Does the open rhinoplasty incision decrease nasal projection?

To evaluate the effects of open rhinoplasty incisions on tip projection using digitized photographs. Thirty-one patients, who underwent open technique rhinoplasty were prospectively included in the study. The lateral aspect photographs were taken before the operations. Following midcolumellar incision septal elevation was done until septal cartilage was shown. After replacing the skin totally back and suturing midcolumellar incision, the intraoperative photographs were taken. The projection indexes were measured by Goode method from the photographs and the measurements were compared. A statistically significant decline of the nasal projection was established after open technique approach. Open rhinoplasty approach led to the decrease of the nasal tip projection. This result was thought to be the effect of ligamentous disruption.