Open
Rhinoplasty
The visible incision is usually across the columella (the column of
flesh that separates the nostrils) in the fashion of "step" or
stair" and even sometimes an inverted "V". When there is
reconstruction of an older keloidal or prominent scar there may be a
"Z" incision or "Z-plasty" instead. Either way the
skin and thin fat layer overlying the cartilages and bone is pulled back
and secured with a device called a retractor that looks like a
modified shoe horn or better yet, a nasal crowbar or sorts. This
actually looks a bit gruesome and you'd never think that your tissues
will look normal again after this type of tissue 'torture' but it does.
The skin is very resilient in most people and can "bounce
back" to its original state with only the slight scar as evidence.
Closed Rhinoplasty
To
be Continued...
References
Toriumi DM: Open Rhinoplasty in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery,
Bailey et al. eds., 1st Ed., 1993, Philadelphia JB Lippincott, pp2128-2140
Tardy ME: Rhinoplasty in Otolaryngology- head and neck Surgery, Cumming et
al. eds, 2nd Ed., 1993, St. Louis, Mosby, pp 807-856
Kyung Shik Suh, M.D; Open Rhinoplasty - March 7,
1998
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