Predictors of the Willingness to Undergo Rhinoplasty: A Psychosocial and Demographic Study From Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores what factors influence people's willingness to undergo rhinoplasty in Saudi Arabia, finding that overall dissatisfaction with nose shape is a key predictor.

Contribution

The study identifies specific psychosocial and demographic predictors of rhinoplasty willingness in a Saudi population.

Findings

Strong dissatisfaction with overall nasal shape significantly increases willingness to undergo rhinoplasty.

Dissatisfaction with specific features like nostril size and nose height decreases surgical willingness.

Educational level significantly influences rhinoplasty motivations, while age, nationality, and employment status do not.

Abstract

Background

Rhinoplasty is increasingly being performed for aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement. However, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty involves physical, psychological, and social factors. This study investigated which nasal features and demographic factors predict the willingness to undergo rhinoplasty.

Methodology

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to patients presenting to ENT clinics with deviated nasal septum or external nasal deformity and via social media platforms in Saudi Arabia to assess demographic characteristics, nasal satisfaction, and willingness to undergo rhinoplasty. Data from 675 eligible participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and ordinal logistic regression to identify significant predictors.

Results

Strong dissatisfaction with overall nasal shape significantly increased the willingness to undergo rhinoplasty (p < 0.001). In contrast, dissatisfaction with specific features such as nostril size (p = 0.009) and nose height (p = 0.042) decreased surgical willingness. Females reported lower satisfaction than males across multiple features, though this did not translate into significant differences in surgical motivation (p = 0.064). Educational level significantly influenced rhinoplasty motivations (p < 0.001). In contrast, age, nationality, and employment status did not significantly affect satisfaction or motivation.

Conclusions

The decision to pursue rhinoplasty is personal and influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. General dissatisfaction with the shape of the nose was the strongest predictor of surgical willingness. However, dissatisfaction with specific aspects of the nose negatively correlated with surgical willingness.