Quantitative Analysis of Lateral Osteotomies in Rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE: To statistically analyze the long-term results of osteotomy after rhinoplasty. DESIGN: In a consecutive series of 51 patients who underwent reduction rhinoplasty from May 1, 2000, through September 30, 2003, all underwent the same method of bilateral lateral osteotomies, performed by one of us. Twenty patients agreed to participate in this study. The follow-up ranged from 7 to 36 months (mean, 12.6 months). By using preoperative and postoperative photographs, comparisons were made of the change in the dorsal width of the nose (the anterior junction of the nasal bones) and of the ventral width of the nose (where the nasal processes of the maxilla meet the body of the maxilla). RESULTS: There was a significant change (P = .003) in the ventral width of the nose after nasal bone osteotomy. There was no significant change (P = .24) in the dorsal width of the nose. CONCLUSIONS: By using this technique of osteotomy, it is possible to narrow the ventral width of the nose with statistical significance. The dorsal width of the nose is maintained in reduction rhinoplasty. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to quantify the amount of narrowing achieved after nasal osteotomies.