The external (combination) rhinoplasty approach for the problem nose

The external (combination) rhinoplasty approach has gradually gained acceptance as an approach to expose the nasal infrastructure. Its wide exposure has sharpened diagnostic skills by correlating pre-operative clinical impressions with specific anatomic deformities found at surgery. Its wide access has greatly increased as well as simplified the range of surgical maneuvers used in reconstruction. Following a review of the external approach, attention is focused on some of the problem nasal deformities where this approach has been helpful in obtaining good results. Nasal valve obstruction, nasal tip problems, nasal pyramid depression, and the crooked nose are discussed in terms of pathological anatomy and techniques of repair.