Comparison of Depression and Anxiety Levels Before and After Rhinoplasty: A longitudinal study

Background: Rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure in which the nasal shape is changed and reconstructed. It can be done for both reconstructive and cosmetic purposes. Evaluating the success of the procedure involves traditional measures as well as the patient's perspective, both of which are important for their psychological well-being. Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate the mental health changes after rhinoplasty in different populations. Understanding the level of anxiety and depression in rhinoplasty patients before and after the operation is important for achieving positive outcomes. Methods: In this study, 200 patients over 18 years of age who underwent rhinoplasty surgery were selected. Anxiety levels were checked using Hamilton questionnaire prior to the operation and the depression level via Beck questionnaire. Then, after six months, the anxiety and depression levels were examined again. The differences before and six months after the operation were evaluated by paired t-test. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 200 patients underwent rhinoplasty for a study. The average patient age was 28.14 ± 10.21, and 83.5% were women. Most patients did not have a history of depression. The Beck questionnaire showed a significant reduction in depression scores post-surgery (p=0.032). Anxiety levels showed no significant difference before and after rhinoplasty (p=0.862). Conclusion: The level of depression in patients after rhinoplasty decreased significantly. Rhinoplasty did not affect the anxiety level of the patients.