Choosing your surgeon is one of the most important steps you will take in planning your rhinoplasty surgery, as a successful outcome depends largely on who is performing the procedure. Rhinoplasty is an extremely complex operation, which should not be attempted by anyone but a board-certified surgeon, who specializes in rhinoplasty. In order to select your surgeon, you will need to attend consultations. These meetings will help you determine who you want to perform your surgery.
Consultations allow doctor and prospective patient to get to know each other, assess candidacy, and discuss the procedure itself. Most accomplished rhinoplasty surgeons charge a fee for this meeting. If you can get a free consultation, think about why it is free. Make sure you make the most of these valuable meetings by following the guidelines below.
Know the Basics of Rhinoplasty
While a qualified surgeon can tell you everything you need to know about the rhinoplasty procedure in general, your consultation is not the best time to learn about the process for the first time. Do your research and understand the different nasal surgery techniques before you start meeting with surgeons. That way, you and the surgeons you meet with can discuss your needs and what their approaches to your surgery might be. Understand, however, that each surgeon has his/her variations on technique that work best for that surgeon. In addition, your research on line can lack the understanding that an actual surgeon brings to the procedure. Be open-minded, especially if the surgeon disagrees with what you may have thought from your research.
Understand the Risks
Again, you’ll save time by learning the basics of the surgery before you come in for your consultations. Read up on the possible risks of rhinoplasty, and then allow prospective surgeons to tell you any additional individual risks that could apply to you.
Research the Surgeon
You will want to meet with several surgeons, but doing your research and narrowing down your top picks will save you time and money. Look into each surgeon’s credentials and before and after pictures, and read as much as you can about their policies before you schedule your consultation. You can also ask questions about background, credentials, safety and more during the consultation itself. In addition, check out your surgeon on a respected review site like Realself.com.
Prepare Questions
You might think of many questions you would like to ask before the consultation begins, then forget them as soon as the meeting starts. It is best to come prepared with a list of questions to ask the surgeon you are meeting with. Sample lists are easy to find online, but you will also want to ask questions specific to your case as well.
Financial Considerations
It is important to discuss more than just cost with prospective surgeons. Discuss financing options if necessary, and get all of the information you need to determine if the expense is something you can handle at this time. The most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons are not the least expensive. Generally, you will pay for experience.
Revision Policy
Unfortunately, rhinoplasty has a high revision rate due to the complexity and popularity of the surgery. Ask about prospective surgeons’ policies on fees and rescheduling, in case the need should arise.
Do Not Be Shy
Explain exactly what you want to accomplish with your surgery, and do not be shy about speaking up if a surgeon suggest something you do not like. Your rhinoplasty will last a lifetime if performed well, and you should look the way you want to. Keep an open mind during your consultations, but do not be shy about asserting your opinion. It is your nose, after all.
Observe Everything
Observe the surgeon, facilities, and staff at every consultation you attend. Make sure the surgical space is accredited and safe, and carefully consider anything that makes you uncomfortable. Do not be afraid to speak up!
Look for Rapport
It is important that you get along well with the surgeon you select, and you want to make sure he or she is attentive, knowledgeable, and in tune with what you are looking for. If you do not feel completely comfortable with the surgeons you are considering, keep looking until you feel confident you are in good hands. Never allow a surgeon to pressure you into making a decision. Rhinoplasty is major operation and should not be taken on lightly.
Be Honest & Expect Honesty
When assessing your candidacy, prospective surgeons will ask you questions about your health and habits. Always be honest when answering these questions. If you are dishonest about any health issues or other problems, you could set yourself up for a poor outcome or, worse, put yourself in danger. Do not put yourself at risk by lying; it is not worth it. Honesty about your health and lifestyle is essential to doctor-patient communication. In return, you should expect to be treated with respect and honesty as well. An honest surgeon will clearly explain risks as well as benefits of rhinoplasty, and will help you make the decision that is right for you.
A Knowledgeable Provider
It makes sense to only consult with surgeons who are well-respected and specialize in rhinoplasty surgery. As one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures available, there are many who claim to specialize in the procedure; however, only results prove a surgeon’s skill. If you are looking for a qualified specialist in the Boston and Worcester area, call Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), Massachusetts, to set up a consultation with an acclaimed facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stuart Bentkover. Dr. Bentkover has decades of experience in facial surgery, and will be happy to help you get the nose you have always wanted. Just take a look at the before and after rhinoplasty photos of his many satisfied patients. He has second website that deals exclusively with rhinoplasty (www.bostonrhinoplastycenter.com).