ABSTRACT
Nowadays, the tendency towards cosmetic surgery especially rhinoplasty is increasing in our society. Prediction of patients' satisfaction after surgery depends on psychological characteristics of the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare emotional intelligence, body image and quality of life between the patients seeking rhinoplasty [before surgery] and control group. The method of this study was based on ex post facto. The study sample was selected from two non-governmental plastic surgery clinics in Arak City during a six-month period [from October 2010 to April 2011]. 80 patients seeking rhinoplasty were selected by simple sampling method and compared to 80 people who were accompanying these patients. These groups were matched in relation to age, sex and marital status. Each group consisted of 40 men and 40 women. Also variables of this study were measured by use of Shiring emotional intelligence Questionnaire, quality of life [sf-36] questionnaire and Multidimensional Body-Image Relations Questionnaire [MBSRQ]. Data analysis was performed by t-test for the two independent groups. The results showed that the scores of social skills and appearance evaluation were significantly lower and score of appearance investment was significantly higher in the patients seeking rhinoplasty in comparison to the control group. This study showed that patients seeking rhinoplasty had inadequate social skills, low score for appearance evaluation and high appearance investment