A Simplified Approach to the External Lateral Nasal Osteotomy: A Technical Note

Lateral osteotomy is usually performed to narrow a wide nasal base, widen a narrow nasal base, straighten deviated nasal bones, or close an (iatrogenic) open roof deformity. Based on the approach used, nasal osteotomy can be classified as external or internal. Although nasal osteotomy is an essential part of cosmetic rhinoplasty, it can be very difficult for young surgeons to perform external osteotomy. This article focuses on external osteotomy and its essential concepts. In addition, a new splint-guide method is introduced, which can help young surgeons perform external osteotomy in a very safe and predictable manner.