Rhinoplasty Scar Comparison

Patient and Observer Graded Rhinoplasty Scar Outcomes: a Randomized-Controlled Trial of Fast Absorbing Versus Permanent Columellar Suture Closure

Traditional suture closure of the columellar scar in rhinoplasty is achieved with permanent skin sutures. These sutures create less inflammation and are thought to lead to improved final scar outcomes. However, permanent sutures require removal which creates pain and inconvenience for the patient. Some surgeons use fast absorbing sutures that do not require removal. The difference in final scar outcome based on suture material used has not been well studied. This study will examine the final scar outcomes of rhinoplasty incisions sutured with traditional permanent suture compared to fast absorbing suture. If scar outcomes are similar between these groups as judged by the patients and blinded observers, rhinoplasty surgeons may be able to preferentially utilize absorbable sutures for incision closure and avoid the pain and inconvenience for the patient during suture removal

Inclusion Criteria

•Adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients undergoing primary open rhinoplasty surgery for any reason with any of the study surgeons.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients undergoing rhinoplasty for cleft nasal deformity or nasal reconstruction related to cancer resection
• Patients with previous surgery that involved a columellar incision. Patients with history of previous nasal surgery that did not involve an incision on the columella may be included
• Patients with known history of cutaneous disorder that affects scaring such as personal history of keloid formation, collagen vascular disease, or previous radiation to the surgical site
• Inability or unwillingness of subject to give informed consent