Objective: The thickness of the nasal soft tissue envelope (STE) plays a crucial role in the final rhinoplasty results. The Asian nasal contour is typically characterized by a thicker STE and broader nasal tip, but objective data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to objectively measure nasal dermal thickness and overall STE thickness and to determine any demographic differences.
Methods: From July to September 2023, 110 patients presenting for consultation underwent ultrasound evaluation of their nasal STE. STE thickness was measured at predetermined subsites and compared with published data on white patients.
Results: The thickness of the STE in Asian patients was greater than that in white patients. The STE was thickest at the supratip (mean [SD]), (4.88 [0.74] mm) rather than at the nasion and thinnest at the rhinion (2.25 [0.51] mm). The nasal tip (4.07 [0.72] mm) showed comparable STE thickness with the nasion (4.13 [0.72] mm) but had a significantly thicker dermis than the nasion (2.35 ± 0.49 mm vs. 1.35 ± 0.35 mm, P < 0.05). Male sex and higher BMI tended to be correlated with a thicker nasal STE, but age did not show any relationship. A thicker nasal tip STE showed significantly greater nasal tip width and nasal alar thickness.
Conclusion: STE thickness at different nasal subsites varies and affects external nasal contour and rhinoplasty outcomes.
Level of evidence iv: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Keywords: Asians; Nasal dermal thickness; Nasal soft tissue envelope; Rhinoplasty; Ultrasonic evaluation.
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