Gender specific considerations in septorhinoplasty, a retrospective observational study and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: In our service experience, we found we had a high proportion of male patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. This encouraged us to research gender specific differences in anatomy, surgical techniques, expectations and outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who have had rhinoplasty surgery under a single otolaryngology consultant with a special interest in rhinoplasty. Patient information and results of the 10-Item Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey for Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty pre and post-surgery were collected. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean pre-operative symptom (29.31 vs 32.29 p = 0.559), change in symptom (23.25 vs 24.14 p = 0.827) or satisfaction scores (8.69 vs 7.29 p = 0.089) between male and female patients. A discussion on gender specific anatomical features and deformities is presented. CONCLUSION: All patients reported improved symptoms and high levels of satisfaction. Careful patient counselling and patient-specific surgical planning help to achieve optimal outcomes.