[Postoperative xeroradiography in esthetic rhinoplasty. Comparison of tissue reactions]

The cephaloxerogram has been a very useful exam before rhinoplasty since 1975. The comparison with post-operative cephaloxerograms performed on 72 rhinoplasties between. 10 and 23 months, was performed to investigate the soft-tissue response following rhinoplasty. The soft-tissue response was studied in seven different zones. This study shows how the soft tissue alteration is very different from one zone to one another. It is possible to conclude that the study of the importance of the soft tissue response is difficult; but necessary to obtain the most exact super imposed profile before and after operation. The soft tissue alteration is particularly hypertrophic in relation to the upper cartilage zone and supratic area, where the musculo-aponeurotic system (nasal SMAS) is very important. Preservation of this system, during undermining of the nasal soft tissue, may be an important step to reduce the hypertrophic response at this level.