Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you’re considering cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery, then a consultation is the first place you should start. This time allows you to determine if you’re a good fit for the procedure and if the cosmetic surgeon is a good fit for your cosmetic desires. Choosing the right surgeon is essential for great results, which means you’ll need to ask the right questions to understand the critical characteristics of your plastic surgeon.
It’s essential to be as thorough as possible during your consultations. Don’t be afraid to ask hard or prying questions. Getting a rhinoplasty is a big decision and the details matter.
Below are some of the top questions you should ask when going in for your consultation.
Top Questions
Are You Board Certified?
Board-certified plastic surgeons are held to higher standards. They must work in accredited facilities, follow a code of ethics, be highly trained, and continuously further their training and education in plastic surgery.
In addition to their training and experience, they should be certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. For example, to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must complete five years of surgical training in addition to a plastic surgery residency. Researching your rhinoplasty can save you the stress of a poorly done surgery or the need for revisions.
Is Your Operating Facility Accredited?
Accredited facilities matter because they must adhere to higher standards concerning their equipment, safety, and higher credentials for surgeons and staff. In general, there’s a lower risk for infection or complications when using an accredited facility.
Do You Have Plastic Surgery Training/Experience?
Take the time to learn where the plastic surgeon trained, how long they have performed these cosmetic surgeries, and what certifications they have. Ample training, experience, and certification are all indications that the plastic surgeon is qualified to perform your rhinoplasty.
How Many Rhinoplasties Do You Perform Annually?
This is a good way to grasp your surgeon’s proficiency and experience with rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasties are complicated surgeries, so understanding how many they perform is a good way to see how comfortable they are performing the procedure.
Can I See Before and After Pictures of Previous Patients?
Seeing actual results from the plastic surgeon will give you valuable insight into their style and the results they can offer you. In some cases, surgeons may have patients with similar noses to yours, which will allow you to visualize your potential results.
Do You Perform Open or Closed Rhinoplasties?
Open vs. closed rhinoplasty refers to the two approaches to performing a rhinoplasty. A closed rhinoplasty involves altering the shape of your nose from within the nostril. Closed rhinoplasties are usually better in situations where minor corrections or reshaping is needed, and since it is minimally invasive, there is a shorter healing time and no scarring.
An open rhinoplasty follows the same procedure as closed rhinoplasty, except it includes an additional incision across the width of your columella (the bridge between the nostrils). This helps the surgeon get greater visibility and access to the surgery site. This procedure is usually used for more substantial reshaping, structural issues, collapses, and revisions.
While most practice both types, a surgeon should help you understand which approach is better for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
A surgeon should be able to take into consideration your specific cosmetic goals and determine if rhinoplasty is right for you. In some cases, injections or other procedures may be more beneficial to you. A good surgeon doesn’t sound like a salesperson. They should put your best interests first.
What is Your Policy on Revisions?
Even after doing all the research and asking the right questions, you may not be happy with your rhinoplasty. It’s in your best interest to know the plastic surgeon’s policy on revisions. Be thorough and see if the revisions are free, under what criteria they are willing to do a revision, and how long after a procedure you can have a revision.
What is the Revision Rate Among Your Patients?
While revisions are not uncommon, it’s still good to know how many people get revisions from the cosmetic surgeon. This will give you insight into how many previous patients were happy with their rhinoplasty results. If several patients wanted revisions following the work this plastic surgeon performed, it’s a good sign they may not be qualified.
What Rhinoplasty Technique Will You Use For My Nose?
In general, it’s good to know the specifics of how the surgeon will perform your rhinoplasty. There are advantages and disadvantages to open and closed rhinoplasty surgery, so be sure to know which you’re getting and what to expect.
For more specific situations, like bulbous noses or dorsal humps, there are different techniques a surgeon will use to remedy them. If your needs are internal, like in the case of a bulbous nose, an open rhinoplasty is necessary. In most cases, a surgeon can correct a dorsal hump with a minimally invasive closed rhinoplasty since not as much work or visibility is needed.
Be sure the plastic surgeon knows how to specifically treat your nose shape.
Have You Specifically Performed a Rhinoplasty Like Mine?
Similar to the reasoning behind seeing before and after pictures, asking this is a great way to see examples of the surgeon’s work. Sometimes, a surgeon can offer a computer simulation of what your surgery may look like when completed.
Since no two noses are the same, knowing if your surgeon can specifically remedy your dorsal hump, bulbous nose, or any other condition is important. If these aren’t areas they practice often, it may be wise to reconsider their services.
Are My Cosmetic Goals Realistic? Can You Deliver?
Be as transparent with your goals as possible. Sometimes, your specific cosmetic goals aren’t attainable, so by definition, the surgeon can’t deliver the results you want. A good cosmetic doctor will guide you through your options and help you toward the best results for you.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgery is a very personal experience, and the surgeon you choose matters. At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dominic Castellano is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a staff that is dedicated to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals safely and effectively.
