Evaluation of Preoperative and Postoperative Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: Improvement of nasal aesthetics via rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure and leads to increased patient confidence. The aim of the study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of existing data regarding the ability of cosmeto-functional rhinoplasty to improve patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) measured by the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) scale. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating QoL following aesthetic rhinoplasty. Study results were pooled and analyzed using a random effects model. Effect size was estimated using standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity and benefit were assessed and reported using the I2 and standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analyses were performed based on follow-up period and age group segregation. Results: A total of 377 articles were retrieved, of which 8 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction analyzed by pooling 8 observational studies improved following cosmeto-functional rhinoplasty (SMD of 5.87; 95% CI: 3.55-8.19; I2 = 100%). In addition, further subgroup analyses revealed that maximum benefit was derived by younger patients (SMD = 6.69; 95% CI: 3.65-9.74; I2 = 99%) compared with older patients (SMD = 3.48; 95% CI: 3.01-3.96; I2 = 0%). Postoperative patient satisfaction levels showed maximum improvement during a follow-up period of 6 to 12 months (SMD = 11.07; 95% CI: -8.79 to 32.12; I2 = 100%). Conclusion: Cosmeto-functional rhinoplasty improves patients' QoL as evidenced by an improvement in ROE scores. Financial Disclosure Statement: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. AUTHORS' CONTRIBUTIONS: YZ, FY, YL, HZ, YL and HC contributed in conceptualizing and design of this study. All the authors were involved in data analysis and interpretation. YL was involved in drafting the manuscript. All the authors finalized and approved the study manuscript. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. *Corresponding Author: Dr. Yin Liu, Ph.D. Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China – 650103, M: +8613658882652, E-Mail: Yinliu317@gmail.com ©2017American Society of Plastic Surgeons