Considerations before rhinoplasty

Patient evaluation and selection for aesthetic facial surgery and rhinoplas ty in particular goes beyond assessment of anatomical indications. The sele ction of appropriate candidates involves an understanding of the patient's motivations for the procedure, expectations for the surgical outcome, and e go strength for tolerating the stress of operative intervention. The patien t interview must be structured to give the surgeon ample information to det ermine the psychological and emotional stability of the candidate. Psychiat ric consultation may be required if evidence is uncovered indicating psychi atric illness. Time spent informing the patient preoperatively will pay off great dividends in the postoperative period. If patient dissatisfaction do es occur, validate and address the patient's concerns with a nondefensive p osture.