Citron I, Townley W.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2023;84:182-186. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.091.
Aim: To assess the effect of cosmetic rhinoplasty on PROMS using the FACE-Q™ tool.
Methods: Between July 2020 and February 2022 all patients undergoing rhinoplasty by a single surgeon were approached pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively to complete the Face-Q™ "Satisfaction with Nose" module. Post-operative patients were asked to complete the FACE-Q™ "Satisfaction with Outcome" module.
Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients underwent rhinoplasty (147 primary, 18 revisions). Eighty two percent (n = 135) completed a pre-operative "Satisfaction with Nose" module. Thirty three percent (n = 54) completed the full pre and post- operative dataset. The mean pre-operative "Satisfaction with Nose" score was 32.88 (± 8.40). The mean post-operative "Satisfaction with Nose" score was 77.45 (SD17.26) and "Satisfaction with Outcome" score was 75.27(SD 21.88). The mean change in score 133% (SD 63%). Seventy-seven percent of patients were "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" across all 10 aspects of the nose. The tip had the lowest post-operative satisfaction with 19% of patients somewhat or very dissatisfied.
Conclusion: Rhinoplasty generates significant improvements in PROMS and satisfaction is high, an important positive finding for patients considering surgery. Routine collection of PROMS for rhinoplasty can inform practice and guide expectations as to its psychological impact.
Schwitzer JA, Sher SR, Fan KL, et al.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;135(5):830e-837e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000001159.
Background: Patient satisfaction with appearance and improved quality of life are primary outcomes in cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in patient satisfaction with facial and nose appearance, and quality of life following rhinoplasty.
Methods: Patients presenting for rhinoplasty completed the FACE-Q, a new patient-reported outcome instrument composed of scales that measure outcomes in patients undergoing facial cosmetic procedures. The following FACE-Q scales were used: satisfaction with facial appearance overall, satisfaction with nose, psychological well-being, and social function.
Results: Fifty-six patients completed the FACE-Q at the time of their preoperative consultation and/or at postoperative follow-up visits. Among all patients presenting for rhinoplasty, FACE-Q scores (range, 0 to 100) increased following the procedure in satisfaction with facial appearance (+26.5; p < 0.01), psychological well-being (+15.7; p < 0.01), and social function (+13.7; p = 0.03). Satisfaction with nose item scores (range, 1 to 4) all increased significantly from before to after rhinoplasty, including in satisfaction with nose appearance in the mirror (+1.4; p < 0.01), size (+1.1; p < 0.01), shape (+1.5; p < 0.01), profile (+1.6; p < 0.01), and in photographs (+1.6; p < 0.01). Similar results were seen among a subgroup of patients who completed the FACE-Q scales both before and after rhinoplasty.
Conclusions: In an objective study using a validated patient-reported outcome instrument, improvements in satisfaction with facial and nose appearance and quality of life were demonstrated among rhinoplasty patients. This model supports the successful outcomes possible in rhinoplasty.
Clinical Question/level Of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.
Yang F, Liu Y, Xiao H, et al.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018;141(3):603-611. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000004102.
Background: Improvement of nasal aesthetics by means of rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure and leads to increased patient confidence. The aim of the study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of existing data regarding the ability of cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty to improve patient satisfaction and quality of life measured by the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scale.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating quality of life following aesthetic rhinoplasty. Study results were pooled and analyzed using a random effects model. Effect size was estimated using standardized mean difference at a 95 percent confidence interval. Heterogeneity and benefit were assessed and reported using the I and standard mean difference. Subgroup analyses were performed based on follow-up period and age group segregation.
Results: A total of 377 articles were retrieved, of which eight studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction analyzed by pooling eight observational studies improved following cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty (standard mean difference, 5.87; 95 percent CI, 3.55 to 8.19; I = 100 percent). In addition, further subgroup analyses revealed that maximum benefit was derived by younger patients (standard mean difference, 6.69; 95 percent CI, 3.65 to 9.74; I = 99 percent) compared with older patients (standard mean difference, 3.48; 95 percent CI, 3.01 to 3.96; I = 0 percent). Postoperative patient satisfaction levels showed maximum improvement during a follow-up period of 6 to 12 months (standard mean difference, 11.07; 95 percent CI, -8.79 to 32.12; I = 100 percent).
Conclusion: Cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty improves patients' quality of life as evidenced by an improvement in Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scores.
Clinical Question/level Of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.
Luong KP, Slijper HP, Stubenitsky B, Hummelink S, Ulrich DJO.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2024;91:325-334. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2024.02.038.
Background: Rhinoplasty is a challenging and demanding procedure in plastic surgery. Surgical success, patient satisfaction, and improved quality-of-life are important outcomes.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life after rhinoplasty using validated questionnaires. The role of patient demographics on outcomes was also studied.
Methods: Patients who underwent a primary rhinoplasty were selected for this cohort study. Patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision as well as quality-of-life were evaluated with the Utrecht Questionnaire and FACE-Q at intake and 6 months postoperatively.
Results: Overall, 380 patients were included. Patients reported a more positive subjective perception of nasal appearance (VAS score) at 6 months post-surgery compared with preoperative scores (7.9 ± 1.6 vs 3.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher quality-of-life and body image scores were observed at 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores (7.7 ± 3.5 vs 15.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.05). Patients reported high satisfaction with treatment outcome (70.3 ± 23.4) as well as with their decision to undergo surgery (75.9 ± 23.4) on a scale of 0-100 at 6 months postoperatively. Patients reached similar postoperative scores regardless of their intake scores. Patients ≥30 years and patients with a history of cosmetic surgery were less satisfied postoperatively.
Conclusion: Despite differences in appearance satisfaction at intake, most patients showed greater satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life 6 months postoperatively. However, older age and a history of cosmetic surgery influenced these outcomes negatively. These factors should be considered during preoperative management of outcome expectations.
Lee PB, Miano DI, Sesselmann M, et al.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2022;75(7):2368-2374. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2022.02.060.
Background: Social media has become increasingly important for patients when deciding whether they should undergo rhinoplasty. The purpose of this study is to analyze patient satisfaction of rhinoplasty procedures through RealSelf social media reviews.
Methods: We collected data from 583 rhinoplasty reviews published on the RealSelf portal. In posts dated between 2016 and 2020, we included those which were labeled as "Worth It" and "Not Worth It." Posts that were labeled as "Unsure" or were left unlabeled were excluded from the study. In addition, posts not including the cost of their rhinoplasty were excluded. Taking into account patient demographics and cost of the procedure, we analyzed reasons for choosing to undergo surgery, reasons for choosing surgeons, and reasons for liking or disliking their procedure.
Results: Of the 583 reviews analyzed, most (45.4%) were categorized from the 18-24 years age group and there was an overall 93.8% satisfaction rate. While there was no statistically significant difference in the cost of rhinoplasty surgeries between "Worth It" and "Not Worth It" groups, the average cost of recorded rhinoplasties was US$ 8043 with a standard deviation ± $3296. According to our analysis, younger patients aged 18-24 years relied more on social media to choose their surgeons and desired a more natural appearance to their nose while older ones preferred compatible physician personalities and increased self-esteem for rhinoplasty.
Conclusion: This study offers a unique perspective into the distinguishing characteristics of different age groups and the values they place in pursuing rhinoplasty, choosing their surgeons, and why they like/dislike their surgical outcomes.