Aesthetic and Functional Results of Lateral Crural Repositioning

Evaluation of the aesthetic and functional effectiveness of primary closed rhinoseptoplasty: a study of 189 cases

BACKGROUND

With the increasing demand for rhinoplasty procedures, evaluating outcomes becomes crucial for improving surgical procedures. Nevertheless, there is a limited number of extensive studies exclusively dedicated to closed rhinoseptoplasty (RSP), emphasizing the evaluation of both aesthetic and functional dimensions. This study aims to assess the aesthetic and functional effectiveness of exclusively closed primary RSP procedures and to identify subgroups at risk of less favorable outcomes, providing valuable insights for preoperative planning. The study incorporates the widely used Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores, making it the most comprehensive research to date in terms of sample size and subgroup analysis for closed approaches.

METHODS

A total of 189 closed RSPs performed between January 2019 and June 2023 were prospectively evaluated. Follow-ups at 2, 6, and 12 months enabled a comprehensive understanding of the postoperative evolution. Statistical analyses included non-parametric the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman coefficient, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study reveals significant improvements in both aesthetic (ROE) and functional (NOSE) scores postoperatively, emphasizing the positive impact of closed RSP. Subgroup analyses unveiled factors influencing functional and aesthetic outcomes, contributing to a refined understanding of closed RSP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study not only reaffirms the effectiveness of closed RSP but also offers valuable insights into various factors influencing outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of considering both aesthetic and functional aspects in rhinoplasty planning, contributing to the evolving landscape of surgical practices.

Minimum follow-up for closed rhinoseptoplasties

BACKGROUND

There is no established consensus on the postoperative follow-up from which the aesthetic and functional outcomes of rhinoseptoplasty are considered as stable.

OBJECTIVES

To contribute to defining the postoperative follow-up from which rhinoseptoplasty outcomes cease to evolve.

METHODS

Postoperative assessments of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores from 357 closed structural rhinoseptoplasty procedures were prospectively gathered from January 2019 to December 2023. These measurements encompassed the postoperative period from 1 to 12 months. All procedures were performed utilizing closed technique.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was detected between the scores at 1, 2, and 6 months versus 12 months postoperatively (ROE: p = 0.388; 0.268; 0.162; NOSE: p = 0.265; 0.192; 0.975, Mann-Whitney test). Similarly, no follow-up impact was revealed between the scores at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (ROE: p = 0.548; NOSE: p = 0.280, Kruskal-Wallis test). No significant correlation was established between follow-up (in months) and ROE and NOSE scores (ROE: p = 0.397; NOSE: p = 0.632, Spearman).

CONCLUSION

Follow-up duration does not influence NOSE and ROE scores over the 1- to 12-month timeframe. The 1-month postoperative outcome can be regarded as a reliable indicator of the 12-month outcome. These conclusions apply to NOSE and ROE scores of rhinoseptoplasty conducted using closed technique for the 1- to 12-month period. Further research is needed for open techniques, preservation rhinoplasty, other patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) as well as for the follow-up beyond 12 months postoperatively.

Patient Outcomes in Lateral Crural Repositioning and Reconstruction in Revision Rhinoplasty

Background: In revision rhinoplasty, lateral crural repositioning/reconstruction is considered a complex maneuver. The aim of this study is to measure patient outcomes after lateral crural repositioning/reconstruction in revision rhinoplasty. Methods: In this retrospective case series, patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty with lateral crural repositioning/reconstruction for functional, cosmetic, or combined purposes were reviewed. Preoperative Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) scores, functional and cosmetic visual analog scales (VAS-functional [F] and VAS-cosmetic [C]), and lateral wall insufficiency (LWI) grades were compared with their respective postoperative scores. Results: Forty-two patients were identified who underwent lateral crural repositioning. The mean postoperative follow-up for ≤6 months (PO1) and >6 months (PO2) was 3.1 (standard deviation [SD] 1.7) and 11.5 (SD 5.3) months, respectively. At both postoperative periods, significant improvement (p < 0.05) in patient-reported outcomes was observed in mean SCHNOS-Obstruction, SCHNOS-Cosmesis, VAS-F, and VAS-C scores. The postoperative changes in LWI scores (Δ) were significant on both sides at zone 1 at PO1 (p < 0.05) and PO2 (p < 0.05), and at PO2 on the left side (p < 0.05) only, for zone 2. Conclusion: Lateral crural repositioning with reconstruction is an effective maneuver in revision rhinoplasty in a subset of patients and specifically helps to improve nasal tip aesthetics while preserving function.

Inaccuracy of Standard 2D Photography for the Diagnosis of Cephalic Malposition of Lateral Crural Cartilages

Lateral crural cephalic malposition (LCCM) is a well-known deformity of the nasal tip which contributes to functional disturbances of the external nasal valve. Accurate diagnosis of this deformity helps surgeons plan for better outcomes. A total of 176 candidate patients for primary rhinoplasty underwent standard 2D medical photography of the face. Senior authors analyzed photography results and differentiated the patients with LCCM. In addition, we measured the angle between the dorsal septum and lateral end of the long axis of the alar cartilage in the operation room. Ninety-five patients were diagnosed with LCCM on photography. As much as 31.3% (55) of all the patients had LCCM in intraoperative measurements. The sensitivity and specificity of 2D photography for diagnosing LCCM were 0.7924 and 0.5391, respectively. The main surgical techniques for correction of LCCM were alar repositioning (34.3% in total, 56% in LCCM patients) and lateral crural strut graft (43.8% in total, 69% in LCCM patients). LCCM is overdiagnosed via 2D photography, and this method lacks sensitivity. The overall frequency of LCCM seems to be lower than the previously reported frequency. For optimal results in rhinoplasty, surgeons must focus on the best contouring and function rather than solely correcting angles and rotations.

Comparative Functional Effect of Alternative Surgical Techniques Used in Rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation is to compare the functional effect of the different surgical techniques used for addressing each section of the nose.

METHODS

Prospective study of 57 consecutive rhinoplasty patients. Patients were evaluated with peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction before and 1 year after rhinoplasty. Additionally, esthetic evaluation of the nose was obtained with Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE). According to the surgical technique used to address each portion of the nose, groups of patients were created and the functional improvement of these groups was compared.

RESULTS

Using the TukeyHSD multiple pairwise-comparison test, the estimated difference of the increase of PNIF between using spreader grafts and using spreader flaps was 94.9 (95% CI 24.3, 165.5, P = .004) between spreader grafts and neither grafts or flaps was 79.2 (95% CI 5.8, 152.6, P = .03), between spreader grafts and bilateral spreader flaps plus a unilateral spreader graft was 90.2 (95% CI 22.1, 158.2, P = .005). In all other portions of the nose, no significant difference was found in the functional improvement between different surgical techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Spreader grafts increase PNIF more significantly than other surgical techniques used for dorsal mid-vault reconstruction. Spreader grafts should be preferred over other techniques whenever an improvement of nasal airflow is required. No significant differences were found between the functional effect of alternative techniques used in other sections of the nose. Additional cohort studies will be necessary to further confirm data from this investigation.

Development and Validation of the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) Questionnaire: An Analytical Study

BACKGROUND:

Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) is an easy-to-use questionnaire that allows comprehensive assessment of rhinoplasty-related patient satisfaction. However, the normal values for this questionnaire are not known. Therefore, we aim to validate the ROE questionnaire adapted to Iranian culture.

METHOD:

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the statistical population consisted of applicants for cosmetic surgery referred to Shahid Rajaee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, in the autumn and winter of 2017. Two hundred individuals participated in this research by a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire (ROE) was translated to Persian and backward translated to English by independent medical extern Persian speakers with complete English proficiency. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 using exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS:

The findings showed that the Cronbach’s Alpha of composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE); overall, values above 0.4 were favorable in this measure. In addition, the AVE ranged from 0.50 to 0.59, which confirmed convergent validity. The AVEs of each factor was higher than the squared correlations and confirmed discriminant validity within the constructs. In the presence of significant factor loadings and composite reliability greater than 0.70, convergence validity was confirmed. Furthermore, the higher AVEs for each factor were compared to the squared correlations to confirm discriminant validity.

CONCLUSION:

The Iranian version of ROE is a valid instrument to assess results in rhinoplasty patients.

Effects of Functional Rhinoplasty on Nasal Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Functional rhinoplasty (FRP) is used to improve nasal ventilation by correcting problems with the nasal valves. It has not been systematically reviewed on a large scale.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies evaluating nasal obstruction before and after functional rhinoplasty in patients with nasal valve problems.

RESULTS

A total of 57 cohorts from 43 studies involving 2024 patients were included in the current meta-analysis. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores indicated significant improvement in nasal obstruction at the 1-month follow-up (WMD = 38.12; 95% CI, 29.15-47.10; I²= 83.6%; P = 0.00), 3-month follow-up (WMD = 48.40; 95% CI, 43.16-53.64; I²= 69.1%; P = 0.00), 6-month follow-up (WMD = 44.35; 95% CI, 36.65-52.04; I²= 96.6%; P = 0.00), 12-month follow-up (WMD=43.07; 95% CI, 26.56-59.58; I²= 97.9%; P = 0.00), and the last follow-up (WMD = 46.90; 95% CI, 43.92-49.88; I²= 95.9%; P = 0.00) with respect to the preoperative baseline. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores indicated a similar trend at the 1-month follow-up (WMD = 4.68; 95% CI, 3.79-5.57; I²= 86.8%; P = 0.00), 3-month follow-up (WMD = 4.46; 95% CI, 3.19-5.74; I²= 93.3%; P = 0.00), 6-month follow-up (WMD = 4.91; 95% CI, 4.04-5.78; I²= 88%; P = 0.00) and last follow-up (WMD = 4.22; 95% CI, 3.12-5.32; I²= 97.1%; P = 0.00). Nasal obstruction was obviously relieved through rhinomanometry (SMD=0.56; 95% CI, 0.27-0.84; I²= 0.0%; P = 0.00) but not through peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) (SMD=-1.51; 95% CI, -3.10 to 0.07; I²= 98.9%; P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

FRP may have a positive effect on nasal obstruction caused by nasal valve problems. Broader and well-designed studies are needed to shed more light on the relationships in this area.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Impact of Nasal Obstruction and Functional Septorhinoplasty on Sleep Quality

Importance: Functional septorhinoplasty (FSRP) has been shown to improve both global and disease-specific quality of life (QOL). However, the mechanism by which FSRP improves QOL has not been fully defined. We reasoned that NAO may impact sleep quality and, therefore, studied the relationship using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Objective: To investigate the correlation between NAO and sleep quality using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Quality (FOSQ-10) questionnaires, and to evaluate the effect of FSRP on NAO and sleep quality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a prospective longitudinal study of 125 patients undergoing FSRP for the repair of NAO between November 2017 and April 2019 in a university-based tertiary care medical center. The individuals (mean age = 38 ± 15.6 years, 65 females; 52%) were invited to complete the FOSQ-10 survey preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and 122 of these patients also completed the NOSE questionnaire. Sixty individuals who reported a history of snoring also completed the Snoring Outcomes Survey (SOS). Twelve of 125 patients had obstructive sleep apnea. Patient demographics, nasal surgery, and medical histories and outcomes were analyzed. Intervention: Functional septorhinoplasty. Main Outcomes and Measures: Comparison of pre- and postoperative sleep and NAO scores to determine the correlation between the severity of NAO and sleep quality and the impact of correction of NAO on sleep quality. Results: A total of 125 patients completed FOSQ-10 questionnaire with a median score of 18.00 (IQR = 15.33-19.66) at baseline. Among these individuals, 122 patients completed the NOSE questionnaire with a median score of 65 (IQR = 45-75). A negative correlation between NOSE and FOSQ-10 scores was found at baseline (r = -0.380, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in baseline FOSQ-10 scores between individuals with (n = 12, mean FOSQ-10 score = 13.28 ± 3.19) (p < 0.001) and without sleep apnea (n = 100, mean FOSQ-10 score = 17.24 ± 3.21). After FSRP, the NOSE and FOSQ-10 scores improved at each postoperative follow-up time point. The change in FOSQ-10 scores was statistically significant at months 2, 4, and 6 (p < 0.001) but not at month 12 (p = 0.161). The NOSE scores were statistically different from baseline level for each postoperative follow-up visits (p < 0.001-months 2, 4, and 6 and p = 0.031-month 12). The distribution of NOSE scores was not different statistically (p = 0.984). The negative correlation between NOSE and FOSQ-10 mean scores that was demonstrated at baseline increases postoperatively (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). Conclusions and Relevance: FSRP can improve both symptoms of NAO and sleep quality. The increased correlation between NAO and sleep quality after surgery is consistent with the hypothesis that improvement in NAO improves sleep quality and QOL.

Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score outcomes after septorhinoplasty

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The time interval at which Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores stabilize after functional septorhinoplasty has not been determined. Our goal was to characterize longitudinal trends of patient-reported outcomes of nasal obstruction using the NOSE survey instrument following functional septorhinoplasty.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) with nasal obstruction who underwent functional septorhinoplasty by three different surgeons at a single academic, tertiary referral center were identified. NOSE scores were obtained preoperatively and prospectively during three postoperative intervals defined as early (1-3 months), middle (4-6 months), and late (≥10 months.) Longitudinal analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance and adjustments for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients met inclusion criteria. For the total cohort, mean NOSE scores significantly improved between preoperative and early postoperative evaluations (71.4, standard deviation [SD] ± 17.0 vs. 24.2, SD ± 19.5; P < .001) but did not significantly change between early and middle (20.6, SD ± 19.1; P = .543) or middle and late (23.1, SD ± 24.9; P > .999) time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with nasal obstruction who undergo functional septorhinoplasty can be expected to have significant improvement in self -reported nasal obstruction as early as 1 to 3 months postoperatively with a continued, durable, long-standing benefit lasting at least 10 months after surgery. Future studies can consider the 3-month time frame as a proxy for 1 year outcomes to help reduce survey burden.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c Laryngoscope, 129:841-846, 2019.

Tip Grafting for the Asian Nose

Tip surgery during rhinoplasty is particularly difficult in Asians. Tip grafting is the best approach. Conchal cartilage with perichondrium and costal cartilage are powerful grafting materials. The most important grafting techniques are tip-onlay grafting, shield grafting, and multilayer tip grafting. Tip-onlay grafts are useful for dorsal convexity. Shield grafts require sufficient support to prevent bending. Multilayer tip grafts (usually 2 layers) are versatile. Asians vary in cartilage configuration, skin thickness, and aesthetic desires: tip-grafting strategies must be tailored to meet the aesthetic goals of individuals. Tip-grafting complications (eg, visible graft contour and infection) are not uncommon and should be considered.

Effects of the Tongue-in-Groove Maneuver on Nasal Tip Rotation

BACKGROUND

A change in nasal tip rotation is a very common maneuver performed during rhinoplasty. Among the many techniques used to achieve this goal is the tongue-in-groove (TIG).

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses the long-term effect of the TIG on the nasal tip rotation 1 year after rhinoplasty.

METHODS

The authors prospectively identified patients who were submitted to a rhinoplasty with a TIG maneuver over a period of 1 year. The angle of rotation was measured along the nostril axis angle. The data were analyzed using the t test and a linear regression model.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included. The average preoperative tip rotation was 93.95° (SD, 3.12°). Immediate postoperative tip rotation averaged 114.47° (SD, 3.79°). At the 1-year follow-up appointment, the tip rotation averaged 106.55° (SD, 3.54°). There was a significant loss of rotation at the 1-year postoperative visit (P < 0.0001), with an average loss of 7.9° (SD, 3.25°), which amounted to 6.8%. The preoperative rotation didn't affect the amount of loss of rotation (P = 0.04). It can be estimated that, for every degree of rotation that is changed at surgery, the tip can be expected to lose 0.35 degrees over the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

TIG is a more dependable technique than the ones that rely on healing and contraction to obtain rotation. Our data demonstrated a significant loss of rotation during the first year. This suggests that the surgeon needs to slightly overcorrect the tip rotation to account for this loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

Association of Skin Thickness With Alar Base Reduction in Patients Undergoing Lateral Crural Repositioning and Strut Grafting

IMPORTANCE

Knowing the operation plan is important for rhinoplasty surgeons to prevent unpredictable results.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency of alar base resection in patients with different skin thickness who underwent lateral crural repositioning and lateral crural strut graft and to evaluate the results in the context of the current literature.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective case series study included 621 patients who underwent primary open septorhinoplasty by the same surgeon between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015. From the surgical notes, operation type (lateral crural repositioning [LCrep] with lateral crural strut grafting [LCSG] and with or without alar base resection) and skin type were recorded. Study participants' skin types were determined intraoperatively and divided into 3 groups: (1) thick skin (the tip definition was limited by skin thickness and subcutaneous tissue), (2) thin skin (the tip cartilage was visible and could be observed despite overlying soft tissue and skin), and (3) normal skin (the tip cartilage during the procedure had no effect on the tip definition).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The rate of alar base resection according to the type of operation performed and patient skin thickness.

RESULTS

Of the 621 patients in the study, 95 (15.3%) were men and 526 (84.7%) were women. Lateral crural repositioning with LCSG was performed in 319 surgical procedures (51.4%), and alar base reduction was performed in 329 (53.0%). The rate of alar base resection differed significantly on the basis of whether LCrep with LCSG was performed (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% CI, 1.32-2.50; P < .001). In patients with thin skin, there was no significant difference in the incidence of alar base resection associated with LCrep with LCSG (OR, 2.034; 95% CI, 0.912-4.539; P = .08). In patients with thick skin, a significant difference in the frequency of alar base resection was associated with the application of LCrep with LCSG (OR, 1.995; 95% CI, 1.228-3.241; P = .005). In patients with normal skin, LCrep with LCSG had no significant association with the frequency of alar base resection (OR, 1.557; 95% CI, 0.930-2.607; P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The necessity of alar base reduction after LCrep with LCSG is greater in patients with thick skin than in patients with thin and normal skin. This study is the first to our knowledge to examine this topic in rhinoplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies Evaluating Functional Rhinoplasty Outcomes with the NOSE Score

Objective To provide aggregate data regarding the ability of functional rhinoplasty to improve nasal obstruction as measured by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases. Review Methods A search was performed with the terms "nasal obstruction" and "rhinoplasty." Studies were included if they evaluated the effect of functional rhinoplasty on nasal obstruction with the NOSE score. Case reports, narratives, and articles that did not use the NOSE score were excluded. Functional rhinoplasty was defined as surgery on the nasal valve. This search resulted in 665 articles. After dual-investigator independent screening, 16 articles remained. Study results were pooled with a random effects model of meta-analysis. Change in NOSE score after surgery was assessed via the mean difference between baseline and postoperative results and the standardized mean difference. Heterogeneity was assessed and reported through the I² statistic. Results Patients in the included studies had moderate to severe nasal obstructive symptoms at baseline. The NOSE scores were substantially improved at 3-6, 6-12, and ≥12 months, with absolute reductions of 50 points (95% CI, 45-54), 43 points (95% CI, 36-51), and 49 points (95% CI, 39-58), respectively. All of these analyses showed high heterogeneity. Conclusions Nasal obstruction as measured by the NOSE survey is reduced by 43 to 50 points (out of 100 points) for 12 months after rhinoplasty. Our confidence in these results is limited by heterogeneity among studies, large variability in outcomes beyond 12 months, and the inherent potential for bias in observational studies.

A Comprehensive Quality-of-Life Instrument for Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty: The RHINO Scale

Currently, there is no validated quality-of-life instrument that evaluates both functional and aesthetic outcomes after rhinoplasty. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive quality-of-life instrument to assess patient satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes after rhinoplasty.

METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective instrument validation study at a university-affiliated academic medical center. Inclusion criteria included patients with nasal obstructive symptoms, nasal aesthetic deformity, or both, who underwent functional and/or aesthetic rhinoplasty by a single surgeon between December 2014 and June 2015. A novel 10-item instrument (the Rhinoplasty Health Inventory and Nasal Outcomes [RHINO] scale) was developed to assess physical, mental, and social well-being after functional and/or aesthetic rhinoplasty. Instrument validation was performed by assessment of test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and concurrent validity.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (10 males and 12 females) were enrolled. Mean age was 34.9 years (range: 18-67 years). All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 weeks (range: 12-23 weeks; mean: 16.5 weeks). Mean RHINO score was 51.4 ± 13.8 on the first preoperative evaluation and 51.7 ± 12.5 when repeated preoperatively on the day of surgery (r = 0.94; P < 0.001). Internal consistency demonstrated Cronbach's α value of 0.74. Mean postoperative RHINO score was 84.7 ± 14.1 (mean difference from preoperative RHINO = 33.2 ± 18.9; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The RHINO instrument demonstrates robust reliability and validity in assessing patient-reported satisfaction with rhinoplasty outcomes.