[Open rhinoplasty. 5-years experience]

Abstract

The principle advantages of open rhinoplasty concern diagnosis as well as technical facilities. The transcolumelar approach, initially described by Rheti in 1934 for surgical corrections of the cleft lip nose, was adopted by us since 1992 in 48 patients. We have systematically made a "staggered incision" at the collumella's narrowest point, that allows a great view of nasal structures. The results were considered good, even in difficult rhinoplasties. The scars were inconspicous, without cicatricial hypertrophies or deformities.