Vertical Dome Division

Abstract

Objective

To assess quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing nasal tip surgery with the vertical dome division technique using validated instruments (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation [ROE] and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]).

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Tertiary university center.

Subject and Methods

Patients undergoing primary cosmetic and functional rhinoseptoplasty using vertical dome division were consecutively evaluated. The ROE, NOSE, and 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) were administered pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Forty-four patients were included and completed pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Their median age was 28 years, 27 (61%) were female, and the median duration of follow-up was 5 months (range, 3-9 months). Median postoperative ROE, NOSE, and VAS scores (79 [66; 87], 20 [15; 23], and 88 [61; 97], respectively) showed significant improvement compared with preoperative scores (29 [16; 41], 75 [60; 95], and 65 [46; 82], respectively; P < .001). The change in median ROE score was significantly greater in normal- and thin-skinned patients than in thick-skinned patients (54 vs 33; P = .033). Median changes in NOSE-p (−48.5 vs −68.0; P = .10) and VAS (69.0 vs 48.0; P =.083) scores did not differ between normal-/thin- and thick-skinned patients.

Conclusion

Vertical dome division is a versatile technique for nasal tip refinement that resulted in significant improvement in quality-of-life outcomes related to rhinoplasty and nasal obstruction, as well as satisfaction with nasal appearance in a short-term follow-up period. The vertical dome division technique does not seem to be indicated only in patients with thick skin.