August 2019
The physical appearance of the face plays a critical role in social interactions, with a direct correlation between a patient’s self-image and the perceptions of others.
Why this matters
The physical appearance of the face plays a critical role in social interactions, with a direct correlation between a patient’s self-image and the perceptions of others. This work contributes to evidence-based plastic and reconstructive surgery — helping clinicians interpret outcomes, refine technique, and counsel patients with clearer data.
Author
Plastic and reconstructive surgery resident at Emory University (UCLA BS, USC MD) with an h-index of 15 and peer-reviewed work spanning aesthetic surgery, reconstruction, medical devices, and AI in medicine.
Abstract
The physical appearance of the face plays a critical role in social interactions, with a direct correlation between a patient’s self-image and the perceptions of others. This can negatively impact self-esteem, leading to anxiety, depression, and social avoidance, which may further exacerbate these conditions. Psychosocial concerns have been identified as potential motivators for seeking esthetic rhinoplasty. Although successful operations can improve quality of life and self-esteem in patients with sound mental health, they may result in unsatisfactory outcomes for those with significant mental health disorders. A cross-sectional study of 298 random volunteers was conducted, with participants completing a 10-item SHNOS scale and a 26-question PRIME-MD questionnaire to assess the functional need for rhinoplasty and the incidence of psychological disorders. Participants were also asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the overall appearance of their nose before and after the survey. Among the participants, 38.95% of women and 27.78% of men were willing to undergo esthetic rhinoplasty. Young adults aged 18-24 were more likely (52.92%) to seek rhinoplasty compared to other age groups. Income also played a significant role, with 47.37% of those earning $50,000–$75,000 annually interested in rhinoplasty, compared to 32.41% of those with incomes under $50,000. Of those interested in rhinoplasty, 57.84% reported a psychological or mental health disorder, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or body dysmorphic disorder. These findings indicate that many individuals seeking esthetic rhinoplasty may be experiencing mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of assessing patient mental health before treatment to avoid unsatisfactory outcomes.