The Association Between Facial Proportions and Patient Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty: A Prospective Study.

[HYPOTHESIS] Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries. The aim of the study was to evaluate facial proportions and patient satisfaction with the appearance of their nose after rhinoplasty compared to preoperatively.

[METHODS] This cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch. Eighty-two candidates with indications for primary cosmetic rhinoplasty were selected. Facial proportions and patient satisfaction with their nasal appearance were evaluated before and 6 months after rhinoplasty. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation questionnaire.

[RESULTS] Eighty-two patients referred for cosmetic rhinoplasty (13.4% men and 86.6% women) with a mean age of 28.5 (6.4) years underwent open rhinoplasty and were evaluated. Facial proportions, including nasofrontal, nasolabial, and nasomental ratios increased significantly, while the nasofacial ratio, nasal tip projection, columellar show, alar base, and nasal length reduced significantly after rhinoplasty ( < .05). Furthermore, patient satisfaction with the appearance of their nose increased significantly after surgery ( < .001).

[CONCLUSION] All of the facial proportions changed significantly following rhinoplasty. Although patient satisfaction with nose appearance increases significantly after the operation, there is no significant association between patient satisfaction and facial proportions. As beauty is a subjective, relative and qualitative issue, facial proportions may not be a proper tool to determine facial beauty and predict the satisfaction rate following rhinoplasty.