Anthropometric Evaluation of Photographic Images Before and After Functional Nasal Surgery in Patients With Deviated Noses

Abstract

Background Numerous techniques for correction of deviated noses have been described. Nevertheless, surgical management is challenging even for experienced rhinosurgeons. Often, a “residual deformity” after functional septorhinoplasty (SRP) due to a deviated pyramid syndrome may remain. Objective Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how frequent functional SRP in patients with a deviated nose results in “successful” straightening of the external nose based on standardized angle measurements. Possible influences having a positive or negative effect on the surgical success were identified. Methods Photo documentation of 607 patients with deviated noses (304 women, 303 men, median age 30 years) before and after nasal surgery were retrospectively analyzed using standardized angle measurements. The pre- and postoperative photos of the faces were anthropometrically measured. The median follow-up was 6 months. Results A “straight” deviated nose (I-type) was present in 225 patients (37%), a C-shaped nose (C-type) in 382 patients (63%). More than 75% of the patients presented a facial asymmetry. Based on angle measurements alone, a total of 452 (75%) noses were straightened or postoperatively improved. 155 noses (25%) still showed a biometric deviation. The I- or C-type had no relevant influence on outcome. Conclusion A purely biometric analysis of crooked noses is difficult and its importance is limited due to commonly pre-existing facial asymmetries. The risk of a “residual deviation” after rhinoplasty in patients with deviated noses must not be underestimated. This fact should be addressed as part of the informed consent. In particular, it should be mentioned that the surgical outcome can remain well below the patient’s aesthetic expectations. Not rarely, a revision surgery may be necessary.