Open septorhinoplasty. Experiences in 200 patients.

There are two approaches for septorhinoplasty, the endonasal approach and the external approach. The external approach is much criticized for the risk of columellar skin flap necrosis and visible scar formation. This series of patients has shown that the risk can be minimized using a mid-columellar broken incision with a meticulous closure technique. The exposure of the surgical anatomy is much better than with the endonasal approach, leading to better insight in nasal deformities and more detailed reconstruction. There seems to be no reasonable objection which can be raised against the columellar incision to reject the open approach.