Examining Mental Health Changes Before and After Rhinoplasty: An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the mental health status of individuals seeking rhinoplasty before and 3 months after surgery. This study was conducted in 2022 at Velayat Hospital, involving patients aged 18-60 who were seeking rhinoplasty, selected using convenience sampling method. Exclusion criteria included prior nasal surgery and severe psychiatric disorders without clearance from a psychiatrist. The Symptom Check List-90-Revised questionnaire was employed to assess psychological disorders across 9 dimensions. Sixty patients were examined, consisting of 14 men and 46 women, with an average age of 31 years. A substantial 83.3% of participants sought rhinoplasty solely for cosmetic reasons, whereas 16.7% cited both cosmetic and breathing issues as motivations. Initially, 59 patients had scores indicating "good" mental health, with one showing "moderate" mental health. Three months after the surgery, all patients scored within "good" mental health. The findings revealed significant improvements in various dimensions of mental health, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive symptoms, with the exception of paranoid ideation. All three primary indicators of mental health demonstrated significant decrease post-surgery. The study highlights the positive impact of rhinoplasty on the mental health of patients, particularly among women, individuals over 20, and non-smokers. Notable improvements were observed across various mental health dimensions, with significant enhancements reported three months post-surgery. However, the findings underscore the need for careful consideration of psychological conditions when selecting candidates for surgery. Limitations, including a small male sample and lack of a control group, suggest further research is necessary.

Keywords: Iran; Rhinoplasty; mental health; plastic surgery.