Comparison between nylon and PDS suture for maintaining and stabilizing tip projection and rotation after rhinoplasty using tongue-in-groove technique

The ability to attain accurate and predictable changes in the contour and position of the nasal tip is still one of challenging aspects of rhinoplasty; however, little evidence supports the choice of suture material for this technique in rhinoplasty. This study was conducted to compare the effect of nylon and polydioxanone(PDS) on tip projection and rotation of rhinoplasty patients. Sixty rhinoplasty candidates were included in this clinical trial study and evaluated prospectively. They were randomly allocated to two groups according to the use of nylon or PDS. The outcome measures were achieving and maintaining tip projection and rotation in the long term. Standardized photos were taken before and after the surgery to compare the final outcomes between the two groups, which were evaluated for tip rotation and projection. Moreover, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHONS) were used for assessment of patients’ satisfaction with beauty and nasal obstruction. Thirty patients underwent surgery using nylon sutures, while the PDS was used in the same number of cases. Tip rotation, tip projection, and other characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups preoperatively. None of evaluated variables was significantly different between the two groups. It appears that both nylon and PDS are appropriate suture materials in maintaining tip projection and rotation in the tongue-in-groove technique. Using absorbable sutures may decrease unwanted reactions in longer patient follow-ups. Clinical trial Registration number: IRCT20080820001056N4 Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study