Objective assessment of surgical technique in rotation and nasal projection variation.

[INTRODUCTION] In rhinoplasty, facial esthetic analysis is critical for proper surgical planning. Parameters such as rotation and nasal projection should be routinely evaluated. Few studies have objectively assessed changes in facial angles postoperatively.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the effectiveness of medial intercrural sutures and of rotation of the nasal tip on the increase of rotation and nasal projection in Caucasian patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty.

[METHODS] A prospective study carried out between 2011 and 2013, with 27 patients treated with primary rhinoplasty with a basic technique by the same surgeon, with medial intercrural sutures and rotation of the nasal tip. Rotation and nasal projection were measured from photographs obtained preoperatively and after 12 months.

[RESULTS] All 27 patients completed the study. The mean age was 27.1 years. There was a mean increase of 8.4° in the rotation - a statistically significant value. There was no significant change in the projection.

[CONCLUSION] The medial intercrural and nasal tip rotation sutures are effective in increasing nasal rotation in Caucasian patients undergoing rhinoplasty.