Nasal Aesthetics Research Articles

Craniofacial Deformities in Patients With Beta-Thalassemia: Orthodontic Versus Surgical Correction-A Systematic Review.

Rapid blood cell turnover and bone marrow expansion caused by beta-thalassemia (βT) result in craniofacial and dentoalveolar anomalies. This report presents a systematic review of the literature over the past 50 years on orthodontic and surgical considerations in the management of βT-affected patients. Seventeen publications encompassed 24 patients, 11 male individuals and 13 female individuals, 7 to 43 years of age. Eleven patients underwent only surgical treatment, eleven combined orthodontic-surgical treatment, and 2 orthodontic treatment. Surgical treatment primarily addressed typical maxillary overgrowth by maxillary reshaping, premaxillary segmental repositioning, or complete Le Fort I impaction and set back osteotomy. In severe maxilla-mandibular discrepancy and/or increased lower facial height, a bilateral sagittal split mandibular osteotomy is the treatment of choice. Although surgery involves risks of excessive bleeding, morbidity, and impaired nasal esthetics, little attention is given to the orthodontic modality. In conclusion, the current literature recommends early interceptive orthodontics aimed to decrease dentoskeletal deformities, severe malocclusion, and soft tissue imbalance. Treatment includes maxillo-mandibular orthopedic and functional manipulation with dentoalveolar treatment, which might either prevent orthosurgical procedures later or reduce its extent. This suggested a multidisciplinary approach comprising a hematologist, a pediatrician, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist, which might also significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

Revisiting the Alar-Columellar Relationship: Classification and Correction.

The alar-columellar relationship has tremendous aesthetic significance in the lower one-third of the nose. Aberrancies in the alar-columellar relationship detract from nasal aesthetics, and are classified into six types: type I, hanging columella; type II, retracted ala; type III, combination of a hanging columella and retracted ala; type IV, hanging ala; type V, retracted columella, and type VI, combination of a hanging ala and retracted columella. This article describes the methods for proper evaluation and diagnosis of aberrancies in the alar-columellar relationship, and current strategies to restore the ideal alar-columellar relationship. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

Analysis of Patient-Perceived Nasal Appearance Evaluations Following Functional Septorhinoplasty With Spreader Graft Placement.

Spreader grafts have been shown to improve nasal airway obstruction in patients with nasal valve dysfunction; however, their use has been limited by concerns over their aesthetic penalty of widening the nasal dorsum. To evaluate the association of functional septorhinoplasty (FSRP) using spreader graft placement with patient satisfaction with nasal appearance postoperatively. This prospective cohort study was conducted in a university-based tertiary care medical center. All participants were patients undergoing FSRP for the treatment of nasal obstruction who had spreader grafts placed between June 2016 and May 2018. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nose, FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nostrils, and FACE-Q Social Functioning scales were administered to patients preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Patient demographics, nasal history, and outcomes were analyzed. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative NOSE and FACE-Q scores. A total of 154 patients (72 male [46.8%]) with mean (SD) age of 36.8 (15.4) years underwent FSRP with spreader graft placement. Mean (SD) last follow-up was 5.8 (4.1) months postoperatively (range, 2-12 months). Fifty-seven patients had 6 months follow-up, and 42 patients had at least 12 months of follow-up. At time of last follow-up, mean (SD) NOSE and FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nose, Satisfaction With Nostrils, and Social Functioning scores significantly improved from 62.7 (20.7) to 22.8 (21.0) (P < .001), 54.7 (22.2) to 76.2 (25.1) (P < .001), 59.4 (27.9) to 83.6 (24.8) (P < .001), and 73.6 (21.8) to 81.7 (21.9) (P < .001), respectively. When separated into those with only spreader grafts (n = 89) and those with spreader grafts plus other graft types (n = 65), there was no significant difference between score improvements in the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in final nasal appearance scores between patients undergoing functional vs dual functional and cosmetic FSRP. Despite concerns that placement of spreader grafts for the treatment of nasal obstruction due to nasal valve dysfunction during FSRP may have a negative impact on nasal aesthetics, this study shows that both nasal obstruction and patient satisfaction with their nasal appearance were significantly improved following surgery. 3.

Columella Elongation Surgery Outcome in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

Background:The evaluation of surgical outcomes is needed to achieve excellence in nasal reconstruction of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). The study objective is to evaluate the quality of nasal aesthetics after the columella elongation surgery.Methods:The sample of this study consisted of 70 patients with complete BCLP, operated on columella elongation surgery and analyzed at 6 to 12 years. The system for evaluation of nasal appearance after the columella elongation surgery was performed by objective and subjective analyses.Anthropometric Measurements:Four anthropometric nose measurements were performed directly on the faces, and the same was performed in control group (60 children without oral clefts), paired by age and sex with the experimental group. The measurements were repeated 3 times (triplicate).Subjective Analysis:Scores to evaluate nasal width, nasal tip projection, and length of the columella were applied before and after the columella elongation surgery by 5 raters from the rehabilitation team. Interrater and intrarater agreement was calculated by means of the kappa test.Results:Nasal width in BCLP group was higher when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Nasal tip projection (subnasal–pronasal) and columella length (subnasal–columella) were decreased in BCLP group compared to that of the controls (P < 0.05). Columella width was similar in both study groups (P > 0.05). All scores of nasal aesthetics significantly improved after the columella elongation surgery.Conclusions:Nose of the patients with BCLP is wider, is less projected, and has the shorter columella compared to that of the noncleft subjects. After secondary columella elongation surgery in BCLP, nasal width, nasal projection, and columella length significantly improved.

Quantitative Evaluation of Nasolabial Alterations following Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Therapy in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip.

The clinical benefit of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is actively debated between cleft centers without clear consensus. Nasolabial measurements were performed on pediatric patients with unilateral clefts of the lip, with or without cleft palate, at an academic cleft/craniofacial center prior to and following NAM therapy between June 2015 and August 2016. The parameters of interest were: columella height and width, cleft nostril height and width, and lip width. Measurements were performed using photographs taken alongside a reference object. The image output was then scaled to the size of the reference object and the capture angle. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to assess reliability of the photographic measurements. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation [SD]) were calculated to characterize the pre- and post-NAM measurements. Student's t-tests were performed to compare the pre-NAM versus post-NAM measurements. The primary objective was to measure the effect of NAM on the nasal aesthetic units that are known to be anatomically aberrant in the cleft lip patient. Nine patients were included in this study. Average pre-NAM age was 2.5 weeks, and average post-NAM age was 13 weeks. Average columellar height increased from 3.70 mm (SD = 0.14) pre-NAM to 5.85 mm (SD = 1.96) post-NAM (p < 0.01); average columellar width increased from 4.71 mm (SD = 0.49) to 5.93 mm (SD = 0.71) (p < 0.01); average cleft nostril height increased from 3.54 mm (SD = 2.97) to 6.81 mm (SD = 2.98) (p = 0.01); and average cleft nostril width decreased from 15.46 mm (SD = 2.91) to 11.05 mm (SD = 1.01) (p = 0.01). Average lip width decreased from 34.61 mm (SD = 1.73) to 33.87 mm (SD = 3.67); however, this change was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). This study objectively quantifies positive changes in nasal aesthetics associated with NAM therapy, providing further evidence for its utility as a presurgical treatment modality for optimal aesthetic nasal results in the unilateral cleft lip patient. The major limitation of this study was a lack of control group, as our center universally treats complete unilateral cleft lip patients with NAM therapy. However, the authors strongly believe that the positive aesthetic nasal findings would persist if compared with a non-NAM control group.

Comparison of professional and laypeople evaluation of nasolabial esthetics following unilateral cleft lip repair.

Objectives:The objective is to know the extent of agreement of clinicians’ perception of nasolabial esthetic compared to that of laypeople (parents).Materials and Methods:This was a prospective study of comparison of clinician's perception of nasolabial esthetics with that of laypeople following surgical repair of UCL. Participants were recruited from the Cleft Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and surgical repair of the cleft was performed under general anesthesia. Surgical evaluation was done through direct clinical evaluation using the modified form of the Christofides’ criteria by laypeople and professionals.Results:A total of 48 cleft participants were enrolled in the study. The evaluation of the lip by both the laypeople and professionals was similar, and there was no difference (0.588) in their rating. However, there was a significant disagreement (P = 0.001) between them in the nose assessment.Conclusion:Neither the solitary opinion of the professionals nor that of the laypeople is satisfactory in the evaluation of facial esthetics; both are equally important, especially in the assessment of nasal esthetics. However, opinion of either the laypeople or the professional might be enough in the evaluation of the lip esthetics.

Evaluation of Preoperative and Postoperative Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Improvement of nasal aesthetics by means of rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure and leads to increased patient confidence. The aim of the study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of existing data regarding the ability of cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty to improve patient satisfaction and quality of life measured by the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scale. Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating quality of life following aesthetic rhinoplasty. Study results were pooled and analyzed using a random effects model. Effect size was estimated using standardized mean difference at a 95 percent confidence interval. Heterogeneity and benefit were assessed and reported using the I and standard mean difference. Subgroup analyses were performed based on follow-up period and age group segregation. A total of 377 articles were retrieved, of which eight studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction analyzed by pooling eight observational studies improved following cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty (standard mean difference, 5.87; 95 percent CI, 3.55 to 8.19; I = 100 percent). In addition, further subgroup analyses revealed that maximum benefit was derived by younger patients (standard mean difference, 6.69; 95 percent CI, 3.65 to 9.74; I = 99 percent) compared with older patients (standard mean difference, 3.48; 95 percent CI, 3.01 to 3.96; I = 0 percent). Postoperative patient satisfaction levels showed maximum improvement during a follow-up period of 6 to 12 months (standard mean difference, 11.07; 95 percent CI, -8.79 to 32.12; I = 100 percent). Cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty improves patients' quality of life as evidenced by an improvement in Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scores. Therapeutic, IV.

Evidence-Based Medicine: Current Practices in Rhinoplasty.

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Perform aesthetic and functional nasal analysis to guide septorhinoplasty. 2. Recognize common complications associated with rhinoplasty. 3. Select appropriate septorhinoplasty techniques to refine nasal aesthetics and treat nasal airway obstruction. 4. Identify factors leading to poor patient satisfaction following rhinoplasty. Septorhinoplasty is among the most technically challenging procedures in the realm of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Moreover, it is a constantly evolving topic with extensive background literature. Surgeons must be comfortable with the traditional knowledge base and the current practices in the field. This article reviews the latest thinking on patient selection, functional indications, aesthetic analysis, and operative techniques in septorhinoplasty, with an emphasis on key cartilage grafting and tip suture techniques.

Components of the Hanging Columella: Strategies for Refinement.

The columella is a significant factor in the aesthetic balance of the nose, particularly the lower one-third of the nose. Its position is dependent on the anatomical constituents of the columella, and neighboring anatomical structures. Six components of the hanging columella have been identified: the caudal septum, medial crura, columellar skin, membranous septum, anterior nasal spine, and depressor septi nasi muscle. Columellar refinement begins with a careful analysis and diagnosis of the contributing components, followed by surgical techniques to address these components individually. The cumulative effect of correction of individual components appropriately positions the columella and contributes significantly to the enhancement of nasal aesthetics. Refinement of the columella can be achieved through appropriately trimming the caudal septum; repositioning and reshaping the medial crura; excising redundant columellar skin, membranous septum, and nasal mucosa; appropriately contouring the anterior nasal spine; and dividing the depressor nasi septi nasi.

Improvement of Aesthetic and Nasal Airway in Patients With Cleft Lip Nasal Deformities: Rhinoplasty With Septal Cartilage Graft and Septoplasty.

To assess the improvement of nasal morphologies and ventilation after septal cartilage graft and septoplasty of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Retrospective case-control study. Tertiary stomatology hospital. In total, 118 patients with UCLP who had been diagnosed with a secondary nasal deformity and had reconstructive rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty between 2010 and 2015. Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire, septum deviated angle, rhinoplasty satisfaction questionnaire, and 3-dimensional photographs. Average follow-up period was approximately 12 months for both groups. NOSE and 3-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) analysis demonstrated postoperative improvement in nasal airway function of those patients who underwent rhinoplasty and septoplasty simultaneously ( P < .05). Subjective assessment by patients' visual analog scale (VAS) and objective assessment by 3-dimensional stereophotography demonstrated postoperative improvement in nasal morphologies, particularly the columella deviation angle and nasal depth (representing nasal tip height), which are crucial parameters of nasal aesthetics ( P < .05). In patients who underwent simultaneous rhinoplasty and septoplasty, nasal symmetry and ventilation function were significantly improved compared to the control group. Septum grafts could provide nasal tip support for patients with cleft lip. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry helped us to better visualize the surgical results. Although the septal cartilage of Asian patients is sometimes insufficient for simultaneous use for multiple grafts, septum grafts in rhinoplasty of patients with cleft lip nasal deformities could give support for nasal tips.

Anthropometric study of the caucasian nose in the city of Curitiba: relevance of population evaluation.

IntroductionNorms and patterns of nasal esthetics are essential for an adequate preoperative evaluation and surgical programming. The esthetic nasal patterns used are a blend of artistic beauty ideals and tracings in models and celebrities. Because they do not consider population measures, they vary according to the period, and allow a discrepancy between the surgeon's preference and the patient's real desire for rhinoplasty. Not all populations wish to obtain an esthetic result according to these values, but prefer a natural result, that is, one with some of the nasal characteristics of the population to which they belong to. The Brazilian population lacks population studies to evaluate its nose measurements.Objective(1) To evaluate the anthropometric measures of Caucasian noses of people living in the city of Curitiba (state of Paraná), and to compare them to the ideal esthetic pattern of the literature; (2) To compare them between genders.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study involving 100 Caucasian volunteers at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Through the frontal and lateral view photos, intercanthal distance, alar distance, nasal dorsum length, nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle, and nasal tip projection (Goode's method) were obtained. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the measures obtained between genders and with the ideal patterns.ResultsComparing the results obtained with those predicted by the esthetic ideals, the sample presented: similar nasolabial angle (p = 0.07), alar width greater than intercanthal distance (p < 0.001), higher nasal tip projection (p < 0.001), larger width–length ratio (p < 0.001), and more obtuse nasofrontal angle (p < 0.001). The nasofrontal angle (p = 0.0008) and the tip projection (p = 0.032) were statistically different between the genders. Men had a smaller nasofrontal angle, and a larger Goode's ratio.ConclusionExcept for the nasolabial angle, the measures obtained in the population sample differed from the published esthetic ideals. Comparing the genders, men had a sharper nasofrontal angle, and higher tip projection than women.

The orthodontist’s role in the management of patients with cleft lip and palate undergoing alveolar bone grafting

Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) represents a major event in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. ABG can provide stability to the maxillary arch thus preventing future collapse of the alveolar segments, provide adequate bone for the periodontal health and support of the teeth adjacent to the cleft, improve nasal esthetics by normalizing the piriform rim anatomy, allow for closure of nasolabial fistulas, and improve some speech parameters such as nasal air emission. It is critical for an orthodontist to understand the pertinent considerations surrounding ABG as well as how orthodontic treatment before and after the ABG can impact the overall result of the ABG. This review article provides historical background on ABG and reviews important considerations such as the timing of ABG, pregraft orthodontic treatment, the use of postoperative splints, and the evaluation of ABG results.

Nasal aesthetics in unilateral cleft lip and palate with and without presurgical nasoalveolar molding: a preliminary assessment

Nasal aesthetics in unilateral cleft lip and palate with and without presurgical nasoalveolar molding: a preliminary assessment

Book Review of Clinics in Plastic Surgery: Rhinoplasty: A Multispecialty Approach

Babak Azizzadeh, Daniel Becker, Ronald P. Gruber, eds. Clinics in Plastic Surgery: Rhinoplasty: A Multispecialty Approach . New York, NY: Elsevier, 2016. ISBN-10: 0323414648, ISBN-13: 978-0323414647, $128.99. ![Graphic][1] The January 2016 edition of Clinics in Plastic Surgery is entitled Rhinoplasty: A Multispecialty Approach . Dr Babak Azizzadeh (Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA) edits this book with section editors Drs Daniel Becker and Ronald P. Gruber. The book features contributors from the fields of facial plastic surgery and plastic surgery. Dr Azizzadeh highlights in the preface the lack of publications in the field produced by both specialties and hopes this text will form the basis for more collaborative works. This edition is comprised of 27 chapters commencing with an introduction in nasal aesthetics and ending with the use of fillers in rhinoplasty. Six chapters feature accompanying supplemental online video clips. The introductory chapter on nasal aesthetics is beautifully illustrated and features excellent tips on how to draw a nose. This chapter focuses on the polygons of the nose and forms a good foundation for understanding nasal aesthetics and analysis. The next 2 chapters explore airway obstruction and highlight the importance of appreciation for the functional problems related to rhinoplasty. Some interesting techniques are described such as the Butterfly graft. The following 4 chapters address the dorsum and middle vault. These are well written and well illustrated. The chapters by Gruber et … Corresponding Author : Dr Reza Nassab, 52 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, UK. E-mail: contact{at}rezanassab.com [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

Nasal appearance after secondary cleft rhinoplasty: comparison of professional rating with patient satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to compare professional rating and patient satisfaction of nasal appearance after secondary cleft rhinoplasty. We used a cross-sectional study design and enrolled German adults with nonsyndromic unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and/or palate (UCLP and BCLP, respectively) undergoing secondary cleft rhinoplasty from January 2001 to December 2013. The predictor variable was professional rating. The outcome variable was patient satisfaction with postoperative nasal aesthetics. Other study variables included patient age and gender, type of surgery, and patient rating of nasal function. Appropriate descriptive and univariate statistics were computed, and a P value of <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by the use of Cohen's kappa coefficient. The study sample consisted of 242 adult cleft patients of mean age of 22.1±9.2years (range 14-64), including 97 females (40%) and 176 unilateral clefts (73%). Most of the patients reported good function (82%) and good aesthetics (74%). The main professional rating was good aesthetics (65%). Analysis of inter-observer reliability revealed significant differences between patient satisfaction and professional assessment (κ=0.385; P<0.0001). Although most of the patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic results of secondary cleft rhinoplasty, patient self-assessment of nasal appearance differed from professional assessment.

Does the Nose Have a Function Beyond Breathing?

This article examines how functional nasal surgery can result in aesthetic improvement to the nose. We performed a literature search examining functional rhinoplasty with resultant aesthetic benefits. We also conducted a review of various techniques that can be used to correct functional nasal obstruction that also achieve aesthetic improvement(s).Although there are data demonstrating improvements to quality of life after functional and aesthetic nasal surgery, there is limited work linking the close relationship between functional nasal surgery with resultant aesthetic improvements.Functional rhinoplasty to correct nasal obstruction can also result in aesthetic improvements. Perhaps reconsideration of separating these closely tied issues is needed. A formal study looking at the degree of worsened, unchanged, and improved nasal aesthetics that occurs after true functional rhinoplasty, from both objective and subjective viewpoints, should be considered.

Changes in nose symmetry in unilateral cleft lip and palate treated by differing pre-surgical assistance: An objective assessment of primary repair

BackgoundResidual deformity of the nose, not lip, continues to be the greater challenge in UCCLP rehabilitation. Platform distortions often re-emerge following primary reconstruction revealing the stereotypical cleft-nose. Nasal alveolar molding reduces nose asymmetry. However, this study applies directional mechanics to the underlying platform distortions and soft tissue nose, introducing a novel device addressing the distorted septo-premaxillary junction. MethodsRetrospective assessment of 47 UCCLP patients by 2-dimensional photographic analysis with 24 subjects treated by dento-maxillary advancement (DMA) and nasal septum button-head pin (NSBP), 17 having nasal molding (NM), compared to 23 subjects without nose treatment, 16 with DMA and 7 with passive plates. Measurements were assessed by t tests, ≤05 confidence. ResultsFrontal view: nose-treatment sample achieved ideal ala-bases vertical symmetry (p = 0.00065 & 0.00073); significantly improved ala-rims “slump” angle (p = 0.0071). Both samples had nose positioning within the facial frame like non-cleft population. Sub-nasal view: significant differences were for columella angle (p = 0.0015), nares “offset” (p = 0.002), and columella symmetry (p = 0.022) with nose-treatment achieving near ideal columella symmetry score (0.92) vs. (0.81). ConclusionsNM and the novel NSBP procedures integrated with the platform correction effect of the DMA successfully treated at three distorted anatomic-levels native to UCCLP to improve nasal aesthetics.

Objective Measurements for Grading the Nasal Esthetics on Basal View in Individuals with Secondary Cleft Nasal Deformity

The purpose of this study is to ascertain objective nasal measurements from the basal view that are predictive of nasal esthetics in individuals with secondary cleft nasal deformity. Thirty-three patients who had undergone unilateral cleft lip repair were retrospectively reviewed in this study. The degree of nasal deformity was subjectively ranked by seven surgeons using standardized basal-view measurements. Nine physical objective parameters including angles and ratios were measured. Correlations and regressions between these objective and subjective measurements were then analyzed. There was high concordance in subjective measurements by different surgeons (Kendall's harmonious coefficient = W = .825, P = .006). The strongest predictive factors for nasal aesthetics were the ratio of length of nasal alar (r = .370, P = .034) and the degree of deviation of the columnar axis (r = .451, P = .008). The columellar angle had a more powerful effect in rating nasal esthetics. There was reliable concordance in subjective ranking of nasal esthetics by surgeons. Measurement of the columnar angle may serve as an independent, objective predictor of esthetics of the nose.

Superior rhinoplasty outcomes with precise nasal osteotomy: an individualized approach for maintaining function and achieving aesthetic goals.

Although frequently performed in rhinoplasty, nasal osteotomies have been unpredictable in consistently controlling postoperative alterations in bony morphology in many patients. Consequently, a detailed algorithm for an individualized approach to osteotomy is needed to achieve superior aesthetic and functional outcomes. The authors aimed to propose a component-oriented and individualized approach for nasal osteotomy in rhinoplasty. Clinical outcomes were reviewed for 150 consecutive patients who underwent rhinoplasty. Type and frequency of specific osteotomy procedures and preoperative and postoperative photographs were examined. A total of 97 cases with at least 12 months of follow-up data were evaluated. In 92 of 97 patients (95%), a lateralized medial oblique osteotomy was performed; 70 (72%) required bilateral intermediate osteotomy, and 21 (22%) required unilateral osteotomy. Forty-one patients (42%) underwent bilateral base osteotomy and 24 (25%) underwent unilateral base osteotomy. No base osteotomy was performed in 32 patients (33%) who had aesthetically pleasing lateral wall width and no convexity of the posterior portion of the lateral bony wall. The osteocartilaginous vault is asymmetric in the majority of patients undergoing rhinoplasty. Anatomic variations in the height, length, and/or width of the bony vault can significantly influence its shape and symmetry. Various principles and techniques for nasal osteotomy increase predictability of outcomes while improving nasal aesthetics and function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

Patient satisfaction in Caucasian and Mediterranean open rhinoplasty using the tongue-in-groove technique: prospective statistical analysis of change in subjective body image in relation to nasal appearance following aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Tongue-in-groove (TIG) is a conservative but powerful surgical suture technique to control shape, rotation, and projection of the nasal tip. In this study, statistical analyses were performed to determine the aesthetical and functional effectiveness of TIG rhinoplasty. Prospective cohort study including 110 Caucasian or Mediterranean aesthetic rhinoplasty patients treated by one surgeon between 2007 and 2012, with a 1-year follow-up. Data were collected using the Utrecht Questionnaire, a validated instrument routinely offered to our patients before and 1 year after surgery. Aesthetic results were reflected by change in subjective body image in relation to nasal appearance, scored on five aesthetic questions and a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Functional results were determined by change in subjective nasal airway patency, scored on a 10-cm VAS for both sides. The mean aesthetic sum score (5, low burden-25, high burden) significantly improved from 14.01 to 6.54 (P <.01). The mean aesthetic VAS score (0, very ugly-10, very nice) significantly improved from 3.35 to 7.78 (P < .01). The mean functional VAS score (0, very bad-10, very good) showed a small but significant improvement on both sides (left, 6.83-7.96; right, 6.88-7.80; P <.01). Statistical analysis of quantified subjective data on nasal aesthetics and function show that TIG is a reliable technique that can help to deliver consistently good results in Caucasian and Mediterranean patients seeking aesthetic rhinoplasty. A small additional functional improvement can be expected.