Incision and scar analysis in open (external) rhinoplasty

Twelve Steps to Optimize Scar Outcomes in External Rhinoplasty

A well-healed scar extends beyond a mere superficial concern, reflecting the precision and care underlying the surgery. This study addresses the lack of recent literature on the complete closure technique for external rhinoplasty scars, emphasizing its potential impact on patient satisfaction and overall aesthetic quality. The main purpose of this article was to introduce and assess the efficacy of a novel closing suture technique for external rhinoplasty and emphasize on 12 specific steps for wound closure. A cohort of 104 patients who underwent external rhinoplasty utilizing the proposed closing suture technique were evaluated. Standardized photographic documentation and scar assessment were performed using the Vancouver-Manchester scale, considering notching, skin level differences, pigmentation, and overall appearance. The surgical approach involved a combination of vertical mattress and interrupted simple sutures, creating an effective closure framework. Analysis revealed an absence of poor scars, with 83.6% classified as good. Note that 65.5% of the good scars achieved a perfect 6-point score. While one moderate scar scored 3 points, the majority demonstrated optimal outcomes. Clinical photographs further illustrated the technique's success, showcasing imperceptible scars and reinforcing the efficacy of the complete closure approach. Our study introduces and assesses the efficacy of the complete closure technique for external rhinoplasty scars. The approach consistently yields positive outcomes, with an emphasis on almost imperceptible scars. While not achieving a 100% imperceptible scar rate, this study underscores the need for ongoing research to refine techniques and enhance patient satisfaction in external rhinoplasty. The proposed technique contributes significantly to scar management practices and encourages further exploration within the evolving landscape of rhinoplasty.

Columellar Scar Following Open Rhinoplasty Using Absorbable Suture Versus Nonabsorbable Suture: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: This meta-analysis seeks to determine whether a difference in long-term scar outcomes exists between absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for closure of the columellar incision after open rhinoplasty. Review Methods: PubMed, OVID Medline, Conference Papers Index, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using terms including "suture," "sutures," "absorbable," "columella," "columellar," "transcolumellar," "trans-columellar," "rhinoplasty," "septorhinoplasty," "scar," "scars," and "scarring," as well as associated MeSH terms. Results: Six studies with 435 patients were included for systematic review and meta-analysis, with five studies included in meta-analysis for patient-reported outcomes, and six studies included for physician-reported outcomes. There was no significant difference in scar appearance between the absorbable suture group and nonabsorbable group among both patient-reported and physician-reported outcomes. Conclusion: This meta-analysis of six studies meeting inclusion criteria does not demonstrate a significant difference in long-term scar appearance based on suture type after open rhinoplasty.

The Merits of the External Rhinoplasty

The authors present their views on the merits of external rhinoplasty in the context of a renewed awareness of the endonasal approach. Why do we continue to perform rhinoplasty via an open approach? The benefits of this technique such as its unparalleled exposure, the opportunity for technical precision, and the ability to better preserve nasal function are thoroughly explored. The criticisms of this technique are presented and discussed. The authors thoughts on rhinoplasty as a whole are examined.

Columellar Wound Immediately After Open Rhinoseptoplasty Treated With Application of DuoDERM Extra Thin

ABSTRACT

Most patients who undergo open rhinoseptoplasty do not develop any wound at the transcolumellar incision site. However, some patients require wound care immediately post-operation. Dressing is difficult to perform in the columellar region because of the location. Here, we report 2 cases of columellar wound as a complication of open rhinoseptoplasty. A patient developed mild wound dehiscence immediately after primary rhinoseptoplasty, whereas another developed partial columellar skin necrosis after the revision operation. We applied DuoDERM Extra Thin dressing (ConvaTec Group, Deeside, UK) for columellar wound and achieved healing. DuoDERM Extra Thin can be a simple and easy dressing material for immediate care of transcolumellar wounds.

Outcomes of external septorhinoplasty in a Turkish male population

Introduction

The first and one of the most important steps in facial plastic surgery is accurate preoperative facial analysis and recording of data that may help the surgeon to check the outcomes of his/her techniques, promoting a surgeon's professional development.

Objective

To evaluate the esthetic outcomes of external septorhinoplasty relevant to ethnic facial harmony and to investigate the relationship of the columellar incision scar with the type of skin and columellar incision type in a Turkish population.

Methods

In total, 28 consecutive adult male patients with a mean age of 32.14 ± 10.66 years (range: 18–61 years) were included the study. Primary outcomes were preoperative and postoperative photogrammetric facial analyses of the patients including measurement of nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle and nasal projection ratios (Gode) assessed according to the data derived from the Rhinobase program. Results were compared to facial proportions of the Turkish population. Columellar incision scar scores related to the Fitzpatrick skin type classification of the patients and columellar incision types used for the external approach were secondary outcomes of the study.

Results

Mean preoperative and postoperative nasofrontal angles were 148.04° ± 8.18° and 144.50° ± 7.15°, respectively, while mean preoperative and postoperative nasolabial angles were 87.59° ± 14.01° and 98.50° ± 9.71°, respectively. Mean preoperative and postoperative nasal tip projection ratios were 0.56 ± 0.05 and 0.60 ± 0.06, respectively. The differences between pre- and postoperative measurements were all significantly different and were in accordance with Turkish nasal harmony. Columellar inverted “V” incisions were performed in 15 (53.6%) patients while “V” incisions were used in 13 (46.4%) patients. Fitzpatrick skin Type 4 was seen in 46.42% of the patients, Fitzpatrick Type 3 in 46.42% and Fitzpatrick Type 2 in 7.14% of the patients. No significant difference was seen between columellar scar scores according to skin type and columellar incision type used for external septorhinoplasty.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that outcomes for nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle and nasal tip projection ratios analyzed using the Rhinobase program in patients who underwent external septorhinoplasty were similar to reference values for the Turkish population.

Primary Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is inherently a difficult procedure given the complexity of its structure and the functional and aesthetic impact of this anatomy. This report explores some of the remaining questions regarding the use of spreader grafts and autospreader flaps in the management of the middle vault in rhinoplasty, the performance of the open approach versus the endonasal rhinoplasty approach, corrective rhinoplasty in the younger patient, the use of the rib and other cartilage donor sites for grafting in rhinoplasty, and the use of filler materials in rhinoplasty.

Columellar Incision Scars in Asian Patients Undergoing Open Rhinoplasty

IMPORTANCE

An open approach has been adopted for rhinoplasty because of its wide and undistorted exposure. The formation of a columellar incision scar is the main drawback of this approach.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and evolution of and risk factors for columellar incision scars in an Asian population.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective case series of 529 patients who underwent open rhinoplasty was performed in a tertiary care referral center in South Korea from January 1, 2011, to May 31, 2014. Problematic transcolumellar incision scars were categorized into wide and depressed, notching, and hyperpigmented wound types. Follow-up was complete on January 28, 2015, and data were assessed from July 1, 2014, to May 29, 2015.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The incidence of each problematic scar and the time course of erythema evolution were evaluated. Factors affecting the formation of a problematic scar were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 529 patients (176 female and 353 male patients; mean age, 31 [range, 5-70] years), 234 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up underwent evaluation for a problematic scar. Fourteen of the 234 patients (6.0%) had problematic incision scarring (wide and depressed wound, 4 [1.7%]; notching wound, 3 [1.3%]; hyperpigmentation, 4 [1.7%]; marginal incision hypertrophic scar, 2 [0.8%]; and columellar skin necrosis, 1 [0.4%]). Of the 243 patients with regular follow-up who underwent evaluation for erythema evolution, erythematous wounds were found in almost all in the immediate postoperative period and had normalized by a mean (SD) of 66.7 (37.4) postoperative days. Use of costal cartilage as tip graft material was associated with a problematic incision scar (2 of 25 patients [8.0%] vs 6 of 180 patients with other graft material [3.3%]; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort of Asian patients, the incisions used for an open rhinoplasty approach had some problems. However, the low incidence of problematic scars indicates that open rhinoplasty should not be discouraged because of the incision scar.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Comparative Columellar Scar Analysis Between W Incisions and Inverted-V Incision in Open Technique Nasal Surgery

A visible scar on the columella is undesirable result for both patient and surgeon. So it is one of the major disadvantage of open nose surgery. Different columellar incision types have been used in open technique of nasal surgery. In this prospective study, we compare W incisions and inverted-V columellar incisions with a scar assessment scale. In this prospective randomized study, open nasal surgery (open rhinoplasty and open technique septoplasty) were performed on 93 patients between November 2009 and July 2012. The inverted-V incision was used on 31 patients (24 males, 7 females). The "W" incision was used on 62 patients (40 males, 22 females). The entire surgical procedure was performed by a single surgeon. The columellar incision was closed using 6-0 interrupted polypropylene sutures. All sutures were removed on the seventh postoperative day. Scars were assessed at 6 moths, with 3 items scar assessment scale, we observed satisfactory scar, pigmentation, and notching. We compared both groups and found that the scar pigmentation, notching and scar formation are similar to each other. As a result of this study we concluded that the inverted-V incision or "W" incision might be a similar choice in open nasal surgery.

Comparison of the Aesthetic Results of Two Common Incisions in External Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Trial

Objective

To compare the scar outcomes of two common incisions (inverted V and stair step) by using a validated scar-outcome instrument via a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Fifty-eight consecutive cases of external rhinoplasty were randomly divided into two groups according to the type of incision. These patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the columellar scar was analyzed by using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores by an independent reviewer.

Results

Of 58 patients, 28 received the inverted V and the rest received the stair-step incision. Thirty-four participants (58.6%) were women. The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 26.2 ± 6.6 years. After 1 month, the scar outcome was significantly better in patients with the stair-step incision (p = 0.001) by using the SBSES, but the same was not true after 1 year (p = 0.425). However, when the VAS instead of the SBSES was used to evaluate the scar, the inverted V received a better score after 12 months in this series (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Despite the better aesthetic outcome of the stair-step incision in the first month after the surgery, there was no significant difference between the two incisions after 1 year. However, in this series, when the VAS instead of the SBSES was used to evaluate the scar, the inverted V received a better score after 12 months.

Repair of symptomatic nasoseptal perforations using mucosal regeneration technique with interpositional grafts

Over the past 60 years, many surgical techniques have been developed for the repair of nasoseptal perforations. This study describes a safe and practical technique involving the 5-layer repair of symptomatic nasoseptal perforations without mucosal flaps. The present study involved 23 patients (17 men and 6 women) who had symptomatic nasoseptal perforations in the Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery Department of Haseki Research and Training Hospital. Patients were treated using the mucosal regeneration technique. Follow-up examinations were performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The surgery was considered successful if total closure was achieved. Nasal mucosal physiology was also assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively by measuring the nasal mucociliary clearance time by means of the saccharin test. The most common etiological factor was former nasal surgery (56.5%), followed by nasal trauma (26%). In 4 patients (17.5%), the perforations were idiopathic. The average preoperative perforation size was 1.74 ± 0.87 cm. Total closure of the perforation was achieved in 21 patients (91.3%), and only 2 patients had subtotal healing. The mean preoperative mucociliary clearance time was 19.3 ± 4.15 minutes, which significantly improved to 12.4 ± 3.53 minutes and 10.1 ± 3.21 minutes at 3 and 6 postoperative months, respectively. Mucosal regeneration technique with interpositional grafts can be used to safely and reliably repair medium-to-large nasoseptal perforations.

Comparison of Various Rhinoplasty Techniques and Long-Term Results

BACKGROUND

Various techniques are used in rhinoplasty. These techniques can be classified under transcolumellar approaches and endonasal procedures. Open rhinoplasty without transcolumellar incision (ORWTI) procedure can be described as a combination of these two techniques.

METHODS

In this study, we present patients who underwent nasal surgery utilizing one of these three techniques between 1999 and 2013 and discuss some modifications to the techniques.

RESULTS

Of a total of 1526 patients, 1131 were operated on with open rhinoplasty with transcolumellar incision, 219 were operated on with ORWTI, and 176 were operated on using the endonasal approach. With an average follow-up period of approximately 4 years, 4 % of the patients required revision. The patient satisfaction rate was more than 90 % for all of these techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The endonasal approach is an appropriate choice for select patients due to the lower chance of complications and a shorter procedure time. With open rhinoplasty with the transcolumellar incision technique, the type of surgery can be more easily controlled, however, extended nasal tip edema and columellar scar are some of the disadvantages of this method. ORWTI allows a patient to avoid these disadvantages and provides a more controlled procedure, similar to the open method.

Rhinoplasty: panel discussion

Should one use an open or closed rhinoplasty approach? How appropriate is the endonasal approach in modern-day rhinoplasty? Should the tip lobule be divided or preserved? Are alloplastic implants inferior to autologous implants? Does release and reduction of the upper lateral cartilages from the nasal dorsal septum always require spreader graft placement to prevent mid one-third nasal pinching in reduction rhinoplasty? Over past 5 years, how have rhinoplasty techniques and approaches evolved?

[Techniques for correction of the nasal dorsum]

Correction of the nasal dorsum ranks among the most common surgical procedures in rhinoplasty. Due to the involvement of nasal support structures such as septolateral cartilage and the K and scroll areas, these procedures have both aesthetic and functional impacts. In addition to spreader grafts and spreader flaps, the most important surgical methods currently include the split hump reduction technique, cartilage-fascia transplants and cartilage grafts from rib and ear. In addition to serving to correct deformities, the techniques described here help prevent complications such as inverted V, hourglass and saddle nose deformities, as well as nasal valve stenosis. The basic operative principle calls for reinforcement and reconstruction of the anatomical support structures, while avoiding overresection and mucosal lacerations.

Effect of nose skin on the columellar incision scar in a Turkish population

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the causes of columellar scar formation in a Turkish population in relation to nasal skin thickness, texture, and type and discuss possible solutions for better results.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, clinical study.

SETTING

Otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

The preoperative dermal thickness of 50 consecutive patients undergoing "external approach" septorhinoplasty was measured (using a 14 MHz ultrasound probe) at the midportion of the right and left nostril, tip, supratip, and columella. Surgery was performed using a middle columellar gullwing incision. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months after surgery. Assessment of the columellar scar was performed according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale modified for columellar scars. The mean values of skin thickness measurements, skin type (according to the Fitzpatrick skin classification scale), skin texture (oily, combination, normal, dry, and sensitive types), smoking habit, and patient gender were recorded and compared with the columellar incision scar scores.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in healing between the skin thickness of the tip, supratip, left nostril, right nostril, columella and mean skin thickness values, skin types (Fitzpatrick 2, 3, 4, 5), skin textures, and smoking with regard to columellar scar formation (P > .05). However, men healed significantly better than women (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The columellar incision heals independently of the influence of skin thickness; texture; Fitzpatrick skin types 2, 3, 4, and 5; and smoking. Male gender seems to be a significant factor in healing.

Functional and cosmetic outcomes of external approach septoplasty

BACKGROUND

The external approach for septoplasty is an important surgical technique to manage severe septal deviations, caudal deformities, and mid-dorsal abnormalities when a simple endonasal approach may not suffice. The procedure is longer in duration and draws on more resources than endonasal septoplasty. The outcome reporting of the external approach for septoplasty is important to provide evidence of benefit for both patients and health care providers. This study was designed to describe functional and cosmetic outcomes of the external approach for septoplasty.

METHODS

A prospective assessment of consecutive patients undergoing the external approach for septoplasty at a tertiary center was performed. Pre- and postoperative nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF), symptom scores, 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Nasal Obstruction Score, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) quality-of-life scores were assessed. A global Likert change scale was also used for both function and cosmesis.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (mean age, 40 ± 15.9 years; 40% women) were assessed with a mean follow-up of 12.2 ± 9.5 months. Mean NPIF improved significantly from 93.3 ± 34.7 to 143.0 ± 44.3 (p < 0.001). Nasal obstruction score improved significantly from 3.6 ± 1.3 to 0.69 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001). SNOT-22 improved significantly from 34.1 ± 17.2 to 12.7 ± 14.9 (p < 0.001). Ninety-six percent had subjective improvement in nasal function, and 96% had no change or improvement in cosmesis. Seventy percent improved by the minimal clinically important difference for NPIF.

CONCLUSION

The external approach for septoplasty is an operation that produces significant improvements in subjective and objective nasal health measures. Although requiring greater training and operative time, it is an appropriate approach for the severely deviated nasal septum.

Septal perforation repair: mucosal regeneration technique

A novel method for repair of septal perforations. Fifteen volunteers with symptomatic septal perforations were recruited. Open technique rhinoplasty approach was preferred: auricular conchal cartilage graft with intact perichondrium on both sides was harvested and shaped to fit the perforated site and attached to the septum with absorbable sutures. All margins of the graft were covered with nasal mucosa. The severity of patient symptoms was assessed at preoperation, 3 and 6 months postoperatively via visual analogue scale (VAS). Crust formation, whistling, nasal blockage, epistaxis and overall comfort were evaluated. Mucosal physiology was assessed by nasal mucociliary clearance time. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 years. Average perforation size was 1.86 ± 0.78 cm. 14/15 (93.3%) perforations were repaired, and only one patient required revision surgery. VAS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Mean mucociliary clearance time improved from 17.6 ± 3.83 to 10.3 ± 3.30 min and 9.3 ± 3.36 min at 3 and 6 months, respectively. This is a novel, simple and safe method for repairing the deficient mucosal area in septal perforations up to 25 mm in diameter.

Postoperative wound care regimen in open septorhinoplasty

The many benefits of the open-approach septorhinoplasty should not be excluded on the basis of columellar scarring alone. Technical factors that contributed to the favorable outcome of the columellar scar included proper planning of location and design of the incision used, meticulous closure, and good postoperative care. In the current study, we describe a simple postoperative wound care procedure that allows clean visualized wound with less crust formation, easy removal of the sutures by the surgeon, and better columellar scar in the early postoperative period.

Reconstruction of nasal tip and columella

Reconstruction of nasal tip and columella defects is demanding area with a range of reconstructive options, varying in complexity depending on requirements from simple skin grafting to multiple stage reconstruction with regional flaps. A framework is suggested to aid the reader in choice of reconstruction by classifying the defect based on size and the requirements of one to three layer (full thickness) reconstruction.

[Suture tip plasty using an endonasal approach]

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, the use of the external approach for primary and secondary rhinoplasties has become increasingly popular. This article illustrates the versatility of endonasal techniques for the correction of nasal tip deformities on the basis of four cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The approach to the nasal tip and the chosen technique as used in 100 consecutive rhinoplasties were reviewed.

RESULTS

For primary and revision tip plasty, endonasal approaches were used in 81% of cases. Preferred incisions were the infracartilaginous approach and the transfixion incision. Using these approaches, correction of the tip was achieved by using sutures to reposition and reshape the alar cartilages and the columella without grafts to the nasal tip in most cases.

CONCLUSION

Nasal tip plasty via endonasal approaches using sutures is technically more challenging compared to the external approach with its superior exposure. This drawback is outweighed by less operating time and faster patient recovery. Contrary to the general trend, the authors believe that endonasal tip plasty techniques using sutures can obviate the external approach and grafts in many cases and should form an integral part of the rhino-surgeon's repertoire.

[Rhinoplasty: open or closed technique?]

The present article gives a short historical overview of rhinoplasty. Frequency as well as advantages and disadvantages of the open and closed techniques are discussed. The choice of the surgical access depends on the current flow and the surgeon's experience. Regional differences do exist. It is essential to have sufficient knowledge of both techniques, in order that the surgeon can choose the appropriate technique according to the wishes of the patient. Primarily, an endonasal approach should be aimed for.

Closed rhinoplasty approach for excision of nasal dermoids

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of excision of nasal dermoids through a closed rhinoplasty incision. This is the first description of the use of this approach for excision of superficial nasal dermoids.

METHODS

Three boys aged five, nine and 12 years presented with midline nasal dermoids with minimal cutaneous involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated distinct, cystic, superficial nasal masses. The cysts were excised through a closed rhinoplasty approach. In each case, completeness of extirpation was judged by histopathological examination of the excised specimen. Aesthetic outcome was recorded photographically.

RESULTS

All three patients' cysts were completely excised, with excellent cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

The closed rhinoplasty incision is another approach in the surgeon's armamentarium for excision of small, superficial nasal dermoid cysts. In well selected cases, this approach gives optimal cosmetic results, provides adequate exposure with minimal dissection, and allows total extirpation.

The infracartilaginous approach revisited

The last decade has seen a marked increase in the use of the external approach for primary and secondary rhinoplasties. As a consequence, endonasal techniques are taught less and the external approach is increasingly being used for minor corrections. We review the infracartilaginous approach as an elegant variant of the endonasal approach and, for many procedures, a suitable alternative to the external approach and describe the technique of the infracartilaginous approach and illustrate its options with cases that, for the majority of rhinoplasty surgeons, would call for an external approach. We adopted the infracartilaginous approach as the preferred technique for most tip sculpting and repositioning procedures. The infracartilaginous approach is technically more challenging compared with the open approach in teaching situations. This, however, does not imply that the technique should therefore be abandoned. On the contrary, we are convinced that the technique can and should be taught and learned.

External rhinoplasty for dorsum swellings

As any swelling over dorsum nose is cosmetically unacceptable so is the post-operative scar. The external rhinoplasty approach proceeds in the natural tissue dissection planes in the nose, thus ensuring minimal bleeding, improved exposure and good healing with minimal scar formation. We present cases of three different swellings due to rhinophyma, dermoid cyst and a rare interesting foreign body all dealt with external rhinoplasty approach with good results.

Rhinoplasty and young's operation in atrophic rhinitis

Rhinoplasty in atrophic rhinitis is a difficult surgery because the dorsal skin is adherent to the underlying structures. There is also more chance of postoperative injection. Our experience of various types of rhinoplasly in 25 atrophic rhinitis patients are presented here. The patients were from the age group 16 to 35 years. Most of the operations were done under local anaesthesia. Commonest graft used was conchal cartilage. Bone graft was avoided for augmentation because of its high rate of absorption in atrophic rhinitis. In 10 patients Young's operation was done in one side along with rhinoplasty. Young's operation was done only with skin layer.

Closed rhinoplasty with marginal incision: our experience and results

Supporters of traditional rhinoplasty and promoters of open rhinoplasty have debated their approaches for many years. From among different possible techniques, a surgeon must always choose the approach that provides the best aesthetic result. The surgeon's experience and artistic sense are essential for the closed technique, whereby most of the corrections are performed without exposing the nasal frame. The open technique allows a greater operating range with a direct view of the nasal structure, resulting in improved precision in modeling the cartilages. However, the absence of intact skin cover exposes the surgeon to a less precise overall aesthetic evaluation. This report highlights the marginal technique, described in 1990 by Guerrerosantos, which uses a two-sided circular incision permitting complete dissection of the alar cartilages and the overhead skin cover of the columella. This approach, together with the extramucous technique, permits complete exposure of the skin and nasal septum without a columella incision. Therefore, the marginal technique is suitable for primary rhinoplasty cases in which complex modeling of the nasal tip and an excellent aesthetic result are required.

Rhinoplasty approaches: current state of the art

OBJECTIVE

To survey rhinoplasty surgeons to determine their current approaches and the reason for their use, how they have acquired their knowledge, and trends in the use of open and closed approaches.

DESIGN

A rhinoplasty questionnaire on open and closed rhinoplasty approaches was presented to surgeons attending the annual meetings of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The 178 questionnaires were reviewed for analysis, and the results were tabulated by a statistician. Raw data were analyzed and cross-tabulations of specific subsets were reviewed. Main outcome measures included proportion of surgeons in various demographic groups using each technique, preferred incision, reasons for using each technique, usage over the past 5 years, and expected trend in the next 5 years.

RESULTS

Most of the surgeons were in private practice, and most described their practice as otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat [ENT]), facial plastic surgery (FPS), or ENT/FPS. Of the 178 responding surgeons, 46% had FPS practices and 27% devoted 90% to 100% of their practice to FPS. Most perform 100 or fewer rhinoplasties annually, and 23% perform open rhinoplasty 90% to 100% of the time. Sixty-three percent of FPS surgeons and 55% of ENT/FPS surgeons perform open septorhinoplasty (OSR) more than 50% of the time. Surgeons learn OSR mostly during residency (56%) and in didactic courses (51%) and learn closed rhinoplasty mostly during residency (75%). The most common indications for open rhinoplasty were difficult tip surgery (74%), revision procedures (73%), and grafting procedures (68%). Simple tip (65%) and simple dorsal (73%) procedures were common indications for closed rhinoplasty. The preferred incision for open rhinoplasty was the inverted "V" transcolumellar gull wing (58%); for closed rhinoplasty, cartilage delivery (48%) and intercartilaginous (28%). Most surgeons performed OSR at the same frequency during the past 5 years and expected to use OSR at the same frequency in the next 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 53% of respondents used OSR more than 50% of the time. The movement toward open rhinoplasty seems to be plateauing, with a possible slight upward trend in its use. Over the past 5 years, there was still some trend toward the increasing use of the OSR approach, and most surgeons are performing OSR at the same frequency. Those with more than 5 years' experience believe that they are unlikely to change their approach in the next 5 years. Open septorhinoplasty may be indicated for rhinoplasties by a large proportion of surgeons, especially for rhinoplasties that are "difficult" or revisions or those requiring grafting.

External rhinoplasty for the Arabian nose: a columellar scar analysis

This study aimed to evaluate columellar scar problems after external rhinoplasty in the Arabian population, and to analyze the technical factors that help prevent such problems and maximize the scar cosmesis. The investigation was conducted in university and private practice settings of the author in Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 600 Arab patients who underwent external rhinoplasty were included in the study. All the patients underwent surgery using the external rhinoplasty approach, in which bilateral alar marginal incisions were connected by an inverted V-shaped transcolumellar incision. At completion of the procedure, a two-layer closure of the columellar incision was performed. At a minimum of 1 year postoperatively, the columellar scar was evaluated subjectively by means of a patient questionnaire, and objectively by clinical examination and comparison of the close-up pre- and postoperative basal view photographs. Objectively, anything less than a barely visible, leveled, thin, linear scar was considered unsatisfactory. Subjectively, 95.5% of the patients rated the scar as unnoticeable, 3% as noticeable but acceptable, and 1.5% as unacceptable. Objectively, the scar was unsatisfactory in 7% of the cases. This was because of scar widening with or without depression (5%), hyperpigmentation (1.5%), and columellar rim notching (0.5%). The use of a deep 6/0 polydioxanon (PDS) suture significantly decreased the incidence of scar widening (p < 0.005).The columellar incision can be used safely in the Arab population regardless of their thick, dark, and oily skin. Technical factors that contributed to the favorable outcome of the columellar scar included proper planning of location and design of the incision used, precise execution, meticulous multilayered closure, and good postoperative care.

Anatomic basis of notch deformity in open rhinoplasty

Notch deformity at the columella after the stairstep incision is an unsightly sequel that fuels negativism for open rhinoplasty critics. Obvious causes cited include surgical misadventures involving division of the foot of the medial crus and poor healing. The authors offer yet an additional etiology based on the contraction distortion caused by the depressor septi nasi muscle. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anatomic basis for notch deformity after stairstep technique in open rhinoplasty. For this anatomic study, 10 fresh cadavers were used. Dissections were performed, exposing the columellar components. The macroscopic and microscopic photo documentation gathered supports the authors' theory that depressor septi nasi action causes skin-edge deformation that leads to closure malalignment and notch deformity. Pre-incision landmark defining tattoo or sutures will assure proper alignment at closure.

Differing characteristics in 100 consecutive secondary rhinoplasty patients following closed versus open surgical approaches

Open rhinoplasty has unquestionably become more popular during the past two decades because of the putative diagnostic and technical advantages that direct transcolumellar access offers. To test the hypothesis that patients initially treated by the opened or closed approaches differed in the secondary deformities that developed, a retrospective study was conducted of 100 consecutive secondary rhinoplasty patients (66 women and 34 men) operated on by the author before February of 1998. Sixty-four percent had previously undergone closed rhinoplasties and 36 had undergone open rhinoplasties; the incidence of prior open rhinoplasty had increased steadily over the survey years, from 21 percent in 1996 to more than 50 percent in 1998, 1999, and 2000 (p < 0.05). The data generated indicate the following. First, the open rhinoplasty patients had undergone more operations (3.1 versus 1.2) and had more presenting complaints (5.8 versus 2.6) than the closed rhinoplasty patients. Second, although the most common presenting complaint among prior closed rhinoplasty patients was an overresected dorsum (50 percent) or tip (33 percent) or internal valvular obstruction (42 percent), prior open rhinoplasty patients complained more frequently than the closed rhinoplasty patients of these problems and also external valvular obstruction (50 percent, p < 0.0001), short nose (39 percent, p < 0.001), wide columella (36 percent, p < 0.001), narrow nose (31 percent, p < 0.001), columellar scar (25 percent, p < 0.001), and symptomatic columellar struts (19 percent, p < 0.001). Only excessive nasal length was more prevalent among closed rhinoplasty patients (20 percent, p < 0.01). Third, ranking of deformities differed significantly (p < 0.0001) between the two groups, so that complaints related to the nostrils, nasal tip, nasal length, or columella were more common among the open rhinoplasty patients than among those previously treated endonasally. Fourth, the relative frequencies of surgical complaints also differed: whereas patients previously treated endonasally were 6.7 times more likely to complain of long noses, patients previously treated by open rhinoplasty complained more frequently of the following: excessive columellar width (open approach, 36 percent of patients; closed approach, none), hard columellar struts (open approach, 19 percent of patients; closed approach, none), external valvular obstruction (4.5 times as frequent with the open approach as it was with the closed approach), alar/nostril distortion (four times as frequent), and narrow nose (3.9 times). Although the most common complaints among all postrhinoplasty patients remain the overresected dorsum, tip, or (internal valvular) airway obstruction, the author's data suggest that patients previously treated by the open approach are more likely to have postsurgical deformities and complaints referable to those anatomic structures most easily reached by transcolumellar exposure and to techniques that can be performed more readily or aggressively through that access route.

Revision rhinoplasty: review of deformities, aetiology and treatment strategies

Rhinoplasty has always been one of the most challenging aspects of facial surgery as it requires a precise assessment of the deformity, a strong grasp of nasal support mechanisms plus soft tissue skin envelope and a realistic appraisal of the outcome expected acutely and over a long period of time. This fine balance is often achieved by retrospective analysis of post-rhinoplasty results in order to highlight repeated problems and improve upon them. This study reviews 110 patients in which a total of 407 deformities were found. These are divided into upper, middle and lower thirds with a subdivision of individual deformities within each group. There is also a comparison of the results obtained from similar studies over a period of four decades to those in our study, which reveals that the post-rhinoplasty deformities noted in these studies occur with a similar frequency to those in our paper.

Alterations in nasal sensibility following open rhinoplasty

Alterations of nasal sensibility following open rhinoplasty were studied both subjectively and objectively. In a prospective study, 25 patients were included. All patients underwent open rhinoplasty using a middle columellar incision. Subjective questioning and objective testing of nasal sensibility using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were obtained preoperatively and both 3 weeks and 1 year after surgery. The match-paired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. At 3 weeks after surgery, there was subjective and significant objective alteration of sensibility in the area of skin supplied by the external nasal nerve (nasal tip and adjacent upper columella). This altered sensibility, however, recovered by 1 year after surgery. The recovery was thought to be due either to recovery of the external nasal nerve itself, or to collateral sprouting from the nerves supplying the adjacent areas of nasal skin.

External septo-rhinoplasty- our experience

Septo-Rhinoplasty is a fascinating surgical procedure to both the surgeon and the patient. Both hope to obtain good results. Consciousness of the nasal profile along with the function led the Rhinologists to adopt various techniques to give better access to the nasal bone and cartilages. External Septo-Rhinoplasty gives excellent approach to the intranasal and nasal structures. The authors describe their experience with external Septo-Rhinoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty – Should It Be the Procedure of Choice?

BR Neu. Open rhinoplasty – Should it be the procedure of choice? Can J Plast Surg 1994;1(4):166-176. Open rhinoplasty is currently recognized for its usefulness in treating complex nasal deformities. This study examines and supports the routine use of the open approach for all cosmetic nasal operations. Forty consecutive open rhinoplasties were carried out. Included were primary, secondary and post-traumatic deformities. The surgical technique is described and the results are reviewed. Precision is enhanced with the open exposure. Alar cartilages are repositioned and contoured into shape with sutures. Tip rotation and elevation are more easily controlled. Cartilage grafts are used less often and, when required, are accurately sutured into place. A learning period is needed to understand the new perspective of the exposed cartilages and the effect on the external appearance. Asymmetries are easily created, and overcorrections must be avoided. The procedure takes longer. Nasal tip hypoesthesia and edema are more pronounced. The columellar scar is well accepted. The improved results with open rhinoplasty justify it becoming the procedure of choice in the author's practice. Minor modifications of the nasal dorsum or tip are still carried out through the endonasal approach.

Open structure rhinoplasty

Open structure rhinoplasty (OSR) uses the open or external approach via a mid-columellar and bilateral marginal incision. In combination with grafting procedures, such as columellar struts, dorsal grafts and tip grafts, rhinoplasty has developed from a merely reductive procedure to a more graduated approach to the nose. Emphasis is now placed on repositioning, augmentation and restructuring the nasal anatomy to create as natural and functional a nose as possible. This retrospective study analyses our experience with 130 rhinoplasties over a 3-year-period. The study reveals OSR to be a safe and reliable technique which produces predictable results.