Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) consistently remains one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. If you are considering rhinoplasty, it is important to have a full understanding of what the procedure can accomplish, how it will be performed, the potential results that can be expected, and other aspects of the treatment. Here are some questions you should ask at your rhinoplasty consultation:
What is your experience operating with noses like mine?
This is important. Knowing the extent of the surgeon’s experience is crucial, but it is also nuanced. Every individual is different—you want a surgeon who has done many cases on patients of similar ethnicity and background. If your case is complex, unusual, or involves revision rhinoplasty surgery, you want a surgeon who has experience with these procedures.
What are the risks of surgery?
Please listen to the discussion of risks carefully. Most surgeons will be honest and frank about the unlikely—but possible—complications from surgery. Make sure you are okay with the risks.
Can you show me what my nose may look like?
Many doctors have software that can morph and edit photographs taken in the office to give you an idea of how you may look after surgery. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, looking at and discussing these photos will help get you and the doctor on the same page with your aesthetic goals.
Additional Questions
Make certain you ask all questions you may have to ensure you understand what to expect from surgery and during the recovery period after surgery. These may include:
- How long will the surgery take?
- Where will the surgery be done?
- How long is the post-op recovery period?
- What am I allowed to do or not allowed to do during the recovery process?
- When will I be able to return to regular activities?
- When will I look presentable?
- When should I expect to see final post-operative results?
To learn more about rhinoplasty, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact The Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, Inc. and we will be happy to assist you.
- Dr. Catherine Weng– Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
