Researchers at The Nose Clinic in Guildford working with the Centre for Appearance Research asked 90 patients about their appearance anxiety and to rate how often they check their appearance (in mirrors) on a scale of from 0 (not at all) to 10 (all the time). Before the operation, patients rated their level of appearance checking as 6.21 out of 10. After the operation, patients rated their appearance checking as 3.89, a significant decrease in self-consciousness of 37%.

The recent study at the Nose Clinic, led by rhinoplasty specialist, Julian Rowe-Jones, revealed that patients having cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty) also found their noses less noticeable, and had less appearance anxiety after their surgery. The patients were less likely to avoid work, social and sexual interactions. They also felt less self-conscious after their rhinoplasty surgery.

Appearance checking among those who are self-conscious of their noses can be very frequent. Even on average, a study has found that British women will check their reflection in a mirror up to 71 times a day. Despite this, another study found that three-quarters of women reported hating looking in the mirror and said 39% said it affects their self-confidence.

Patients found that they had less appearance anxiety following rhinoplasty surgery

The study’s findings are consistent with many other studies that claim rhinoplasty patients with appearance anxiety feel an improvement in their self esteem and quality of life. Another smaller study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that patients noted less appearance-related psychological distress. The same study showed an increased rating of generic quality of life and self-esteem after rhinoplasty, 12 months after surgery.

One of Mr. Rowe-Jones’s patients, who has experienced appearance anxiety said: “I now never have to worry about my appearance or feel awkward that my nose is an odd shape, as I did.”

It is important to note that the results of the study do not suggest that rhinoplasty procedure caused patients to worry less than before, but there is certainly a very positive association with those having the procedure and the positive benefits that followed. Reductions in appearance-checking or appearance anxiety are of course not guaranteed.

“When we embark upon considering rhinoplasty together I want you to be able to tell me what you hope the benefits are going to be for you.” said Mr. Rowe-Jones. “Rhinoplasty is a highly complex technical exercise, we will together be determining what the aesthetic goals are, but we need to think beyond that. You need to be able to tell me, in advance how you’re going to measure the success of rhinoplasty for yourself. If your defined benefits I think will follow from surgery then it’ll be a pleasure to recommend it.”

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About Julian Rowe-Jones

Julian Rowe-Jones founded The Nose Clinic in 1998 with a clear mission to deliver world leading standards of cosmetic nose surgery (Rhinoplasty) in Guildford, and now in Harley Street, London. His aim is to provide a level of friendly and professional consultancy, advice, support and patient care that complements and enhances these standards. His expertise as a rhinoplasty surgeon is central to the success of his patients; and you can read more about his background and experience in specialising.