EFFECTS OF COSMETIC RHINOPLASTY ON NASAL FUNCTION

Background: Regarding to the high frequency of rhinoplasty as a cosmetic surgery, this study was performed to evaluate the changes in nasal dimensions after open rhinoplasty. Methods and Materials: Pre-operative and post-operative nasal dimensions of 36 cases undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty without preoperative complaint of nasal obstruction were evaluated using acoustic rhinometry. The measured variables were distance to first and second constriction (d1, d2), first and second minimal cross sectional area (MCA1, 2) and nasal volume. Results: The mean age (SD) of cases was 24.63 (4.4) years. Septoplasty was performed in 12 cases (33.3%). After surgery bilateral d1 and both MCA2 decreased significantly; while, significant increase was observed in MCA1 postoperatively. Cases with septoplasty experienced more increase in MCA1 and less constriction in MCA2 postoperatively. In either of groups of rhinoplasty with and without septoplasty, placing a strut was beneficial for the patients. None of the patients had post-operative nasal obstruction. Conclusions: The cross-sectional area of the nose is a major factor in determining the nasal airflow. Although our findings showed that rhinoplasty generated a mixed effect on rhinometry indices, it did not induce obstructive symptoms for the patients. Septoplasty even in deviated septums increased the nasal airway and placing a strut also improved the nasal function