Assessing Patient-Reported Satisfaction with Appearance and Quality of Life following Rhinoplasty Using the FACE-Q Appraisal Scales

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction with appearance and improved quality of life are primary outcomes in cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in patient satisfaction with facial and nose appearance, and quality of life following rhinoplasty.

Methods: Patients presenting for rhinoplasty completed the FACE-Q, a new patient-reported outcome instrument composed of scales that measure outcomes in patients undergoing facial cosmetic procedures. The following FACE-Q scales were used: satisfaction with facial appearance overall, satisfaction with nose, psychological well-being, and social function.

Results: Fifty-six patients completed the FACE-Q at the time of their preoperative consultation and/or at postoperative follow-up visits. Among all patients presenting for rhinoplasty, FACE-Q scores (range, 0 to 100) increased following the procedure in satisfaction with facial appearance (+26.5; p < 0.01), psychological well-being (+15.7; p < 0.01), and social function (+13.7; p = 0.03). Satisfaction with nose item scores (range, 1 to 4) all increased significantly from before to after rhinoplasty, including in satisfaction with nose appearance in the mirror (+1.4; p < 0.01), size (+1.1; p < 0.01), shape (+1.5; p < 0.01), profile (+1.6; p < 0.01), and in photographs (+1.6; p < 0.01). Similar results were seen among a subgroup of patients who completed the FACE-Q scales both before and after rhinoplasty.

Conclusions: In an objective study using a validated patient-reported outcome instrument, improvements in satisfaction with facial and nose appearance and quality of life were demonstrated among rhinoplasty patients. This model supports the successful outcomes possible in rhinoplasty.

Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.