Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes of Let Down Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Facial Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Preservation rhinoplasty is an evolving surgical technique with limited data on functional and aesthetic results.
• Assessing outcomes of preservation rhinoplasty is crucial for understanding its efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported changes in nasal aesthetics, breathing, and sleep after preservation rhinoplasty.
• To compare outcomes between two distinct septal cartilage manipulation techniques: modified subdorsal strip method (MSSM) and subdorsal Z-flap.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 52 patients undergoing dorsal preservation rhinoplasty.
• Validated assessment tools including NOSE, SNOT-22, SCHNOS, and ESS were used pre- and postoperatively.
• Outcomes were compared between MSSM and Z-flap techniques.

Main Results:

• A majority of patients reported significant improvements in nasal aesthetics, breathing, and sleep at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.
• Improvements were measured using NOSE, SNOT-22, SCHNOS, and ESS scores.
• No significant differences in outcomes were found between the MSSM and Z-flap techniques.

Conclusions:

• Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty, using either MSSM or Z-flap techniques, effectively enhances nasal aesthetics, breathing, and sleep.
• Patient-reported outcomes demonstrate the success of these preservation techniques.
• Both evaluated septal cartilage manipulation methods are viable options for preservation rhinoplasty.