Assessment of Functional and Aesthetic Results in Preservation and Structural Rhinoplasty

TL;DR

This study compares two types of rhinoplasty and finds that preservation rhinoplasty offers higher early satisfaction but both lead to similar long-term results.

Contribution

The study provides a direct comparison of outcomes between preservation and structural rhinoplasty using multiple validated questionnaires.

Findings

Preservation rhinoplasty showed higher ROE scores at three months compared to structural rhinoplasty.

Both surgical techniques led to significant improvements in quality of life and self-esteem.

Early postoperative outcomes in obstruction were better with preservation rhinoplasty.

Abstract

Background: The philosophy of preservation rhinoplasty (PR) is gaining popularity as an alternative to structural rhinoplasty (SR), prompting comparison of their effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and impact on quality of life. Methods: This study evaluated the outcomes of rhinoplasty performed using PR and SR, supported by the SCHNOS, ROE, NOSE, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. Seventy-five patients were included (N = 47 (63%) female and N = 28 (37%) male), of whom 39 underwent SR. Surveys were completed preoperatively and at one and three months postoperatively. A single surgeon performed all procedures, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Baseline ROE scores were identical in both groups (1.2 vs. 1.2; p > 0.05). At three months, PR demonstrated significantly higher ROE scores (3.8 vs. 3.7; p < 0.05). In the SCHNOS-Obstruction domain, PR showed better outcomes at one month (0.8 vs. 1.3; p < 0.01), whereas three-month scores were equal (0.5 vs. 0.5; p > 0.05). SCHNOS-Cosmesis and NOSE outcomes did not differ significantly at any point. WHOQOL-BREF results indicated significant postoperative improvement across all domains in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: PR provides higher early satisfaction, but both PR and SR yield progressive improvement and comparable longer-term outcomes. Quality of life and self-esteem improved regardless of surgical technique.

Figures