The use of the labiocolumellar crease incision in rhinoplasty.

Aurel Rethi, in 1934, first described the transverse upper columellar incision for open rhinoplasty for resection of a portion of columella in cases of overly projecting nasal tip. The mid columellar incision has come to be known as the "Rethi" incision. Numerous variations of this approach have been popularized through the years. Recently, a great debate has raged over the criteria to be used in selecting patients for rhinoplasty. In this paper, we review 100 consecutive rhinoplasties and discuss our technique of labiocolumellar crease incision for open approach, and relate the criteria that we utilize to select patients for open rhinoplasty. There were 37 male and 63 female patients. Of these, 32 primary, 45 secondary, 18 cleft, and 5 reconstructive rhinoplasties were performed. Twenty-eight percent of primary, 62% of secondary, 78% of cleft, and 80% of reconstructive rhinoplasties were performed using the open approach via the labiocolumellar crease incision. There were no cases of circulatory compromise of the columella. The presence of a scar along the columella base (as with the C-flap in cleft patients) should be an indication for open rhinoplasty. Several myths about the labiocolumellar crease incision are dispelled. Adhering to principles of aesthetic subunits should guide the surgeon to place scars in a less noticeable position.