title: Comparative columellar scar analysis between transverse and inverted-V incision in open rhinoplasty.
abstract: 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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a result of this study we concluded that the inverted-V incision might be a better choice in open rhinoplasty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yildirim Beyazit Diskapi Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. is.aksu@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aksu
authors.forename: Hasan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alim
authors.forename: Ali Teoman
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Tellioğlu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*