Quality of life before and after rhinoplasty surgery measured with SF-36, RSES, and WHOQOL-BREF

Abstract

Background

Rhinoplasty continues to be among the most popular surgical cosmetic treatments around the world. This is often a reflection of the significance of nose shapes in sociocultural, ethnic, and psychological contexts. Despite developments in the therapeutic field of cosmetic surgery, there is scarce information available within current literature concerning the effects of cosmetic procedures on quality of life (QOL), particularly in Iran. The purpose of this study was to survey QOL among Iranian adults before and after rhinoplasty.

Methods

From July 2015 to July 2016, 83 patients over 16 years of age seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty were included in this study. Demographic information such as age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, and monthly income of patients were recorded. SF-36 version 2, Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were completed by a single trained interviewer for all patients, before and 6 months after rhinoplasty. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS ver. 16. Results before and after surgery were compared.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 24.87 ± 5.8 years, with a median of 24 years. The female-to-male ratio was 4.53:1. In all cases and all questionnaires, QOL was improved after rhinoplasty. Significant differences were observed on six subscales of SF-36 comprised bodily pain (p = 0.003), general health (p = 0.002), vitality (p = 0.005), social functioning (p < 0.001), emotional role (p = 0.02), and mental health state (p = 0.012). According to RSES and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, self-esteem (p = 0.002), psychological health (p < 0.001), social relationships (p < 0.001), and general quality of life (p = 0.011) indicated significant differences.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that QOL can be improved after rhinoplasty in Iranian adult patients. With proper patient selection and a successful operation, improvement of QOL can be expected.

Level of Evidence: Level III, risk / prognostic study