A person who believes there is a deformity or disproportion in their nose may begin to limit their behavior in social settings. They may feel uncomfortable when taking profile photos or group photos, and may struggle to act naturally. When they look at a photograph, the first thing they focus on is often their nose, and they may assume others notice it in the same way. Photos in which they feel their nose does not look good may be deleted.
In many cases, attention becomes repeatedly directed toward one’s own nasal shape and the nasal shapes of others. This preoccupation can occur frequently in everyday life. To avoid feeling tense or distressed in social environments, the person may increasingly avoid these situations. Over time, quality of life can begin to deteriorate.
For some individuals, the decision to pursue rhinoplasty can itself bring a sense of hope, improved morale, and renewed motivation. A person whose tolerance for day-to-day stressors has decreased may enter a ‘renewal’ process with this expectation.
After surgery, many patients report a noticeable increase in self-confidence. They may take more photographs and enjoy conversations and social settings more, as the ongoing mental effort spent on their nose decreases. As self-esteem improves, these positive effects can also extend to other areas such as work or school.
Clinical note: If concerns about appearance are intense, persistent, and cause marked distress or impairment, it may be helpful to discuss this with a mental health professional as well. In some cases, symptoms can overlap with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), where surgery alone may not relieve distress.
After deciding on surgery, expectations and the details of the operation should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon. Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure, and having aligned expectations helps reduce uncertainty and can support psychological well-being after surgery.
As the operation day approaches, anxiety levels may increase. This can be explained by a ‘perception of danger’: the mind may interpret the idea of surgery as a potential threat, and anxiety is the body’s response to that perceived threat. This is a natural reaction and can be protective. However, it is not expected to disrupt daily functioning at a significant level.
Practical strategies that may help you manage preoperative worry include:
When anxious thoughts about surgery are present throughout the day, they may lead to difficulty focusing at work or school, irritability, restlessness, indecision about the operation, and sleep or appetite problems - all of which can raise overall stress.
Research suggests that the psychological state before surgery is closely related to the recovery process. For this reason, psychological support can be valuable during the preparation period to help manage anxiety effectively.
According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. While a physician addresses physical health and surgical planning, working with a psychologist for psychological well-being can support a more comprehensive sense of wellness.
Is it normal to feel anxious before rhinoplasty?
Yes. Mild-to-moderate anxiety is common as surgery approaches. If anxiety significantly affects sleep, appetite, or daily functioning, consider discussing it with your surgeon and a mental health professional.
Will rhinoplasty automatically increase my self-confidence?
Many patients report improved self-confidence when their concerns are addressed and expectations are realistic. However, psychological well-being depends on multiple factors and may benefit from supportive counseling when needed.
How can I set realistic expectations for my nose surgery?
Discuss your goals in detail with your surgeon, review before-and-after examples, and make sure you understand what can and cannot be achieved with your anatomy and skin characteristics.
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