Post-rhinoplasty Sinonasal Symptoms

Background: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic procedures. It has several potential complications. There is no systematic study with direct focus on these complications. Purpose: To evaluate the likelihood for occurrence of different complications following septorhinoplasty. Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients who underwent rhinoplasty were observed for post-operative occurrence of nasal obstruction, hyponasal speech, post nasal discharge (PND), rhinorrhea, facial congestion and headache. They were also examined for aesthetic results of the surgery and asked about their satisfaction about the external shape of the nose as well as overall satisfaction of surgery. Results: Twenty-one patients developed sinonasal symptoms after surgery. The most annoying symptom was permanent unilateral nasal obstruction, which was observed in 38% of patients followed by long lasting PND (19%), anosmia (14%) and altered voice resonance (9%). Five patients eventually underwent surgery due to their functional problems. Conclusion: Rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty have numerous complications. Nasal obstruction, PND and anosmia are the most common. A careful follow-up is required for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these complications.