Choosing to undergo rhinoplasty surgery (a.k.a., “nose reshaping” or “a nose job”) is an important decision. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, then you may be wondering how to decide on the plastic surgeon for you. At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, we are experts in rhinoplasty and would like to present you with five important questions that you should ask your future plastic surgeon.
This is perhaps the most important question you can ask. You want your potential surgeon to be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and be able to show proof of certification upon request. The surgeon should also be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If any surgeon tries to tell you that board-certification isn’t important, then move on.
Some doctors may describe themselves as board-certified cosmetic surgeons, but they are not plastic surgeons. Plastic surgeons have undergone intense training and have specific skills that cosmetic surgeons lack.
To determine if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, your potential surgeon will ask about your general physical condition, any current medical conditions, past surgeries or illnesses, and medications you may be taking. Your surgeon will also ask about your smoking habits. If you do smoke, you’ll need to stop smoking several weeks prior to the surgery and stay tobacco-free for weeks post-surgery.
Your doctor should also make sure that you are both physically and mentally prepared for the recovery process, which can take two to four weeks and may require time away from work, exercise, family, and other obligations. Age is also an important factor in determining your suitability for rhinoplasty. No one should even consider the surgery until their late teen years.
Be honest with your surgeon about your desired results. Are you undergoing surgery to improve your breathing or fix a medical issue? How much will the surgery help? Are you considering surgery for purely aesthetic reasons? If so, how dramatically different do you want your nose to look? Many surgeons can use digital imaging to give a basic idea of the finished result. Be wary of anyone who seems to over-promise on the results. Any reputable surgeon will be up front with you if your expectations are not realistic.
Any successful plastic surgeon will be delighted to show you pictures of previous patients. Look carefully at the pictures to see if you like the results. Check closely for any visible scarring. Also, look for a diverse group of patients. There should be older and younger patients, men and women, and people of different ethnicities. That’s an indication of an experienced and skilled surgeon.
This is an extremely important question, but not one that many people think to ask. What happens if you’re not satisfied with the results? Your potential surgeon should stand by their work and have a clearly spelled out revision policy that tells you how they handle mistakes (they do happen) and dissatisfied patients. They may charge a fee in certain instances, or they may not. Either way, make sure you know the policy before you undergo surgery.
Choosing a plastic surgeon is not a decision to be taken lightly. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express concerns during each discussion. If you’re not satisfied with the surgeon’s answers then look elsewhere. A worthwhile surgeon will take the time to answer all of your questions and make sure you are completely comfortable with the procedure.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have about the procedures we offer. We strive to ensure that your experience with us is positive. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
