Psychological aspects of rhinoplasty

Abstract

There is a strong association between nose morphology and personal identity, and we must bear in mind that in many patients, the most important expectation from rhinoplasty is not only an improved facial harmony but an existential change. The authors discuss the psychological aspects of rhinoplasty including expectations and motivations, body image disorders, short- and long-term outcome of rhinoplasty for medical or cosmetic indication, and psychosocial outcomes for patients seeking cosmetic surgery. The general body of research seems to confirm that in general, there is a positive outcome for patients' psychological well-being and psychosocial functioning after undergoing elective cosmetic surgery; however, there are also multiple indications of poor outcomes that cannot be ignored.