Open-Approach Rhinoplasty with Use of Extended Incision

Han, Seung Kyu; Lee, Doo Yang; Kim, Woo Kyung

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to introduce an extended incision in open-approach rhinoplasty for obtaining greater satisfaction in aesthetic rhinoplasty. This incision was similar with the usual open rhinoplasty incision but it is extended along the caudal border of the footplates of the medial crura onto the floor of the nasal vestibule in order to access the footplates of the medial crura more easily. This simple extended incision enabled us to achieve further tip projection because the pressure of the skin flap on the tip was reduced. In addition, a cartilage graft or an implant insertion for alar base augmentation could be performed through this extended incision without an additional incision. Another advantage was that in correction of caudal septal deviation, displaced septal cartilage could be repositioned by suturing to the periosteum or soft tissue around the anterior nasal spine without drilling into it through intraoral incision. Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent our extended open-approach rhinoplasty between August of 1999 and September of 2000 were included in this study. A total of 40 patients had an adequate follow-up time of over 6 months. The majority of the patients(35/40 cases) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Two patients had complications of nostril scar contracture requiring close follow-up. There were no cases of implant extrusion, displacement, or infection. Nor did any patients experience transcolumellar or extended incision scarring.