Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Septorhinoplasty: Comparing Outcomes in Post-Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Cases Using the FACE-Q and NOSE Questionnaires

Abstract Background Functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) aims to improve both nasal function and patient satisfaction. Objectives This study compared postoperative satisfaction, nasal function, and quality of life after functional septorhinoplasty between patients with and without a history of nasal trauma using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Methods A cross-sectional cohort of 71 patients (22 post-traumatic, 49 non-traumatic) who underwent fSRP between 2020 and 2024 at a tertiary referral center completed the Facial Assessment and Cosmetic Enhancement Quality of Life Questionnaire (FACE-Q), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE), and World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Patients were grouped by history of nasal trauma, and multivariate linear regression was performed to assess factors influencing satisfaction and nasal function. Results Patients with a history of nasal trauma reported significantly higher satisfaction on FACE-Q subscales “satisfaction with nose” (ß=12.12, p=0.037) and “satisfaction with nostrils” (ß=17.01, p=0.033) compared to non-trauma patients. Participants in a relationship scored higher on the subscales "satisfaction with nose” and “satisfaction with facial appearance”, (ßadjusted=13.47, p=0.005 and ßadjusted =11.80, p=0.005 respectively). Smokers reported significantly higher nasal obstruction symptoms (ß=23.97, p=0.002) on the NOSE scale. No significant difference in functional outcomes (NOSE score) was found between trauma and non-trauma groups. Conclusions In this cohort, a history of nasal trauma and being in a relationship were associated with higher postoperative FACE-Q scores following fSRP. Individuals with previous nasal trauma reported greater satisfaction with their nose and nostrils, while those in a relationship demonstrated higher satisfaction with both their nose and overall facial appearance.