Atherton, Calif. — New research suggests that computer imaging prior to rhinoplasty has moderate accuracy — and that the more accurate it is, the more satisfied patients tend to be with their results, HealthDay News reports.
Umang Mehta, M.D., of Atherton Plastic Surgery Center, headed a team that analyzed assessments by surgeons and nonsurgeons of photographs and morphed preoperative computer imaging (PCI) images of 38 rhinoplasty patients six months post-procedure. The team also surveyed patients on their level of satisfaction to determine how accurate PCI is in reflecting postoperative results.
Researchers found mean overall accuracy to be 2.98 on a five-point scale, with supratip height being the lowest-rated of the 12 parameters considered, and measurements of the upper third being the highest-rated. Patient satisfaction correlated highly with PCI accuracy, and the majority of the patients said they found the PCI extremely useful.
“PCI is a useful exercise, valued by patients during the rhinoplasty consultation,” the authors wrote. “Accuracy is moderate in both primary and revision cases, although supratip edema is a limiting factor at the six-month mark.” The study was published in the November/December issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.
