Preparing for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery Consultation

A visit with a plastic surgeon can help to answer further questions about rhinoplasty; its potential risks and benefits. The information below provides a framework for the consultation. You've researched rhinoplasty surgery and you've looked at dozens of before-and-after photos. You've collected the names of good surgeons. Now it is time to choose a few of these surgeons and schedule consultations.

Think about a consultation for a nose job as being a job interview for your rhinoplasty surgeon. You are interviewing the surgeon for the job of helping you get the nose you want.

If this is not your first rhinoplasty, you will probably be very skeptical of any surgeon's ability. Don't let this skepticism keep you from making a decision to revise your nose. There are wonderful surgeons out there who are highly skilled and who can successfully fix your nose.

In this section, we've provided lists and links to printer-friendly lists of information and questions that you may find helpful in preparing for your consultation.

Before Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

Check around and be aware of all your options in rhinoplasty. Research the many techniques and types of rhinoplasty, and if applicable, of revision rhinoplasty surgery. This may take some time, but it is worth it.

Look through magazines, old photos, or other resources to find examples of what you do and do not want your nose to look like. But be realistic in your expectations. Do not walk in with a photo and say, "Make me look like this." What looks wonderful on a model may look out of proportion on you. The surgeon must work with the nose you have and this may not allow him or her to do what you want done.

Don't be afraid to ask around. Ask around at your beauty salon or gym, ask your doctor and any doctors and nurses you know, search online, or join our forum discussions. Speak to others who have had or are planning to have rhinoplasty surgery. Check out our discussion forums here at Rhinoplasty4You.com and at RevisionRhinoplasty.net.

Compile a list of plastic surgeons and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions and to see if they are currently board certified. Also check for possible negative media coverage. You can find out if they have been disciplined within your state by contacting your State Medical Board. Some state medical boards will tell you if a doctor has had malpractice insurance cancelled, but this may mean little since most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is. You can verify if they are board certified by calling the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) at 1-800-776-2378 or going to the ABMS website.

If during your research you find that a rhinoplasty surgeon has been sued for malpractice, it may not mean as much as you think. Just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit or has settled out of court does not mean he or she is a bad one. People sue for everything nowadays and juries will sometimes go against the evidence to decide against the doctor because they want the plaintiff to get something for their trouble. Likewise, if a doctor has never been disciplined, it doesn't mean he or she is a good one. Maybe a disciplinary action just hasn't happened yet. You need to look for a pattern of lawsuits.

Pay attention to how the surgeon and staff listen to you and treat you. Beware of the doctor who fails to listen to your concerns or fails to discuss the risks and complications of your nose job.

Trust your instincts. Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something, there's a reason.

Find out what the fee for the consultation will be in advance. Prices range from free to $500 and the price of the consultation does not necessarily reflect the skill of the surgeon. Some surgeons will waive the consultation fee if you decide to have surgery with them, but don't let this push you into making that decision.

What to Share with Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Before you go to your first consultation, make a list of any medications you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements to the consultation, and write up your medical history. Your medical history should include all serious illnesses and any surgeries you have had, as well as information on serious medical problems your parents or siblings have had. It is a good idea to print this up before hand so that you can bring a copy with you. Otherwise this is something easy to forget.

As a reminder, the following are the three must have items for your rhinoplasty consultation:

1) A list of questions you may have for the surgeon, it could be about the surgery itself or about his experience with rhinoplasty surgery or accreditations.

2) List of medications and medical history for reference.

3) Some rhinoplasty photos to provide an idea of what you want or what you don't want.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

1. What made you decide to become a cosmetic surgeon? How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic surgeon?

2. Are you board certified?  If so, by what board and for how long?

3. Have you ever been disciplined by the board or by the state?

4. How many rhinoplasties have you performed?

5. How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you have to perform?

6. How many rhinoplasties do you perform on average, annually?

7. Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?

8. Would there be any reason that I would not be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?

9. What are the complications for rhinoplasty?

10. Do you prefer to perform your procedures open or closed? Why?

11. Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of?

12. Do you have a video of a rhinoplasty being performed that I can watch?

13. How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?

14. What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?

15. What kind of anesthesia do you use for rhinoplasty? Why?

16. Do you offer any other anesthesia options?

17. Can I look at a portfolio of before-and-after photos, and not just your perfect ones?

18. May I speak with any of patients who have had rhinoplasty by you?

19. When should I expect to look "normal" again?

20. Will I have scarring? If so, how bad will it be?

21. Where will the surgery be performed? If the surgery will not be done in a hospital, is the surgery center or suite accredited?

22. Do you have hospital privileges and, if so, at what hospitals? If you don't have hospital privileges, why not?

23. Who will administer anesthesia and what are that person's credentials?

24. What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?

25. Must I follow any special diet, both preoperatively and postoperatively?

26. I wear eyeglasses. Will I be able to wear them the day after surgery on top of the cast? When can I wear my glasses normally?

27. I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.). Will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia?

28. What if I have a complication?

29. If my results are not what I wanted, what is your policy on a revision?

30. Do you believe my expectations can be met?

31. What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?

32. If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?

33. If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?

34. If I will need sutures, when will they be taken out?

35. Are there any hidden costs that I should know about, such as for lab work, postoperative check-ups, or additional medications?

36. If I need anything after-hours after the surgery, how can I get in touch with you or your staff?

37. What are your policies on postoperative care?

38. Do you offer financing? Do you expect full payment up front? Can I pay in increments?

39. How long after the surgery will I be able to exercise, run, or participate in contact sports?

40. Will I need a graft?  If so, what kind?

41. What structural changes to my nose will you need to do?

42. After surgery, will my nose be packed?  With what type of packing?  For how long?

43. Who will be present in the recovery room with me, and what are their qualifications?

44. How far in advance is it necessary to schedule a surgery date?

In some cases patients have rhinoplasty for specific reasons, such as immediately after filing for a divorce to obtain a more attractive facial appearance, or to correct damage caused in an auto accident caused by a person was dui driving. Be sure to share your goals with the facial plastic surgeon so that you and he / she can work together to enhance your appearance and achieve your aesthetic goals.