Predictive Factors Influencing Edema after Open Septorhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is among the top 5 most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the US. Edema following rhinoplasty is a known sequelae, and is a common cause of anxiety for patients. The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional morphometric analyses to identify patient factors that influence post-operative edema.
Methods/Technique
:This was a retrospective, three-dimensional (3D), morphometric study of patients who underwent open septorhinoplasty by the senior author (DS). Subjects with at least 6 months post-operative 3D images were included. Images were assessed using 3D stereophotogrammetry post-processing software (3D VECTRA photosystem, Canfield, Fairfield, NJ). Post-operative edema was defined as the difference in nasal volume at the first post-operative visit (1-2 weeks), and at >6 months follow up. Age, gender, and use of intra-operative TXA were examined.
Results/Complications
:Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Male patients had more swelling than female patients (p=0.02), and older patients were found to have more swelling on multivariate regression (p=0.04). TXA did not have a effect on post-operative edema.
Conclusion
:This study provides evidence that male patients and older patients experience more edema following open septorhinoplasty. This information is especially important for counseling and managing the expectations of the cosmetic septorhinoplasty patient.