Awareness of rhinoplasty-related complications among adolescents and adults: A cross-sectional study

Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide. Awareness of potential postoperative complications may differ between adolescents and adults and may influence expectations regarding surgery. The objective of this study was to compare baseline awareness of well-established rhinoplasty-related complications between adolescents and adults recruited from a general otorhinolaryngology outpatient setting. This cross-sectional survey included 372 participants (196 adolescents and 176 adults). The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, attitudes toward rhinoplasty, and awareness of specific rhinoplasty-related complications. Participants were stratified into adolescent and adult groups, and intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square analysis, with statistical significance set at P < .05. Significant differences were observed between adolescents and adults in awareness of multiple rhinoplasty-related complications. Adults demonstrated significantly greater awareness of several intraoperative complications, including cautery burns (P = .023), collapse of the bony pyramid (P = .006), osteotomy-related complications (P < .001), and perinasal trauma (P < .001). No significant intergroup differences were identified for immediate postoperative complications. In contrast, pronounced differences were observed in early and late postoperative complications. Adults showed significantly higher awareness of septal hematoma (P< .001), wound dehiscence (P< .001), persistent edema (P = .007), cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (P = .004), polybeak deformity (P < .001), synechiae formation (P < .001), septal perforation (P = .011), nasal valve collapse (P < .001), and patient dissatisfaction (P = .031). Baseline awareness of rhinoplasty-related complications differs significantly between adolescents and adults, with adults demonstrating greater knowledge across multiple complication domains.