OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of open feminizing rhinoplasty in complex program of facial feminization surgery on the quality of life and social adaptation of patients with gender identity disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed nose feminization surgery using original technique in 14 Caucasian patients aged 18—40 years with nuclear transsexualism from Eastern Europe between January 2020 and December 2022. Original feminizing rhinoplasty technique lies in integration of various methods and techniques of rhinoplasty, as well as their adaptation for facial feminization. All patients underwent preoperative examination by a psychiatrist, sexologist and endocrinologist. The diagnosis of transsexualism was confirmed. Open feminizing rhinoplasty had predominant reduction nature. Almost all anatomical parameters of the nose were reduced (length, projection, height and width of the dorsum, base of the nose, width of the nasal processes of the upper jaw in some patients). Similar procedures are performed in women with male facial type, but total reduction of nasal structures is rare.

RESULTS

We followed-up our patients for a year after surgery. There were no intraoperative complications. Patients experienced minor pain and swelling of the nose in early postoperative period. We observed no inflammatory, infectious lesions, skin necrosis, nasal breathing disorders and other complications in early or long-term postoperative period. All patients noted a significant improvement in the quality of life after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure requiring careful assessment of nasal bones and cartilages. Feminizing rhinoplasty harmonizes external signs in patients with gender identity disorders and improves their social and professional integration.