Immediate functional and cosmetic open rhinoplasty following acute nasal fractures: our experience with Asian noses.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction and splinting are generally recommended in the acute management of nasal fractures. Although open reduction is recommended for more severe nasal fractures, immediate functional and cosmetic open rhinoplasty following nasal fractures has not been described for Asian noses.

OBJECTIVES: The authors document their experiences with combining open reduction of acute nasal fractures with simultaneous cosmetic correction of preexisting aesthetic concerns in an Asian population.

METHODS: Twenty-five Asian patients underwent primary functional and cosmetic open rhinoplasty immediately following acute nasal fracture. Grafts consisted of autologous material, including septum, concha, rib, and deep temporal fascia. Prior to opening the nose, anatomical reduction of the bony vault fractures was performed. Spreader grafts were used to stabilize the fractured or dislocated dorsal septum as well as to straighten the nose. Aesthetic refinement of the nose included lengthening, refining the tip, and increasing tip projection and was performed according to the patients' aesthetic desires. Patient satisfaction was subjectively reported on a 1 to 10 scale.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 10-24 months). Twenty-three patients rated the results of their procedures as 7 or higher. Functionally, all patients were breathing as well or better postoperatively compared with their preinjury functional state. One patient (4%) underwent a secondary filler procedure for a slight dorsal irregularity.

CONCLUSIONS: Immediate cosmetic and functional open rhinoplasty is safe, predictable, and effective in Asian patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.