Does Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty Preserve Nasal Airway Function? A Systematic Review.

[OBJECTIVES] This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on functional outcomes following dorsal preservation rhinoplasty, with a focus on nasal obstruction.

[METHODS] A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2025. Studies reporting nasal airway outcomes following dorsal preservation rhinoplasty using subjective or objective measures were included.

[RESULTS] Six studies comprising 662 patients were included. Patient-reported outcomes (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey and Visual Analogue Scale) consistently demonstrated significant post-operative improvement. Objective measures (acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry and cone-beam computed tomography) showed maintained or improved airway dimensions. dorsal preservation rhinoplasty was functionally equivalent to traditional structural techniques, with low complication (<5 per cent) and revision rates (<2 per cent).

[CONCLUSION] Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty maintains or improves nasal airway function while preserving structural integrity and reducing the need for grafting. It is a safe and effective alternative to traditional dorsal reduction techniques.