Assessment of Mental Illness in Patients Seeking Rhinoplasty | Dr. Daniel Gould

Dr. Daniel Gould co-authored this research presented in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, examining mental health considerations among patients seeking rhinoplasty. The work reflects the importance of understanding psychological factors alongside physical anatomy when evaluating patients for aesthetic nasal surgery.

Rhinoplasty is a uniquely visible aesthetic procedure, involving a central facial feature that can significantly influence a person’s perception of their appearance. Because of this, careful patient assessment extends beyond identifying structural concerns and determining what can be changed surgically.

The research focused on the presence of mental health considerations within the rhinoplasty patient population. Understanding these factors can help surgeons approach consultation and patient selection more thoughtfully, particularly when evaluating motivations, expectations, and the potential impact of surgery.

This work reinforces the value of a comprehensive approach to aesthetic surgery. Technical planning is only one component of appropriate care, and understanding the individual patient’s expectations and psychological context can play an important role in responsible surgical decision-making.

The research contributes to a broader discussion within plastic surgery about patient selection, communication, and the importance of aligning surgical possibilities with realistic expectations and appropriate patient-centered care.