Combined Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: A Pilot Study

Traditionally, surgeons have avoided performing an aesthetic rhinoplasty in the presence of acute or chronic sinus disease. In most instances, the acute or chronic infection is first rectified through either medical or surgical treatment, after which the rhinoplasty is performed as a staged procedure. However, with the advent of endoscopic sinonasal surgery, this adage need not necessarily apply; the sinuses may be treated at the same time as the rhinoplasty without undue risk. Two patients requesting rhinoplasty presented with chronic sinusitis. Their clinical features, surgical treatment, and results are reviewed. Six additional patients with sinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery have had cosmetic procedures simultaneously performed with similar results. The benefits of the combined procedure are discussed.