---
title: "Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty & Other Types | Contura"
description: "Open vs closed rhinoplasty explained, plus reduction, tip, revision, Indian and ethnic nose surgery: which nose reshaping surgery suits which nose."
url: https://conturacosmetic.com/types-of-rhinoplasty
source: Contura Clinic
contact: "+91 70225 43542, drsreekarh@yahoo.com"
---
# Types of Rhinoplasty

*Medically reviewed by [Dr Sreekar Harinatha](/about-dr-sreekar-harinatha-best-plastic-surgeon-in-bangalore), MCh (Plastic Surgery)*

Rhinoplasty comes in several types, and many patients need more than one at once. Reduction makes the nose smaller, augmentation builds it up, and refinement reshapes a bulbous or drooping tip. Revision corrects a previous nose job, and reconstructive rhinoplasty rebuilds a nose after injury or cancer. Indian rhinoplasty aims for subtle changes that suit Indian features. Main guide: [Rhinoplasty in Bangalore](/rhinoplasty-surgery-in-bangalore).


## Types of rhinoplasty compared

| Type | What it does | Who it suits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reduction | Makes the nose smaller, or removes a hump or reduces a large tip | Large nose, bump on the bridge |
| Augmentation | Adds height or projection, often with cartilage | Flat or low bridge, weak tip |
| Refinement (tip) | Reshapes the tip, rotates it, narrows the nostril base | Bulbous, bulky or drooping tip |
| Revision | Corrects a previous rhinoplasty, for form or breathing | Leftover hump, over-reduction, breathing problems |
| Reconstructive | Rebuilds part or all of the nose with cartilage grafts and skin flaps, often in stages | After injury or cancer |
| Ethnic | Improves shape and function while keeping ethnic identity | African, Asian, Hispanic and Middle Eastern noses |
| Indian rhinoplasty | Subtle changes that balance the face and let the eyes stand out | Indian patients (see below) |
| Adolescent | Usually done after the growth spurt, around 15–16 in girls and later in boys | Teenagers who are physically and emotionally ready |
| Ageing nose | Lifts a drooping, lengthening tip and can improve breathing | Adults whose nose has changed with age |


## Indian rhinoplasty by nose type

- **Thick skin with a low tip:** cartilage grafts define and lift the tip, reducing a bottom-heavy look.
- **Thin skin with too much projection:** the nose is brought closer to the face.
- **Thick skin with too much projection (the hardest type):** careful balancing of the tip, conservative thinning above the tip, and frequent follow-up, sometimes with steroid injections to prevent scarring. Removing cartilage as you would in a Caucasian nose is a common mistake.
- **Bridge height:** a lower bridge may suit a petite woman, and a stronger bridge a taller man, depending on the whole face.


## Frequently asked questions

### At what age can rhinoplasty be done?

Usually after the nose stops growing, around 15–16 in girls and a little later in boys. Earlier surgery is considered only after injury.

**Related pages:** [Rhinoplasty](/rhinoplasty-surgery-in-bangalore) · [Rhinoplasty FAQs](/rhinoplasty-faqs) · [Rhinoplasty surgery day](/what-happens-on-rhinoplasty-surgery-day)

*This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.*

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Contura Cosmetic Surgery & Cosmetology Center (Contura Clinic), #3C-950, 3rd Cross, HRBR layout, 1st Block, Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore 560043. Phone/WhatsApp +91 70225 43542. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm.