Comparison of the Temperament and Character of Patients Referred to Cosmetic Nasal Surgeon in Shiraz Hospitals, 2015

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic surgery which has been dramatically increasing in Iran. Currently, Iran is ranked the first in the world in rhinoplasty. In the present study, we aimed to assess the character and temperament traits of the applicants referred to rhinoplasty surgeons in Shiraz, southwest Iran in 2015. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 500 participants among rhinoplasty applicants for case and among students and clerks residing in Shiraz by convenience sampling method in 2015. The two groups were matched regarding the gender, age and educational level. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and temperament and character inventory to assess the four dimensions of temperament (including novelty seeking; harm avoidance; reward dependence; persistence) and the three dimensions of character (including self-directedness; cooperativeness; self-transcendence). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Chi- square and t-test were used as appropriated. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of the participants was 27.43±6.6. The results showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with respect to the temperaments of novelty (9.47±2.80), harm avoidance (9.12±3.3), persistence (2.69±1.04), the characters of cooperativeness (15.38±4.02), and self-transcendence (9.48±3.41). CONCLUSION: Evaluating character and temperament traits in rhinoplasty applicants will be so helpful in identifying and predicting good candidates for such cosmetic surgery. Selecting the ideal patients can not only reduce the costs resulting from rhinoplasty imposed on families and society but also enhance the satisfaction of the patients and the surgeons.