Rhinoplasty, Alar Cartilage Resection Workup
- Author: Carl H Manstein, MD, MBA; Chief Editor: John R Taylor, MD, FRCSC, FACS more...
Laboratory Studies
No laboratory studies are necessary.
Imaging Studies
Take complete facial photographs of rhinoplasty patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Include front, profile, oblique, and "worm's eye" views. Many surgeons like to bring these photographs into the operating room as a reference guide.
Computer imaging is a new technology that is probably of more value as a marketing tool than as a serious learning device for the surgeon. Making hypothetical changes to the nose using the computer usually remains just hypothetical.
Other Tests
Other than routine preanesthetic evaluation, no tests are necessary.
Diagnostic Procedures
Most surgeons do not bother with nasal endoscopy when concentrating on the alar cartilages. A good direct visual examination with a nasal speculum and headlight usually is sufficient to determine most intranasal abnormalities.
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