Preoperative Simulation in Planning Rhinoplasty: Evaluation from Patients' and Surgeons' Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Rhinoplasty is a common aesthetic surgery procedure.
• Preoperative simulations are increasingly used but controversial.
• Simulations can enhance surgeon-patient rapport or become a liability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgeon and patient perspectives on preoperative simulations in rhinoplasty.
• To understand the influence of simulations on patient decision-making.
• To assess the relationship between surgeon experience and simulation confidence.

Main Methods:

• Online questionnaire survey distributed to plastic surgeons performing rhinoplasty and patients considering the procedure.
• Inquiry into opinions on simulation use and ability to distinguish simulated from actual results.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• Patient decision-making is influenced by simulation availability, surgeon's previous results, and patient referrals.
• Experienced surgeons exhibit higher confidence in using simulations compared to inexperienced surgeons (p < 0.05).
• Simulation withholding preferences did not differ significantly across surgeon experience levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Patient self-consciousness regarding preoperative simulations appears to increase more rapidly than surgeon confidence in their application.
• The study highlights a potential disparity in the evolving comfort levels with simulation technology between patients and surgeons.
• Further research may be needed to reconcile these differing perceptions for optimal patient care and surgical practice.