The Effect of a Dummy Nose Model as an Educational Tool for Rhinoplasty Beginners

Background and Objectives Sufficient training is essential before starting rhinoplasty due to the nature of the surgery, and how to effectively teach rhinoplasty is a major issue in otolaryngology education. The Korean Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery conducts an annual rhinoplasty hands-on course using a silicone model. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the course using a dummy nose model in rhinoplasty education. Subjects and Method The annual rhinoplasty hands-on course for beginners was conducted as a dry laboratory surgical simulation equipped with adequate surgical instruments for rhinoplasty. A commercialized silicone nose model for rhinoplasty was provided to each of the 15 trainees and instructors. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was given before and after the course. Results The 15 trainees, consisted of 9 otorhinolaryngology specialists, 5 residents, and 1 private physician. Of the responses, 92.8% were positive about the similarity between the dummy and real human tissue. A step-by-step evaluation was conducted: trainees and instructors were most satisfied with osteotomy, giving it the highest score. After the course, the trainees responded that their knowledge and skills in rhinoplasty improved. Of the trainees, 86.6% answered that they were either strongly or very strongly confident about the rhinoplasty procedure. Instructors evaluated the courses as suitable for rhinoplasty education. Conclusion The rhinoplasty hands-on course using silicone model anatomically similar to human tissue allows trainees to practice major steps of rhinoplasty in a relatively safe and clean way and can be a useful tool for educating rhinoplasty beginners.