Visibility of puncture sites after external osteotomy in rhinoplastic surgery.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: External lateral osteotomy performed through a small puncture incision in the skin has numerous advantages, but it has been criticized by its opponents who claim it may leave visible scars. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the external lateral osteotomy actually leaves visible scars. METHODS: Eighty-one postoperative photographs of patients who had undergone the external lateral osteotomy technique were reviewed. The photographic slides were a mixture of some taken 3 months after surgery and others taken 6 months after surgery. Scar visibility was assessed. RESULTS: Percutaneous puncture site visibility as assessed by 3 surgeons independently was 0% at 6 months after surgery and about 3% at 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The external osteotomy procedure produces an excellent cosmetic result at the puncture sites in the skin.