Patient Selection, Outcome, and Unhappy Patients in Rhinoplasty

Overview

This is a narrative review without a patient series. It covers the selection process, the psychological aspects involved, the value of working with specialist rhinoplasty psychologists, the motivations that lead to poor outcomes, surgeon-side contributors, reasons for adverse outcomes before and after surgery, and a brief practical guide.

Sections of note

• Warning signs in candidates should be identified before surgery.
• A multidisciplinary approach with specialist rhinoplasty psychologists is recommended.
• Both patient motivations and surgeon factors can produce unhappy outcomes.
• Causes of adverse outcomes are described across the pre- and postoperative periods.
• The article ends with a short guide to reducing unhappy-patient risk.

What it means for a patient

• Surgeons are trained to look for signs that surgery will not satisfy a patient; being asked about motivations is part of good care.
• Dissatisfaction can arise from the surgeon side too, such as poor communication or overpromising.
• The paper offers guidance, not outcome data.

Why this paper matters

It is a practical summary of psychological selection from a centre that embeds psychologists in rhinoplasty care. Limits: review, no data.

Terms

• Patient selection: deciding which candidates are suitable for surgery.
• Body dysmorphic disorder: preoccupation with a perceived minor flaw, a key warning sign.
• Multidisciplinary: care involving several specialties.
• Expectation management: aligning what the patient hopes for with what surgery can deliver.