Rhinoplasty: a CT-scan analysis

In order to assess the postoperative consequences of various rhinoplasty techniques, CT scans were done in 35 patients having a rhinoplasty operation. This series can be subdivided into those having preoperative and postoperative scans at both 2 days and 6 months (15 patients), a postoperative scan only at 48 hours (10), or a long-term postoperative scan at a mean of 12 months (10). Preoperative analysis indicates that a wide variation exists in lateral nasal wall anatomy and angulation. Surgically, the lateral nasal walls undergo limited medial movement, with tilt a significant component. Postoperatively, extensive remodeling can occur, and virtually all osteotomies are healed by osseous union at 6 months. Future application of CT scans in severely deviated noses may be justified.