Evaluation of the Goldman tip procedure and suture technique in tip rhinoplasty

Abstract

Background: The nasal tip is one of the most important features of facial aesthetics and its modification is still a great challenge in rhinoplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of the Goldman tip procedure and suture technique on the shape of the nasal tip. Patients and methods: In a randomised clinical trial, 100 primary rhinoplasty patients were enrolled in two groups. One group underwent tip rhinoplasty by the Goldman tip procedure and the other one by suturing of cartilages. Rhinoplasty outcomes were evaluated after 12 months. Results: On a 0-100 scale, postoperative patient satisfaction in the Goldman and suture groups improved, on average, by 49.16 and 23.12, respectively (P < 0.001). In objective assessments on a -8 to +8 scale, the mean of changes for the Goldman technique was +3.30 and for the suture technique, +1.18 (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the two techniques in terms of complications. There was a correlation between subjective and objective assessments in the suture technique group (P < 0.001, rho=0.519). Conclusion: This study has shown that despite the efficacy of both techniques, the Goldman tip technique was associated with better results in terms of patient satisfaction and objective evaluations. (C) 2010 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.