Outcome Evaluation of Reconstructive Septorhinoplasty in Patients with a History of Nasal Skin Necrosis.

Background

Nasal skin necrosis represents a severe rhinoplasty complication, potentially leading to nasal deformity and psychological distress.

Objectives

To assess the safety, nasal function enhancement, and esthetic satisfaction in individuals with a history of nasal skin necrosis following reconstructive septorhinoplasty using patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods

The case series included patients who underwent reconstructive septorhinoplasty 1 year after experiencing skin necrosis. Skeletal reconstruction was performed with an open approach using various autografts and techniques. The data collected encompassed demographics, medical history, operative reports, and postoperative events. The Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) was administered preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

Most patients were female (35/38, 92%), with median age of 33.5 years (17-57) and 2 prior rhinoplasties (1-5) by 1 surgeon (1-2). The follow-up median was 23.78 months (11.83-54.23). Necrosis predominantly affected the nasal tip and soft tissue triangles. Septorhinoplasty utilized 11 V-shaped columellar base and 27 mid-columella incisions, lasting on average 274 min (175-405). Septal grafts were adequate for reconstruction in only three cases. Autografts for reconstruction encompassed auricular cartilage (31), rib cartilage (22), temporal fascia (14), and rectus fascia (6). SCHNOS scores improved significantly, with the obstruction domain decreasing from a preoperative mean of 75.92 (±22.83) to 34.08 (±27.87) and the cosmesis domain from 85.43 (±19.06) to 39.73 (±23.77). No postoperative severe vascular complication occurred. More previous surgeries linked to decreased patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Reconstructive septorhinoplasty can be successful in restoring relatively normal nasal contour following prior soft tissue necrosis, with limited risk for complications.