Closed rhinoplasty: effects and changes on voice - a preliminary report

Aim: Effects of rhinoplasty were already studied from many points of view: otherwise poor is scientific production focused on changes of voice after rhinoplasty. This preliminary study analyzed objectively and subjectively these potential effects on 19 patients who underwent exclusively closed rhinoplasty. Methods: This preliminary evaluation was conducted from September 2012 to May 2013 and 19 patients have undergone primary rhinoplasty with exclusively closed approach (7 males, 12 females). All patients were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Each of them answered to a questionnaire (Voice Handicap Index Score) and the voice was recorded for spectrographic analysis: this system allowed to perform the measurement of the intensity and frequency of vowels (“A” and “E”) and nasal consonants (“N” and “M”) before and after surgery. Data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Sixteen patients showed statistically significant differences after surgery. It was detected in 69% of cases an increased frequency of emission of the consonant sounds (P = 0.046), while in 74% of cases the same phenomenon was noticed for vowel sounds (P = 0.048). Conclusion: Many patients who undergo rhinoplasty think that the intervention only leads to anatomical changes and improvement of respiratory function. The surgeon should instead accurately inform patients about the potential effects on the voice. This preliminary study reveals the significant effects of closed rhinoplasty on the human voice.