Dorsal Preservation versus Open Structural Rhinoplasty: Can We Tell the Difference between Aesthetic and Functional...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Plastic Surgery
• Rhinoplasty Techniques

Background:

• Dorsal preservation (DP) is a rhinoplasty technique focusing on maintaining nasal structures.
• DP offers potential benefits like preserving the osseocartilaginous framework and avoiding open roof deformity.
• Comparative outcomes between DP and structural rhinoplasty require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare aesthetic, functional, and patient-reported outcomes of DP versus non-dorsal preservation (NDP) rhinoplasty.
• To assess if surgeons can differentiate between DP and NDP surgical approaches.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction and functional improvement in both cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 78 patients undergoing DP or NDP rhinoplasty.
• Pre- and post-operative photographs analyzed by general population, plastic surgeons, and rhinoplasty surgeons.
• Patient-reported outcomes assessed using Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) and Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS).

Main Results:

• Evaluators correctly identified the surgical approach in 52.9% of cases, with rhinoplasty surgeons showing the least variability.
• Functional obstruction scores were comparable between DP and NDP cohorts based on patient questionnaires.
• Aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes were similar across both surgical techniques.

Conclusions:

• Dorsal preservation and non-dorsal preservation rhinoplasty yield comparable functional, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes.
• DP ensures osseocartilaginous framework stability, making it a favorable option for appropriate patients.
• The study supports DP as a valuable technique in rhinoplasty with favorable results.