Analysis of patient-determined preoperative computer imaging.

[OBJECTIVE] To compare patients' goals in aesthetic rhinoplasty with aesthetic ideals by analyzing changes requested through computer imaging during the initial consultation.

[METHODS] The frontal and lateral views of 20 consecutive female rhinoplasty patients were analyzed retrospectively before and after using image manipulation software. Indexes from the frontal view included the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance. On the lateral view, parameters included the nasolabial angle, nasofacial angle, and tip projection (Goode ratio). Ideal parameters were based on descriptions by Powell and Humphreys.

[RESULTS] The ideal and patient-determined proportions were compared using a paired 2-tailed t test. The mean nasolabial angle falls within the ideal range before and after image manipulation. However, the Goode ratio and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance were statistically similar to ideal values only after image manipulation. The nasofacial angle and the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length showed a trend toward the ideal ratio.

[CONCLUSIONS] Patients' preferences were similar to the ideal in 3 of 5 parameters, and the remaining parameters approached the ideal. These parameters are useful in creating satisfying proportions in aesthetic rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery within our population. Rather than population-based normative data or ideals based on fashion models or Greek statuary, these are proportions requested by patients. Computer imaging software, used by a growing number of aesthetic surgeons, holds a wealth of data regarding common patient preferences.