Postoperative Differences in Dorsal Aesthetic Lines in Patients Undergoing Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty and Conventional Hump Resection.

Summary

In a matched retrospective cohort (DPR n=30; CHR n=40), both techniques significantly widened midnose DALs and improved aesthetic (SCHNOS-C) and functional (SCHNOS-O) scores beyond MCID thresholds. No significant intergroup differences in DAL widening were detected, and nasal axis deviation decreased in both groups. AI-based DAL assessment provided objective, quantitative evaluation.

Key Findings

• Midnose DAL width increased significantly after both DPR (8.835→10.120 mm) and CHR (9.383→10.100 mm); no significant intergroup difference (p=0.089).
• Aesthetic outcomes (SCHNOS-C) improved significantly in all subgroups (p<0.001) with changes exceeding MCID.
• Functional outcomes (SCHNOS-O) significantly improved in the combined cosmetic functional subgroup (p<0.001), exceeding MCID.
• Nasal axis deviation angles decreased significantly postoperatively in both DPR (1.715→1.207, p=0.008) and CHR (1.446→0.751, p=0.004).
• AI-driven analysis provided objective quantification of DALs and axis changes.

Clinical Implications

Both DPR and CHR are effective options for hump reduction with similar DAL widening and PROM improvements; AI-based DAL analysis can standardize outcome evaluation and guide technique selection.

Limitations

• Retrospective single-center design with potential selection bias.
• Sample size is modest and follow-up duration not specified; no randomized comparison.

Future Directions

Prospective, randomized or multicenter studies with longer follow-up to compare DPR vs CHR stability and patient satisfaction; expand AI tools to 3D morphometrics.