The Role of Oral Isotretinoin in Thick Skin Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review

Introduction Thick skin poses a challenge in rhinoplasty, often resulting in an undefined tip and supratip deformities. Objectives and Hypotheses This study evaluates oral isotretinoin as an adjuvant treatment for thick-skinned rhinoplasty patients. Study Design The is a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Methods Two independent investigators performed a comprehensive literature search to identify studies that assessed peri-operative oral isotretinoin treatment in thick skin rhinoplasty patients. Key outcome measures include skin thickness reduction, cosmetic surgical outcomes and post-operative patient satisfaction. Results 5 studies met the study inclusion criteria. Their findings demonstrated that oral isotretinoin effectively reduces skin thickness and improves cosmetic outcomes and satisfaction up to 6 months post-operatively, with no major complications reported. Conclusion Although evidence is limited, oral isotretinoin shows promise in enhancing short-term rhinoplasty outcomes for thick-skinned patients. Further high-quality trials are needed to confirm these results and develop standardized treatment protocols.