[Principles of rhinoplasty. THe "Indian" and "Italian" method].

Enumeration of individual methods of rhinoplasty for total reconstruction of the nose does not lay claim to completeness. It is the sole purpose of this review to show that the development of rhinoplasty received its definitive origins about 600 BC ("Indian" method) and in the 15th century AD ("Italian" method). As a result of the need to reconstruct the external nose after its destruction from infectious diseases, injuries or tumors, various methods of rhinoplasty have evolved. As such, the history of reconstructive rhinoplasty is almost identical with that of plastic surgery. Since their introduction, adjacent flaps (Indian method) and distant flaps (Italian method) are still in use at the present time. Although India should be considered the cradle of rhinoplasty, further refinements must be credited to Italian surgeons who undoubtedly knew about the Indian method for rebuilding the nose.