Rhinoplasty Surgeon Consultations: What to Ask and Look For

The decision to get a rhinoplasty (a nose job) should be carefully considered. Choosing a suitable rhinoplasty surgeon and setting up appointments with them is one of the major steps to undergoing a rhinoplasty surgery. Consultations with potential rhinoplasty surgeons give an individual the opportunity to assess the surgeon’s credentials, level of experience, and suitability for meeting one’s objectives and expectations of the surgery. In this article, individuals will learn about making informed decisions when about to undergo rhinoplasty by making important inquiries during a consultation with a rhinoplasty surgeon.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, often known as a nose job or nose reshaping, is a complex surgical operation that involves altering a person’s nose’s shape, size, or proportion. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries sought after by individuals. People undergo rhinoplasty for the following reasons:

• Correcting functional issues such as breathing difficulty or a birth defect.
• Aesthetic enhancement to improve the appearance of the nose.
• Reshape the structure of the nose.

What to Look for and Ask During a Consultation with a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Eligibility: When considering undergoing rhinoplasty surgery, individuals should ensure they are eligible to be operated on. To undergo such surgery, an individual; 

• has to be physically fit and healthy,
• should have complete facial growth, and 
• be a non-smoker.  

During the consultation, individuals should ask the surgeon if they are eligible for rhinoplasty surgery. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of the nose, skin, and cartilage around the nose and assess the other facial features. 

Certifications, Qualifications, and Training

A surgeon’s certifications, qualifications, and training serve as proof that he or she is a practicing rhinoplasty surgeon. During a consultation, individuals should ask the surgeon to kindly provide credentials. Additionally, questions should be asked about the training in plastic surgery or otolaryngology. The following questions can be asked:

• Are you a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon?
• Have you been trained in the field of plastic surgery?

Expertise and Experience in Rhinoplasty Surgery 

An individual should ask the surgeon about the number of years spent performing rhinoplasty surgeries. Questions about the level of success after each nose job, and the previous patient’s level of satisfaction. Such questions will help determine how skilled a surgeon is in performing rhinoplasty procedures.     

Rhinoplasty Techniques

An individual can ask the surgeon for the techniques they apply when performing a rhinoplasty. Further inquiries about what a technique entails should also be made. Individuals should make research the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty to decide which is most preferred and which technique the surgeon uses. There should be an understanding of the reason for the surgeon’s choice of techniques, potential risks, complications, and ways they can be mitigated by the surgeon. A surgeon’s use of either open or closed rhinoplasty is usually dependent on the anatomy of the individual.

Portfolio of Before and After Photos

 Inquiries should be asked about the surgeon’s past rhinoplasty surgeries. Ask for the surgeon’s portfolio of past patients before and after photos to evaluate the quality of the surgical results of the rhinoplasties done. This will help individuals determine if the surgeon can meet their expectations.

Testimonials

Hearing directly from people is an important way to confirm a surgeon’s capabilities and quality of past rhinoplasty surgeries. Surgeons can be asked for testimonials from patients and perhaps to contact any of such patients to hear about their experiences. A skilled and reputable surgeon should be able to provide testimonials and contact of patients treated for a conversation.

Expectations from Rhinoplasty Surgery

It is important to discuss with the rhinoplasty surgeon about one’s expectations from the rhinoplasty surgery. An individual should clearly explain to the surgeon what they would like to be achieved from the nose job. Understand carefully what the surgeon has to say as regards the techniques to be applied, the process of the procedure, and the most likely outcome. If the individual is not comfortable with anything the doctor says, they should inquire more about it until there is no doubt. However, it is good to find out from the surgeon if the expectations are realistic.

Revision Policy

Finding out the revision policy of a rhinoplasty surgeon is vital. This will help an individual to know if the surgeon is willing to fix anything damage in cases where the outcome of the operation is not as expected. Individuals should ask if they will need to repay certain fees should there be a problem.

Other areas that individuals can inquire about include:

• The recovery process – The following questions can be asked to understand the rhinoplasty recovery process. Will it be a painful process? How long will the recovery process take? What medications can be taken during recovery? Does the procedure leave scars?
• Cost of the rhinoplasty – Learning about what it costs to undergo a rhinoplasty surgery as well as post-operative fees will assist in making a final decision. The following questions can be asked:

1. Are there any unstated costs I must pay? 
2. Can I pay in installments?
3. Do you offer to finance? 
4. The tendency of a complication occurring and if they can be handled appropriately. What are the potential dangers and issues that might arise? How can they be treated?

Additional questions to ask during the consultation:

• At which hospitals do you have privileges to perform the operation?
• Is there anything I need to do to get my expected results?
• Do I need any special care when undergoing recovery?
• After the operation will I need bandages?
• When will I have to come back for a check-up after the operation?
• What is the average number of rhinoplasty surgeries you perform weekly, or yearly?
• Will I be placed on anesthesia during the procedure? If so, what kind and what particular anesthesia?
• If I have a change of heart at any time before the surgery, can I back out? If yes, will I get a refund?

Scheduling a consultation meeting with rhinoplasty surgery is an important step towards knowing what to look for and questions to ask before undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. During the consultation, certain important questions are asked, and answers are provided. An individual will be able to evaluate the capabilities of the surgeon by the answers given and the credentials provided. Making a well-informed decision can be supported by taking into account crucial factors and asking the right questions. This will improve one’s chances of having a successful rhinoplasty procedure.