Effect of nose skin on the columellar incision scar in a Turkish population.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the causes of columellar scar formation in a Turkish population in relation to nasal skin thickness, texture, and type and discuss possible solutions for better results.


STUDY DESIGN
Prospective, clinical study.


SETTING
Otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital.


METHODS
The preoperative dermal thickness of 50 consecutive patients undergoing "external approach" septorhinoplasty was measured (using a 14 MHz ultrasound probe) at the midportion of the right and left nostril, tip, supratip, and columella. Surgery was performed using a middle columellar gullwing incision. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months after surgery. Assessment of the columellar scar was performed according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale modified for columellar scars. The mean values of skin thickness measurements, skin type (according to the Fitzpatrick skin classification scale), skin texture (oily, combination, normal, dry, and sensitive types), smoking habit, and patient gender were recorded and compared with the columellar incision scar scores.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in healing between the skin thickness of the tip, supratip, left nostril, right nostril, columella and mean skin thickness values, skin types (Fitzpatrick 2, 3, 4, 5), skin textures, and smoking with regard to columellar scar formation (P > .05). However, men healed significantly better than women (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The columellar incision heals independently of the influence of skin thickness; texture; Fitzpatrick skin types 2, 3, 4, and 5; and smoking. Male gender seems to be a significant factor in healing.
['Verim|Aysegül|A|', 'Duymuş|Recai|R|', 'Çalim|Ömer Faruk|ÖF|', 'Karaca|Çiğdem Tepe|ÇT|', 'Özkul|M Haluk|MH|', 'Yasar|Hüsamettin|H|', 'Bahadir|Esra|E|', 'Bakal|Nuray|N|']
D000328:Adult D002921:Cicatrix D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D009300:Nasal Septum D011446:Prospective Studies D012225:Rhinoplasty D012737:Sex Factors D012867:Skin D016896:Treatment Outcome D014421:Turkey D014463:Ultrasonography
columellar incision columellar scar skin thickness septorhinoplasty columella scar evaluation external approach septorhinoplasty