The Role of CT Imaging in Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic medical procedure that can dramatically change the overall impression of the face by reshaping the nose, which is located at the center of the face. However, for successful results, it is essential not only to achieve aesthetic beauty but also to accurately understand the internal structure of the nose and provide precise diagnosis that takes into account functional aspects.

Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic medical procedure that can dramatically change the overall impression of the face by reshaping the nose, which is located at the center of the face. However, for successful results, it is essential not only to achieve aesthetic beauty but also to accurately understand the internal structure of the nose and provide precise diagnosis that takes into account functional aspects.This time, we will introduce howCT imagingplays a role in rhinoplasty that achieves both aesthetic and functional goals, which our clinic aims for.

Traditional Consultation

In traditional consultations, the physician directly observes the patient's nose appearance and uses palpation to confirm the shape of the nose, skin thickness, cartilage texture, and other characteristics. While listening to the patient's wishes, a diagnosis and surgical plan are proposed based on experience.While easy to perform, it is difficult to accurately understand the detailed internal structure and skeletal condition of the nose.

Consultation Using CT Imaging

CT imaging is one of the image diagnostic methods for three-dimensionally understanding the internal structure of the nose. By using CT in addition to traditional consultation (visual inspection and palpation), information including skeletal morphology can be obtained as supplementary data.

・Three-dimensional structural understanding of nasal bone, cartilage, and soft tissueThe shape, size, and asymmetry of the bone and cartilage that form the foundation of the nose, as well as the thickness of soft tissues such as skin and fat, can be accurately understood down to the millimeter. It becomes possible to create a customized treatment plan tailored to each patient's nasal characteristics.・Confirmation of past surgical history and Implant (prosthesis) conditionWhen a patient has had previous rhinoplasty, the position and condition of the inserted Implant (prosthesis), as well as tissue changes from past surgery, can be accurately evaluated. Risks in revision surgery can be minimized, and a more appropriate approach can be selected.・Presence or absence of functional issues such as rhinitisStructural problems that may affect nasal function, such as deviated nasal septum and hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, can also be confirmed with CT. A comprehensive treatment plan that improves not only aesthetic aspects but also functional aspects such as breathing can be created.

Benefits of CT Imaging

CT imaging has several benefits that can contribute to improved safety and treatment precision in rhinoplasty.・Development of customized treatment plansBased on CT data, we can conduct a detailed simulation and propose the optimal surgical method taking into account the patient's nasal bone and cartilage shape, skin thickness, and other factors. This increases the predictive accuracy of postoperative results and makes it possible to approach the patient's ideal outcome.・Early detection and management of postoperative complicationsEven if unexpected swelling, pain, infection, or other complications occur after surgery, CT imaging can quickly identify the cause and allow appropriate treatment to be implemented.・Ability to take an approach that balances functional and aesthetic aspectsWhen CT imaging reveals functional problems such as deviated nasal septum, it becomes possible to create a surgical plan that solves these problems simultaneously with cosmetic rhinoplasty. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance but also leads toimprovement in nasal congestionand other improvements in the patient's quality of life.

CT Imaging: An Important Step Toward Precise Rhinoplasty

CT imaging in rhinoplasty is not merely a preoperative examination, but an important step that greatly influences the safety, precision, and patient satisfaction of surgery.CT imaging is essential for understanding the detailed internal structure of the nose and creating an optimal treatment plan for each individual patient.While few aesthetic clinics have introduced CT, Zetith Beauty Clinic Ginza features the latest CT imaging equipment.[Here is a video explaining our CT]

We strive to provide consultation using the latest CT and realize more precise rhinoplasty that considers not only appearance but also functional aspects.

References

  1. Seo M, Jung D. Predictive Evaluation of Septal Cartilage-bone Complex for Rhinoplasty Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2025 (DOI)
  2. Wang D, Xiong S, Wu Y, et al. Aging of the Nose: A Quantitative Analysis of Nasal Soft Tissue and Bone on Computed Tomography. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2022 (DOI)
  3. Kazimierczak N, Kazimierczak W, Serafin Z, et al. Correlation Analysis of Nasal Septum Deviation and Results of AI-Driven Automated 3D Cephalometric Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023 (DOI)

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Author of This Article

Hiromitsu NakamuraPhysician

Zetith Beauty Clinic Ginza, Osaka, Fukuoka

He has a track record of research presentations at domestic and international academic conferences and is involved in technical guidance and education for Zetith Beauty Clinic as a whole. He specializes in precise rhinoplasty based on anatomical foundations and pursues natural results tailored to each individual's skeletal structure and tissues.