The Prevalence of Nose Base Asymmetry in General Population

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 2011-08, Vol.145 (2_suppl), p.P144-P144
• Main Authors: Ottoline, Ana Carolina, de Castro Lima, Carla Freire, Mayerhoff, Eric V. L., Gomes, Geraldo Augusto, Tomita, Shiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0194-5998; 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599811415823a32

Objective: 1) Evaluate the prevalence of asymmetry of the nasal base in the general population. 2) Quantify among the individuals who carried nasal base asymmetry how many were aware of the fact. Method: Photos of the nasal base of 43 volunteers chosen randomly were taken using a macro lens. Individuals were classified as carriers or noncarriers of nasal base asymmetry. When any asymmetry was present, the image was shown to the carrier, asking whether they were aware or not of the asymmetry. Results: Forty-three individuals between 13 and 70 years old were photographed (16 male and 27 female). The mean age was 43.11 years. Nineteen (44.19%) individuals showed some asymmetry of the nasal basal view. Of these, only 4 (21.05%) individuals were aware of their deformity. Conclusion: Nasal base asymmetry is a prevalent deformity. Most of the individuals (78.95%) are unaware of it. It can generate controversy if the cause of the deformity was or was not a result of surgery. Nasal base asymmetries should always be photographed.