Simon Effect

While Gilles, the star of the plastic surgery, considers the behavior of male patients who want to have rhinoplasty to the patient behaviors showed when schizophrenia first appeared (1958), Gipson, another major plastic surgeon, supports this assertive view (1975). In 1992, Slator suggested that the difference between men who had rhinoplasty with the other men was not related to the mental health, but women’s sensitivity. In 2001, Harris suggested that this sensitivity is neurotic (genetic) transition.

After brief history, it is suggested that dissatisfaction on outcomesin plastic surgery, is often due to the inability to select the right patient and poor quality and lack of communication with the patient rather than technical inadequacy or wrong surgical planning nowadays. In 1999, Gorney and Martello pointed out to the issue by using acronym called SIMON*. This is a definition of single, immature, male, overly expectant, and narcissistic. In addition to these personality characteristics, Bulstrode adds that the patients in this group also live together with their families as a criterion and updates this nomenclature which makes up the group of patients to be avoided as Slap-SIMON.

Nowadays, it is recommended to put/mark red flag of the files of the patients with these personality characteristics when planning rhinoplasty. Regardless of men and women, the most important characteristics of these patients are that they are highly influenced by their intensive and frequently used social media platforms and determine surgical decisions according to the comments and opinions here. The Royal College of Surgeons requires competence training in rhinoplasty and reminds the Slap-SIMON concept to the candidates. Body Dysmorphic Disorder, which is another important issue that should be included under this title, was previously discussed in detail on our website and Instagram as a subject of the week.

*SIMON (Single, Immature, Male, Overly expectant, Narcissistic).