Does cosmetic rhinoplasty affect sleep quality and/or contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVE:Rhinoplasty can reduce nasal airways' resistance. This study evaluates the effects of rhinoplasty on sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS:In this prospective cohort study, 80 rhinoplasty candidates were examined before and six months after rhinoplasty to evaluate symptom changes. STOP-BANG, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires, and nocturnal polysomnography were used, respectively, to screen for OSA, assess sleep quality, assess daytime drowsiness, and confirm results. RESULTS:Seventeen men (21.2%) and 63 women (78.8%) were studied. PSQI results showed an increase only in post-operative sleep disturbance items (p = 0.04). STOP-BANG showed an increase in apnea (p = 0.06) and a decrease in snoring (p = 0.06), which were both insignificant. The polysomnography tests confirmed the results of the questionnaires. CONCLUSION:Contrary to popular belief, rhinoplasty does not increase snoring, sleep disorders, or apnea.