Questions You Should Ask at a Rhinoplasty Consultation

It doesn’t matter what current trends tell us, noses of all shapes and sizes are beautiful in their own way. However, no one can forbid a person to alter their appearance if they wish to. If a person considers themselves a good candidate, and rhinoplasty is exactly what they need, it’s time to discuss all the aspects and intricacies with a practitioner and a surgeon.

To do it, patients must prepare and remember the questions they’ll ask at the consultation.

Briefly about rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (also called “nose job”) is a popular and widely-performed invasive procedure with minimal risks and complications. Nevertheless, when it comes to surgeries, the doctor’s recommendations must be followed strictly.

While commonly associated with beauty, nose surgery can also help with breathing difficulties. In this case, plastic surgeons leave the shape of the nose as untouched as possible. This procedure is called reconstructive surgery.

If you want to alter the shape and form of your nose, this time you’ll need cosmetic surgery. However, it’s possible to achieve the combined benefits of both surgical procedures.

How long does rhinoplasty take? How to get prepared for plastic surgery?

On average, the operation itself lasts for about 1.5-3 hours. Sounds fast, but the overall process takes much longer.

If you’re still a teen, you must wait for several years until your bones are formed. If you’re an adult, you’ll still have some preparations to do:

1. Undergo lab tests;
2. Get your nose photographed;
3. If necessary, avoid taking medicines before the procedure;
4. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke for 14 days before operation;
5. Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours before surgical treatment;
6. Ask someone to drive you home from the facility.

Where to find a qualified plastic surgeon?

The surgeon who’s going to operate on you must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or other reputable organization of your country. In Canada, for example, plastic surgeons must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Don’t be misguided by intentionally complicated names. Trust only those organizations which meet international standards and are approved by the medical community, as the outcome of the surgery depends on this choice.

Questions to ask your surgeon

When consulting your surgeon, don’t forget to ask him or her these 10 questions:

1. Are you board-certified?
2. How many years have you been performing as a facial surgeon?
3. How many rhinoplasties have you performed?
4. Which type of anesthesia do you use?
5. What are the possible side effects?
6. Can they be avoided or minimized?
7. What should I do if I feel bad during the recovery period?
8. What is your revision policy?
9. Do you provide post-operative care?
10. How long does the operation take?

Also, feel comfortable to ask for photos of your surgeon’s previous rhinoplasty patients, as well as for their feedback on the results. If something still bothers you, don’t be shy to discuss it with a doctor.

To sum up

Rhinoplasty is not only the way to achieve the desired look, but also to solve breathing problems. The procedure itself is not long and lasts for several hours. However, it requires weeks-long preparation, as well as finding a decent board-certified surgeon who had proper training.

During the consultation, visitors are free to ask any related questions. No matter how goofy they may sound to the patient, a qualified doctor is expected to readily answer each and every one of them. It’s important to remember that there are no silly questions to ask before surgery.