Evaluation of frequency of four common nasal anatomical deformities in primary rhinoplasty in a tehran plastic surgery center.

[BACKGROUND] In rhinoplasty, functional and cosmetic problems including imbalance between the nasal subunits and face are aimed to be corrected. So there is a need for careful preoperative evaluation and treatment of these patients. According to functional and aesthetic effects of these variables in rhinoplasty, evaluation of the frequency with focus to diagnostic methods was undertaken.

[METHODS] In a descriptive study, 100 volunteer patients for primary rhinoplasty were enrolled. After history taking, nasal examination, desirable paraclinical work up and photography taking, presence of 4 anatomical variants was evaluated on the base of definition about normal and abnormal characteristic of organ.

[RESULTS] Twenty nine male and 71 female patients underwent primary rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty was done in 85 and the close technique in 15 patients. 77% of patients had at least one of four anatomical nasal variations. The most common anomaly was alar cartilage malposition (51%) and frequency of others was low radix (36%), inadequate tip projection (35%) and middle vault collapse (15%). Frequency of low radix in male patients was 2.5 times more than females.

[CONCLUSON] Success in rhinoplasty needs careful nasal analysis and evaluation. As at least one of four anatomical nasal variations is diagnosed before surgery, the correction has an important role on the outcome. As frequency of middle vault narrowing was low, a definitive diagnosis of alar cartilage malpositioning seems necessary in surgical exploration. Needs for correction and methods of treatment of variants can be based on dynamic interplay between nasal subunits.