German Translation and Validation of the FACE-Q Nose and Nostrils Subscales

Septorhinoplasty addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns, and patient satisfaction is a critical outcome. The FACE-Q rhinoplasty module is a validated tool used to assess patient satisfaction in aesthetic procedures, but a German version was previously unavailable. This study aimed to translate and validate the FACE-Q nose and nostrils subscales into German to ensure their reliability and cultural relevance for German-speaking patients.

This study was conducted in 2 phases: translation and statistical validation. Following international guidelines, the FACE-Q was translated into German using a backward-forward translation process, expert review, and cognitive debriefing interviews with patients. In the second phase, 20 patients with septorhinoplasty and 30 control participants, both fluent in German and English, completed questionnaires. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated in the control group using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

The translated FACE-Q demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach alpha values ranging between 0.888 and 0.918. The test-retest reliability was excellent for the nose subscale (ICC = 0.938) and good for the nostrils subscale (ICC = 0.819). The minimal clinically important difference values of 9.82 and 13.96 were calculated for the nose and nostrils subscales.

The German version of the FACE-Q rhinoplasty module was a reliable tool for assessing patient satisfaction during septorhinoplasty. Its strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability align with other European translations, making it a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.