The Complicated Changes of External Nose after Corrective Rhinoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rhinoplasty is not a simple technique but a series of interrelated, interdependent surgical maneuvers performed consequently. Each maneuver should be calculated to correct the total nasal deformity by creating a series of small defects or repositioning various anatomic components that must ultimately fit together. The purpose of this study is to review undesirable complicated changes that occur in the external nose following corrective rhinoplasty and to provide useful reference for better practice in rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have carried out 42 cases of corrective rhinoplasty from January, 1994 to December, 1998. We have observed complicated changes of the external nose after corrective rhinoplasty by conducting serial photogaphic documentation and analyses, questionnaires which were answered by the patients and the surgeons. RESULTS: We analyzed the various undesirable complicated changes and found out that the most common changes were widening of the nasal dorsum. The major causes of this nasal widening were the failure of perfect osteotomy, inadequate postoperative contouring, aging process of patients' nose, and the lack of ability of surgeon to predict the healing dynamics. CONCLUSION: To prevent and to minimize such undesirable changes following corrective rhinoplasty, surgeons need to gain skillful surgical techniques and adequate postoperative contouring skills. Most importantly, a thorough appreciation and understanding of the healing dynamics of rhinoplasty should be recognized.