Background In order to correct severe septal deformities, complete septal reconstruction is often required to achieve the desired functional and aesthetic results. Several different techniques have been described. Systematic evaluation of the long-term results is crucial to assess and improve the quality of these surgical techniques. Methods A custom-built dashboard (the rhinoplasty health care monitor (RHM)) was used for prospective and longitudinal outcome evaluation of the septal reconstruction. The RHM includes the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale for nasal obstruction and the Utrecht Questionnaire (UQ) for aesthetic outcome results. Results 58 patients were included for septal reconstructive surgery. The mean preoperative NOSE scale scores decreased from 67.8 ± 19.1 to 12.2 ± 17.5 1-year after surgery. Mean preoperative UQ scores went from 12.3 ± 6.4 to 6.2 ± 2.7. Conclusion The beneficial functional and aesthetic effects of the techniques that we currently use to reconstruct the septum are efficient in terms of function and aesthetics.

Presently, there is no consensus on which patient reported outcome measurement (PROM) instrument is best suited to assess the aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty. In this regard, at least seven different validated PROMs are available from the literature, each one with advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we review the development, validation, international translation, and clinical application of the Utrecht Questionnaire (UQ). The UQ was developed in 2009 with the idea to be a short and practical tool for the rhinoplasty surgeon to assess the aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty. The questionnaire was then validated in 2013. Body image in relation to nasal appearance is quantified with five simple questions on a 5-point Likert scale and a Visual Analogue Scale score. We discuss how the UQ can easily be incorporated and become an important asset in a rhinoplasty practice. Practical benefits, such as its role in the shared-decision making process, patient expectations management, identification of unsuitable patients, avoiding revision surgery, and the evaluation of the surgeon’s personal performance curve are exemplified. Currently, the UQ has been translated and validated in four languages, providing scientific opportunities to generate and compare international data for advances in rhinoplasty. We describe some of the significant scientific contributions of leaders in the field of rhinoplasty that used the UQ.