Extended incision in open-approach rhinoplasty for Asians

The purpose of this study was to introduce an extended incision in open-approach rhinoplasty for obtaining greater satisfaction in aesthetic rhinoplasty for Asians. This incision is the same as for 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 to access the footplates of the medial crura more easily. This simple extended incision enabled the authors to achieve further tip projection because the pressure of the skin flap on the tip was reduced. By approximating the lateral curves of the medial crural footplates, the width and the length of the columella were narrowed and lengthened, respectively. The columella was also advanced caudally; thus, the shape of the nostrils could also be elongated. 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 an intraoral incision. Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent this 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. Patient satisfaction and postoperative complications were recorded. The majority of the patients (35 of 40) 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. No patients experienced transcolumellar or extended-incision scarring. Although further studies and longer follow-up are needed to determine the value of this incision, the authors believe that the addition of the extended incision in open-approach rhinoplasty is safe and reliable for effecting better results for Asians.