Mental health correlates of valid perception of nasal deformity in female applicants for aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Thirty-four female applicants for rhinoplasty were assessed prior to undergoing surgery by means of a measuring scale for objective evaluation of the nasal shape. This scale yields an objective nasal deformity score as well as a measure of validity of subjective perception of nasal shape (nose image) and deformity. Subjects were assessed also for identity integration by a short measure of Eriksonian identity, and for psychological well-being and self-acceptance by means of the appropriate California Psychological Inventory (CPI) scales. Degree of nasal objective deformity was found to correlate with various aspects of positive mental health, namely, identity integration, psychological well-being, and self-acceptance. Validity of nose image was also correlated with identity integration. Findings are in accord with former investigations and call attention to the need for careful selection and management of patients for rhinoplasty, especially when deformity is mild.