Minimum follow-up for closed rhinoseptoplasties

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Outcomes Research

Background:

• Consensus on stable postoperative follow-up for rhinoseptoplasty outcomes is lacking.
• Determining the point of outcome stabilization is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the postoperative follow-up duration at which rhinoseptoplasty outcomes become stable.
• To establish a reliable timeframe for assessing aesthetic and functional results.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection of 357 closed structural rhinoseptoplasty procedures.
• Utilized Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores.
• Collected data over a 1- to 12-month postoperative period.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in NOSE and ROE scores were found between 1, 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
• No correlation was observed between follow-up duration (months) and ROE/NOSE scores.
• The 1-month postoperative assessment is a reliable indicator of the 12-month outcome.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative follow-up duration does not significantly influence NOSE and ROE scores from 1 to 12 months.
• The 1-month postoperative outcome can predict the 12-month outcome for closed rhinoseptoplasty.
• Further research is needed for open techniques and outcomes beyond 12 months.