[Rhinoplasty: medicolegal issues]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Rhinoplasty presents challenges in achieving both aesthetic and functional patient satisfaction.
• The functional outcome is closely linked to the morphological result in rhinoplasty.
• Unsatisfactory results in primary rhinoplasty range from 15% to 30%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of a dual approach to patient satisfaction in rhinoplasty.
• To highlight the legal and practical necessity of thorough documentation in aesthetic surgery.
• To underscore the link between aesthetic success and dispute resolution in rhinoplasty.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical experience in rhinoplasty.
• Emphasis on the practitioner's obligation of means in aesthetic surgery.
• Importance of pre- and postoperative photographic documentation.

Main Results:

• Aesthetic satisfaction can mitigate disputes even with residual breathing difficulties.
• Comprehensive patient information, both oral and written, is paramount.
• Surgeons must maintain photographic records for conflict resolution.

Conclusions:

• Thorough documentation, including photographs, is essential for managing rhinoplasty outcomes and patient expectations.
• Linking functional and aesthetic results is key to minimizing patient dissatisfaction and disputes.
• Practitioners must ensure documented proof of informed consent and results.