Refining osteotomy techniques in rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE

This article describes an improved method of osteotomies in rhinoplasty to secure better control of the latitude and depth of the nasofrontal angle and a more natural configuration of the lateral nasal wall with increased stability of the upper lateral cartilages--factors contributing to better function and esthetic results of rhinoplasties.

METHOD

This retrospective study was based on over 4000 patients (80% female, 20% male) aged 15 to 72 years, who underwent cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasties in a private facial cosmetic surgery centre, in the teaching hospitals of the University of Toronto, and a community hospital in Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

Review of postoperative results took under consideration functional and esthetic outcomes, as recorded in follow-up chart entries, and complete photographic documentation. It reaffirmed that low, curved, lateral osteotomies combined with transverse osteotomies, as presented in this article, increased the control and predictability of functional and esthetic results in rhinoplasty.

CONCLUSION

The authors have found this method to be reliable and to reduce the frequency of revisions.