty uses a very small external incision across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) to lift the nasal skin and fully expose the nasal framework. While the open technique offers more visibility and access, it does leave a tiny scar — though in skilled hands, this scar typically fades beautifully into the natural creases of the nose and this scar is almost never an issue.

The Ongoing Debate

But thanks to online research as well as social media, the “open vs closed rhinoplasty” debate goes on. There are many surgeons who have never been taught the skill of closed rhinoplasty because closed rhinoplasty is no longer taught in United States residencies and fellowships and it’s becoming a lost art. On the other hand, there’s a small handful of plastic surgeons who constantly advertise and promote and hype-up closed rhinoplasty as if it’s some miraculous procedure and the only procedure to consider. As in everything else in life, the truth always lies somewhere in between. Neither open rhinoplasty nor closed rhinoplasty can guarantee amazing results or satisfaction. These are simple approaches and tools in the armamentarium of a skilled rhinoplasty specialist, like Dr. Naderi, who will pick and choose which tool and which approach is best for which patient.

The Dr. Naderi Difference

Dr. Shervin Naderi is a globally recognized rhinoplasty surgeon. He has done open and closed rhinoplasty for over 20 years. Other plastic surgeons do many kinds of surgery, but Dr. Naderi does only rhinoplasty. This focus sets him apart from other doctors in the country as it helps him keep precision, even with the closed approach that takes more skill.

Patients from across the U.S. and from other countries seek his experience. A patient may need a first nose shaping or a complex repair. Dr. Naderi finds the safest way to get a nose that looks and works well.

“Closed rhinoplasty is a powerful technique in the right hands. It requires more finesse and experience, but when done correctly, patients get amazing results with quicker healing and without the tell-tale scar.” – Dr. Shervin Naderi

Who Is a Candidate for Closed Rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty is ideal for patients who need mild to moderate reshaping of the nose without complex structural work. Ideal candidates may include:

  • Patients with small dorsal humps (bumps on the bridge)
  • Minor tip refinement cases
  • Patients seeking narrowing of nasal bones
  • Patients with strong cartilage and support

Poor candidates may include those needing extensive tip reshaping or structural grafts, severe asymmetry, thick skin, or major revision surgeries.

“The open vs. closed nose job debate rages on, it’s almost always one of the questions patients ask during consultation. Frankly, it’s an irrelevant issue because it’s not about the approach or the technique; it’s about the results. What matters most is the result. My job is to match the right method to the individual patient’s anatomy and goals to give them outstanding results.” – Dr. Shervin Naderi

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Naderi in Reston, VA or Chevy Chase, MD.

Advantages of the Closed Approach

  • No visible scar: All incisions are hidden inside the nostrils.
  • Shorter surgical time.
  • Faster healing and reduced swelling: Patients often recover more comfortably and efficiently.
  • Less tip numbness.
  • Faster return to daily activities, particularly when tip work is minimal.
  • Potential improvement in breathing and internal nasal function when anatomy permits, adding functional benefit along with cosmetic refinement.

Dr. Naderi has mastered the nuances of the closed approach for well over 2 decades and knows when and how to maximize these benefits for the right patient.

Is Closed Rhinoplasty More Affordable?

Closed rhinoplasty may require less operating time, but demands greater surgical skill. Dr. Naderi’s fees reflect his two decades of exclusive rhinoplasty experience.

  • Closed or open primary rhinoplasty at The Naderi Center typically ranges from $15,500 to $22,000+.
  • Revision rhinoplasty is typically much more costly due to added complexity.
  • Non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty starts at $2,500 with Dr. Naderi.

We offer financing options: https://www.virginiafacialplasticsurgery.com/financing

Comparison of Closed and Open Rhinoplasty

During your consultation, Dr. Naderi will examine you, take pictures, and using computer imaging go over your options and show you whether you are a candidate for any type of surgery whatsoever or if you’re a better candidate for liquid 5-minute rhinoplasty. If you’re a good candidate for surgery, he will show you whether open or closed rhinoplasty is best suited for you.

By seeing a true ultra-specialist like Dr. Naderi, you can rest assured that he will pick what’s in your best interest and not only what he’s learned or biased towards because he knows every possible approach and technique imaginable and has every kind of “tool in his tool box” to deal with the most complex issues.

Dr. Naderi uses both closed and open approaches expertly and ensures optimal results whether internal or external incisions are used.

Recovery Timeline and Expected Results

Most patients who undergo closed rhinoplasty are surprised by how fast they bounce back. Bruising and swelling usually subside within 7 to 10 days.

Final results often begin to show around 4–6 weeks, with continued refinement over 6–12 months.

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Why Choose a Rhinoplasty Specialist?

Unlike most plastic surgeons, Dr. Naderi focuses exclusively on noses. He has performed thousands of closed and open rhinoplasties. His work attracts patients from around the world.

Patients with prior nasal surgeries often present greater complexity. Dr. Naderi preserves and reuses septal cartilage to strengthen structure and avoid complications such as septal redeviation.

Consult with a Nose Surgery Expert

Closed rhinoplasty offers elegant, scarless refinement for the right patient. Dr. Naderi is among the most trusted rhinoplasty specialists in the U.S. and will help determine whether closed rhinoplasty is right for your goals. Patients visit him at The Naderi Center’s offices in Reston, Virginia and Chevy Chase, Maryland for his unmatched expertise in both open and closed techniques.

If you consider nose reshaping, schedule an appointment today. A consultation determines which approach suits your anatomy and goals.

Dr. Shervin Naderi

FAQs about Closed Rhinoplasty