Comparing the Alteration of Nasal Tip Sensibility and Sensory Recovery Time following Open Rhinoplasty with and without Soft Tissue Removal

In this study we evaluated sensory alteration in nasal tip and adjacent upper columella (territory of external nasal nerve) after open rhinoplasty. Two groups were randomly selected, each containing 25 patients with thick nasal skin; sensory testing was done preoperatively in all patients; in group one, subdermal soft tissue in tip and supratip areas was removed but in group two no soft tissue removal was done; we compared sensory pressure threshold values 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results showed no statistical difference between the two groups in nasal skin sensibility at these times; also this study showed that 6 months after rhinoplasty normal sensation of nasal skin will be achieved.