Does creating a subperiosteal tunnel influence the periorbital edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty?

PURPOSE

The study goal was to determine whether creating a subperiosteal tunnel before lateral osteotomy had an effect on postoperative periorbital edema, ecchymosis, and subconjunctival ecchymosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients who underwent septorhinoplasty were included in the study. In all patients lateral osteotomies were carried out bilaterally, after creating a subperiosteal tunnel on a randomly chosen side and without creating a subperiosteal tunnel on the other side. The patients were seen on the second postoperative day, and a different surgeon who was unaware of the side with the periosteal tunnel determined the side of the face with more edema and ecchymosis. Subconjunctival ecchymosis was evaluated and recorded, as well.

RESULTS

Creating subperiosteal tunnels before lateral osteotomy statistically increased periorbital ecchymosis. Although there was no statistically significant difference, creating subperiosteal tunnels also increased development and severity of subconjunctival ecchymosis and edema.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest performing lateral osteotomy without creating subperiosteal tunnels.