Evidence-Based Medicine: Rhinoplasty Surgical Outcomes

Kimura KS, Most SP.

What this paper says

A review arguing that rhinoplasty decisions, both cosmetic and functional, should be driven by the best available research evidence rather than by preference alone.

Overview

Evidence-based medicine is the practice of examining the strongest available research and applying it to individual clinical decisions. The abstract states this process helps ensure patients receive care based on reviewed and validated research. The article applies those concepts to rhinoplasty, covering both aesthetic and functional surgery, and stresses data driven decision making as a route to better clinical care.

Sections of note

Article type: conceptual review, part of a journal series on evidence in facial plastic surgery.
Scope: both aesthetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty performed for breathing.
Stated premise: integrating the best available evidence into clinical decisions raises the standard of care.
The abstract names no specific studies, techniques or outcome measures.
No patient numbers, results, effect sizes or follow up data are reported.
No systematic search or appraisal method is described in the abstract.

What it means for a patient

The point being made is that surgical choices should rest on published outcome data, not only on what a surgeon prefers or was trained to do.
Rhinoplasty research leans heavily on case series, so the strength of evidence behind a given technique varies widely.
This abstract carries no findings. It states a principle and does not evaluate any specific operation.
Patients can reasonably ask a surgeon what published outcomes support a proposed technique.

Why this paper matters

Rhinoplasty has few randomized trials, and much of its literature is single surgeon experience. Articles that frame the evidence question keep pressure on the field to use validated outcome measures and comparative designs. What this piece does not do is grade the evidence behind individual rhinoplasty techniques.

Terms

Evidence-based medicine: using the best current research evidence alongside clinical judgment and patient values.
Functional rhinoplasty: nose surgery performed mainly to improve breathing.
Aesthetic rhinoplasty: nose surgery performed mainly to change appearance.
Validated research: findings tested by methods designed to limit bias.
Clinical decision making: choosing among treatment options for an individual patient.

Summary written by rhinoplasty.cc from the abstract, 2026-09-09; not medical advice. The authors' own abstract follows.

From the abstract

“Evidence-based medicine has become increasingly important in healthcare today by providing a process to examine the highest levels of research and apply them to clinical practice. Integrating the best available evidence to clinical decision making ensures that patients receive the highest level of care based on…”

Excerpt; the full abstract is on PubMed.