Psychosocial impact of cosmetic rhinoplasty

The psychosocial impact of cosmetic rhinoplasty in Scandinavia is poorly investigated. Therefore a study was undertaken utilizing a mailed audit covering self-percepted experiences before, during, and after surgery. A total of 67 of 80 patients responded to the questionnaire (84%), on average 18 months after surgery. The mean age was 31 years (range, 16-63 years) and the M/F ratio was 20/44 among the 64 patients analyzed, half of whom were of foreign extraction. The self-report disclosed that a majority of the patients had been preoccupied with their noses since puberty and that the mental awareness of nasal stigmatization was given mainly by the mirror (58%), not by others. Despite the early exclusion of patients with possible body dysmorphic disorder, almost one-fourth had a severe complex, and one-third felt socially inhibited by their noses and avoided being looked at from certain angles. Surgery was not a significant problem even though it was performed under local anesthesia and i.v. sedation. The great majority (91%) were satisfied with the result and 89% would recommend the procedure to others. More than 60% felt more self-confident and perceived life as being easier. To conclude, successful rhinoplasty may change preoccupied patients' lives, because the majority simply stopped thinking about their noses.