Abstract
Background: Cosmetic rhinoplasty is now carried out increasingly in an attempt
to solve the psychological and social problems of people who are discontent with
their nose. Little is known about either the psychological status of persons who seek
rhinoplasty or potential psychological changes following surgery. The challenge that
faces surgeons, is how to identify, before surgical intervention those patients who
may have a poor outcome in terms of psychological adjustment despite a technically
satisfactory result.
Methods: Atotal of 96 patients (84 women and 12 men) who were seeking cosmetic
rhinoplasty were selected and completed an adopted expectation questionnaire
and SCL-90-R, a 90 item self-report symptom inventory which measures 9 primary
symptom dimensions. It is designed primarily to reflect the psychological symptom
patterns of psychiatric and medical patients.
Results: The majority of the patients reported that their noses made them selfconscious,
and thought the rhinoplasty would change their lives. Interpersonal sensitivity
and anxiety were the most reported symptoms in SCL-90-R, followed by obsessive-
compulsive symptoms and depression.
Conclusion: The findings of this study enhance our understanding of psychological
factors in seeking rhinoplasty and provide insight into the surgical-psychological
management of these patients.
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