Aesthetic analysis in rhinoplasty: surgeon vs. patient perspectives: a prospective, blinded study.

[OBJECTIVE] To determine how patients seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty analyze themselves compared to their surgeon's analysis. Simply stated, "Does your surgeon view your nose the same as you?"

[STUDY DESIGN] Prospective, blinded study.

[METHODS] All primary rhinoplasty consultations completed a nasal analysis questionnaire. The patients' facial plastic surgeons completed an identical questionnaire. The results were compared and analyzed.

[RESULTS] Data underwent statistical analysis and subsequent factor analysis was performed. 132 patients participated in the study. Questions were grouped together based on factors: overall appearance, skin quality, tip dimensions, straightness, nostril show, and width. The only factor with reasonable surgeon/patient correlation was factor 1, overall appearance, with correlation 0.6473, p<0.001.

[CONCLUSIONS] Surgeons and patients are in agreement with the overall appearance of the nose, but differ in their analysis regarding the details. This information can be used to guide future discussions during consultations and most importantly help to better gauge and manage patient expectations.