Rhinoplasty or nose job surgery is not only one of the most difficult facial plastic surgeries to perform, but the results can also change a person’s appearance the most drastically. Of course, many who seek this plastic surgery procedure desire exactly that–but a new study reveals that 33% of patients considering cosmetic nose job surgery show symptoms of a chronic condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
BDD is a type of mental illness in which negative thoughts of body image overwhelm someone to the point that it negatively affects his or her life, getting in the way of healthy relationships, careers, and socializing. The disorder can lead to suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and — as seen in this study — unnecessary cosmetic surgery.
Because the rate of BDD is so high in rhinoplasty patients (and even higher in those patients who have already had a nose job previously), it is especially important for the doctor to take a detailed psychological evaluation during the consultation to make sure that the patient is mentally healthy before authorizing this plastic surgery procedure. Rhinoplasty is a team approach: you, the patient, have to come in with realistic expectations and sound motivation, and I, the facial plastic surgeon, will provide noticeable and natural results.
rican Life Project, 83% of internet users are searching for medical information on-line and 59% of all US adults have looked on-line for health information. Despite this, there is significant documentation to show that patients are confused about who is providing their health care.
Take, for example, a child with protruding ears. Ear pinning (otoplasty) can restore the ear size, shape, and position to normalcy. After the age of six, otoplasty is safe, fast, and virtually painless. So why subject a child to a lifetime of “Dumbo” jokes? An otoplasty in an otherwise physically, emotionally, and socially healthy child can be a surefire way to prevent bullying. The same is true of exaggerated nasal features. Oversized, crooked, or oddly shaped noses are often a source of relentless teasing among children. Surgery that restores normal nasal structure and function has long been accepted by well-adjusted teens, their parents, and doctors, so why stand by and watch a child experience a painful loss of confidence? While surgeries to improve the appearance of a child’s ears or nose have long been popular, a newer cosmetic procedure is also on the rise. Those who suffer from unwanted hair, such as girls with upper lip hair or thick sideburns, may want a lasting solution to avoid being taunted by their peers. Laser hair removal is now becoming a more common alternative to waxing, depilation creams, and the dreadful shaving.