How To Choose The Right Surgeon For Your Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic surgery has come a long way in the last decade, allowing surgeons to produce more natural, aesthetically pleasing, and elegant results than ever before. However, no amount of advanced technology or sophisticated surgical techniques can replace the artistic eye and skill of a skilled facial plastic surgeon. To put it simply, not all surgeons are created equal. This is never more evident than in the case of Rhinoplasty (also known as a "nose job"). 

The nose is one of the most noticeable features on your face, right up there with your eyes and smile. While you want to choose a surgeon who will provide you with a safe procedure with as little downtime as possible, it is also critical that you choose a surgeon who has the experience, artistic ability, and knowledge of nose anatomy to create a truly beautiful result. 

Some surgeons may be skilled in other cosmetic procedures but lack the training and experience required to perform exceptional facial surgery. The time to find out is right before your surgery! 

It is critical to conduct research before selecting a surgeon for your Rhinoplasty. If you know anyone who has had a successful Nose Job, inquire about the procedure and their experience with the surgeon. Examine the reviews and ask questions. Many surgeons will offer a free consultation, allowing you to meet the doctor ahead of time and gauge your level of comfort with him or her. Never choose a surgeon who makes you feel intimidated—if you're afraid to ask questions or communicate clearly, your experience will suffer. 

Before choosing a surgeon for your Rhinoplasty, you should ask the following questions: 

What are your qualifications and certifications? 

You can usually find information about a potential surgeon's education, training, and board certifications on the internet. If your plastic surgeon does not have some sort of web presence, this could be a red flag. You should ideally select a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Facial, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery. Surgeons with these certifications have had extensive specialized training and are truly dedicated to the field of facial plastic surgery. 

How many Rhinoplasty surgeries have you performed? 

Your surgeon should be able to provide you with this figure, and a good one will have performed hundreds, if not thousands, of these procedures over the course of his career. As with anything, the more you do it, the better you become. If you want to increase your chances of a beautiful outcome, choose a surgeon who has the "numbers" to have developed advanced technique and expertise. 

Could you please show me your before and after photo gallery? 

This is a reasonable and widespread request. Make sure your surgeon shows you photos of actual patients he has operated on, not stock photos. This will assist you in comprehending the surgeon's abilities. 

Could you please show me some testimonials or references from previous Rhinoplasty patients who were pleased with their results? 

Reputable surgeons should be able to easily produce several patient statements from satisfied Rhinoplasty patients, as well as the accompanying before and after photos. If a surgeon is unwilling to provide these, it is possible that he simply does not have them. 

Can you make my nose resemble the nose of a famous person? 

If you have a celebrity "nose crush," make sure to ask the surgeon about the possibility of reshaping your nose to look like the celebrity's nose. Be wary of a surgeon who claims he can make your nose look exactly like someone else's. It may not be possible or even desirable to give you an exact copy unless your nose has the same structure as your goal nose and your face has the exact same shape and bone structure. A reputable nose surgeon will discuss the features of your desired nose with you and devise a plan that meets your needs while keeping your expectations realistic. 

How much does this procedure cost? 

If you choose surgeons with similar levels of expertise, you should find that the cost of Rhinoplasty is fairly consistent across a geographical area. If you find a surgeon who quotes you a price that is significantly lower than others you have seen, you should proceed with caution. As with everything in life, “you get what you pay for,” and a Rhinoplasty procedure is not one for which you want to pay the bare minimum. A new, beautiful nose frequently boosts patients' self-confidence, whereas a new, poorly-done nose can do the opposite. Remember that if you have to pay another surgeon to fix it later, you aren't saving any money.