Your Consultation

Your Consultation

Once you've narrowed your list to one surgeon, or perhaps a couple of surgeons, make an appointment for a consultation. This face-to-face meeting with the doctor is one of the best ways to determine which facial plastic surgeon is right for you. Think of your consultation as an opportunity to ask questions, to learn more about rhinoplasty, to discover what the procedure can do for you, and to evaluate your comfort level with the surgeon and staff. You should be aware that many surgeons charge a fee for the initial consultation, although in some cases this fee is applied toward the cost of surgery.

What to Expect from Your Consultation

In most cases, you can expect your consultation to last thirty minutes to an hour or more. Most cosmetic plastic surgeons will encourage you to ask as many questions as you feel are necessary. During your consultation, you'll fill out medical history forms, and undergo a physical exam of your nose. You may spend some additional time with an office manager or nurse discussing details about the surgery process or financing. In most cases, you can expect your rhinoplasty consultation to include a discussion of the following topics:

Your medical history
What you would like to change about your nose
Why you would like to change your nose
Results you can reasonably expect
Rhinoplasty techniques and incisions
Length of procedure
Type of anesthesia to be used
The person who will be administering anesthesia
Where your surgery will take place
Pre- and postoperative instructions
Common side effects, risks, and complications
Length of time before you will see final results
Follow-up visits
Costs and financing options

Preparing for Your Consultation

Before your consultation, you will benefit by spending some time preparing for it. The better prepared you are, the more you'll get accomplished. It's a good idea to take a notebook with you so you can jot down notes during your consultation. If you think you'd feel more comfortable taking a spouse or a friend to your consultation, arrange to
have this person accompany you. It's often helpful to have the friend or spouse take notes for you while you speak with the surgeon.

Reviewing Your Medical History

As is the case when you visit any new doctor, you'll be asked to complete a medical history form for your facial plastic surgeon. Key information you should be prepared to disclose includes:

Previous rhinoplasty procedures
Other previous surgeries (cosmetic and non-cosmetic)
Recent or past injuries to your nose
Any breathing problems
Allergy and asthma details
Past or current medical conditions
Hospitalizations
Drugs you're taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs, supplements, and even illegal drugs) and their dosages
Use of nasal sprays
Smoking habits

Why does your surgeon need to know all this information? Your medical history is important when you're contemplating nose surgery. Previous surgeries or health conditions may affect the surgery you're considering. In addition, certain medical conditions or medications you're taking could put you at risk for complications during and after surgery. As
mentioned earlier, being a smoker can slow the healing process and increase the risks associated with surgery. For these reasons, you should be very thorough and completely honest in providing your medical history. Don't leave anything out of your history because you don't think it's important or because you're embarrassed about it. Concealing any health-related information could put you unnecessarily at risk.

Trying to recall your medical history off the top of your head can be difficult. For instance, do you remember the name and dosage of your asthma inhalant or the date you had your wisdom teeth extracted? If not, you may want to do a little research before your appointment. Some surgeons' offices will send you a copy of the medical form prior to your
appointment so you can fill it out at home and take it with you to your consultation.

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