Objectives: Open approach rhinoplasty and trans-columellar scar have been introduced in recent decades to achieve better outcomes. Various types of trans-columellar incisions have been presented, such as horizontal, stair-step, Z, V, W and inverted V. Of these, stair-step and V incisions are considered as two common incisions by different authors. The aim of this study was to compare the post-surgery trans-columellar scars using these two techniques.
Method and materials: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 70 patients who underwent open rhinoplasty from October 2022 to September 2023 at Taleghani Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. Scar assessment was performed 12 months post-surgery using the Patient Scar Assessment Score and Columellar Scar Assessment Scale questionnaires.
Results: The study subjects were 23.56 ± 4.27 years old, with 71.43% females and 28.57% males. The frequency distribution of CSAS components was similar in stair-step and V incisions, and there was no statistically significant difference. The final PSAS score and its components did not differ significantly between the two incisions in question. The satisfaction scores in the two groups were 7.31 and 7.22, respectively, and only 2.86% of patients were dissatisfied. The average satisfaction in the stair-step and V incision groups was 34.29% and 28. 7%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: Our findings did not suggest the superiority of one particular type of incision over another in terms of preventing poor healing.