5 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before a Nose Job

Your nose is one of the most prominent features of your face. If, like many people, you're unhappy with the shape or symmetry of your nose, a plastic and reconstructive surgery called a rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, can improve its appearance. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, and before a rhinoplasty surgeon schedules you for this procedure, they will see you in consultation in their office. At this time, they will obtain a complete medical history, perform an examination, take photos, and discuss the surgery with you. If you've been wondering - What should I ask my doctor before rhinoplasty? - read on. I'm going to tell you the five most important questions to ask at your plastic surgeon at your rhinoplasty consultation. Come, let's get nosy about rhinoplasty procedures.

Am I a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?

Generally speaking, anyone whose physical growth is complete is a suitable candidate for a nose job. The ideal rhinoplasty patients are non-smokers and in good general health. Good candidates for a nose job have realistic expectations about what a rhinoplasty can and cannot do for them. If you have a realistic idea of what to expect, you are more likely to be happy with your nose job results.

So, take some time during your rhinoplasty consultation to understand what your nose will look like over time after a nose surgery. The best plastic surgeons will take into account your concerns and suggest the most appropriate solution. It could be that you are better suited for a non-surgical nose job or liquid nose job, which is a minimally invasive injection procedure done using dermal fillers.

How long have you been performing nose jobs?

While rhinoplasties are a fairly common plastic surgery, plastic surgeons can have varying levels of experience and skill in performing rhinoplasty, which can affect your results. A plastic surgeon who knows their way around a nose is always a good idea! The more nose jobs a surgeon has performed, the better. If you are in the United States, ask your surgeon if they are a board certified plastic surgeon and whether they are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you are in the UK, ask your plastic surgeon if they are certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. There are similar bodies in practically every country in the world that certify plastic surgeons. You should check your surgeon's qualifications and experience to ensure they are the best option for you. You can also ask your surgeon their revision rate, i.e., how often patients come back for a revision nose job. In general, the chances of needing a revision are low with an experienced surgeon, but it's worth knowing the policy beforehand.

Can I see photos of previous patients?

Looking at before and after photos of a plastic surgeon's previous rhinoplasty patients is the best way to get an idea of the kind of results you can get. 

Keep in mind that nose jobs involve more than just surgical skill. Rhinoplasty results can range from the subtle to the dramatic. There are various rhinoplasty techniques, each with its pros and cons. To get the best results, you need to find a surgeon whose aesthetic vision matches yours. Before and after photos will show you what your surgeon can achieve as well as their aesthetic sense. If you see a photo of a patient with similar issues as yours, that's even better, because it will show you exactly what your surgeon can accomplish in your situation.

What are the risks of a rhinoplasty plastic surgery?

Like all plastic surgery procedures, a nose job carries some risks. During your rhinoplasty consultation, ask your plastic surgeon about the potential risks and complications of a nose reshaping surgery. This will not only help you be better prepared, it will also give you an opportunity to ask your surgeon what you can do to reduce those risks.

What should I expect during the recovery period?

Ever patient is unique and has a different recovery process after rhinoplasty. Typically, recovery from a nose job takes around six weeks. However, some patients can have lingering swelling for several months after the procedure. Be sure to discuss the expected healing time with your plastic surgery provider. Your doctor will tell you average recovery times as well as ways to speed up recovery after rhinoplasty. Following your surgeon's instructions will ensure a safe and uneventful recovery from your nose reshaping plastic surgery.

Now that you're well prepared for a nose job consultation, all that's left to do is find a rhinoplasty surgeon in your area. The MeTime app makes it easy. You can chat with experts, get answers to your questions, do a video consultation, and get quotes. If you haven't already done so, download the MeTime app today and start your journey.