Stereolithographic volume evaluation of healing and shaping after rhinoplasty operations.

Abstract

Nasal edema and volume changes are unavoidable processes during the healing period after rhinoplasty. Various applications were reported regarding the prevention of early edema; however, the literature shows no study focused on the course of the nasal edema and volume changes up-to-date. We aimed to study the nasal volume changes during the first year of postoperative healing period and to form a recovery and volume change diagram with the obtained data. We prepared standard frames and nasal molds of 7 rhinoplasty patients at regular time intervals (preoperative period and at the postoperative 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 52nd weeks). Plaster nasal models were created by using these molds. Volumes of models were measured by computed tomographic scanning and three-dimensional image processing programs. According to our results, the nasal edema reaches its maximum level at the postoperative fourth week and then rapidly decreases until its minimum level at the eighth week. In contrast with the general opinion, the nasal volume begins to increase smoothly reaching to a level minimally below the preoperative value by the end of the first year.

• Authors: Soner Tatlidede, Gürsel Turgut, Emre Gönen, Mahmut Ulvi Kayali, Lütfü Baş
• Journal: The Journal of craniofacial surgery (J Craniofac Surg) Vol. 20 Issue 4 Pg. 1082-5 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1536-3732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19553854 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Silicones

Topics

• Adult
• Analysis of Variance
• Edema (diagnostic imaging, prevention & control)
• Female
• Humans
• Models, Anatomic
• Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
• Rhinoplasty (methods)
• Silicones
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Wound Healing