Basic Closed Rhinoplasty Workup

Updated: Aug 09, 2022
  • Author: A John Vartanian, MD, MS, FACS; Chief Editor: Mark S Granick, MD, FACS  more...
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Workup

Imaging Studies

Photography

Standardized photographs of the patient are essential to the preoperative diagnosis and for the development of a mental surgical plan. Capturing high-quality patient photographs can be accomplished using 35-mm film or digital photography techniques, which are described in detail in other sources. Preoperative analysis of patient photographs allows the surgeon to define problem areas of the nose that may have been missed during the initial physical examination. Also, specific structural and anatomic deficits may become more apparent in certain photographic views.

A review of patient photographs the night before surgery can also serve to refresh the surgeon's memory, help anticipate likely intraoperative anatomy, and allow the surgeon to rehearse the projected operative plan. Photographs are also valuable in objectively revealing preoperative and postoperative findings. Such documentation is also helpful in critical self-analysis of techniques and long-term results.