Background: Rhinoplasty can be performed using both open and closed approaches. A visible scar on the columella is the major disadvantage of open rhinoplasty. Different columellar incision types have been used in open rhinoplasty. In this retrospective study, we compare transverse and inverted-V columellar incisions with a scar assessment scale.
Methods: In this retrospective study, open rhinoplasty was performed on 84 patients between 2001 and 2006. The transverse incision was used on 39 patients (18 males, 21 females). The inverted-V incision was used on 45 patients (21 males, 24 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 fifth postoperative day. With this assessment scale, we observed satisfactory scar, pigmentation, and notching.
Results: We compared both groups and found that the inverted-V incision resulted in better scar formation (p < 0.05) and less notching (p < 0.07). Scar pigmentation was found to be irrelevant to the incision technique employed (p < 0.3).
Conclusion: As a result of this study we concluded that the inverted-V incision might be a better choice in open rhinoplasty.