[5 years experience with "open septorhinoplasty"]

Based on our experience we expected to obtain in 184 of 229 (80%) septorhinoplasties more obvious improvement with open surgery than with the closed technique. In most cases the pre- and intraoperative procedures yielded good results. The columella scar was extremely well tolerated; however, two smokers experienced a prolonged healing process with slight dehiscences. There were no severe complications. The rate of mild complications was 5.9% and consisted of infections, implant removal, and postoperative nasal obstructions. In 4% of the cases revision surgery was requested.--Summing up, external rhinoplasty is recommended for all cases with extraordinary pathology and where the correction demands excellent exposure.