What to Expect at Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

What To Expect At Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
Undergoing plastic surgery is a huge decision as it can have a major impact on your life. Therefore, .....

Undergoing plastic surgery is a huge decision as it can have a major impact on your life. Therefore, before making the decision to have a nose job a great deal of research needs to be done to ascertain whether it is truly the right choice for you. If having looked into it you wish to go ahead with rhinoplasty then your next step should be to book an initial consultation, which in most instances will be free of charge.

Once you have arrived for your consultation you can start assessing whether the clinic is right for you, even before you have met your surgeon. While you wait look at your surroundings and ask yourself how at ease you feel. For example is the waiting room clean and comfortable and are the staff courteous and professional? You may also notice articles about the clinic, certificates of board approval or thank you cards from previous patients on display which can reassure you that you are in a first-class clinic.

There are several items that can be beneficial to bring to your consultation, although it is not a requirement that you do. You should think carefully about any questions you may have about the rhinoplasty procedure and bring them when you meet your surgeon. Although a good surgeon will cover all the necessary points it is best to have this list to ensure nothing important is missed. Writing them down is a good idea as nerves can make people a little forgetful at their consultation.

If possible, bring photos and magazine clippings of noses you admire. While the perfect nose is one which looks harmonious with the rest of your facial features and a nose which looks beautiful on someone else may not suit your face, it may help your surgeon visualise what you want. Most surgeons will use specialist software to show a computer ‘mock up’ of what your nose could look at after a rhinoplasty operation. There is no guarantee your new nose will exactly match the one shown to you in the simulation but it should help you decide if you really wish to proceed with surgery.

Most surgeons have a portfolio of their previous operations to showcase their skill and expertise. If they do not offer to show this to you, ask to see it. Before and after pictures of rhinoplasty can help demonstrate if the surgeon is competent enough to carry out your operation. A good clinic will also have a list of previous patients who you can contact and discuss their experience of surgery, before committing to proceeding with your own nose job.

Although most people attending a consultation are eligible for rhinoplasty if that is what they want, there are some instances where the surgeon will advise against the procedure. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a nose job so your surgeon will discuss your needs, wants and your medical history with you. If a surgeon believes that a person’s reasons for seeking surgery are ‘unhealthy’ (for instance, if someone has underlying emotional issues) or if they have unrealistic expectations then they are within their rights to refuse to perform the surgery. It is important that you disclose any existing medical problems or list any medications you are taking as certain conditions may make it unsafe to undergo rhinoplasty.

Once it has been ascertained that you are a suitable candidate for surgery the surgeon will give a comprehensive overview of the rhinoplasty procedure and discuss your options for surgery. For instance, he will cover whether open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty best suits your needs and where you would prefer the scars to be placed. He should also cover all of the risks entailed by surgery and anaesthesia and you will be given a consent form to sign. Read this carefully to ensure the surgeon has covered all the points listed on it.

At the end of the consultation you will receive a breakdown of the fees and costs, should you want to proceed with the nose job. You are not obliged to go ahead and you may wish to go away and take time to think over your decision. If you are sure rhinoplasty is right for you a date can be set for surgery straight away and an appointment will be arranged to start pre-surgery measures such as taking blood tests and issuing you with a lost of instructions.

The key to a successful consultation is thorough preparation. Good communication between you and your surgeon will increase the likelihood of getting the nose job you want.