If you’re thinking about having a rhinoplasty procedure, the first step in your surgical journey will be to have a consultation with your surgeon.
The consultation process will help you understand your options, what is involved with a rhinoplasty, if you’re a suitable candidate and more. Ultimately, it will help both you and your surgeon get a clearer picture of your goals and what will be possible, allowing you to determine if a rhinoplasty is right for you.
Before having your first consultation, it can help to know what you can expect, and how you can prepare to make the most of it. In this blog, we’ll take you through what to expect during your rhinoplasty consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane, and how you can prepare for a productive and clear discussion with your surgeon.
What is the purpose of having a consultation before a rhinoplasty procedure?
A consultation provides both you and your surgeon with the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations for the procedure.
The process allows your surgeon to assess your nose and consider your general health, to determine whether or not you’re a suitable candidate for a rhinoplasty. If you’re suitable, it then allows your surgeon to carefully plan the details of your procedure and determine the right approach.
During your consultation, you will also receive information on preparation steps, recovery, and the costs of your procedure.
What can I expect during the consultation process?
Your consultation process will typically begin with you explaining what you hope to achieve and the reasons why you’ve chosen to undergo the procedure. This might include reducing the size of your nose, altering its shape, addressing asymmetry, or addressing breathing issues.
Your surgeon will ask about your overall health, previous surgeries, medications, and any medical conditions that might affect the procedure or recovery. It’s important to be honest and thorough during this part of the discussion, as each of these factors can influence your suitability for the procedure and the specific approach taken.
A careful examination of your nose, both externally and internally, will help your surgeon to assess its structure, skin thickness, and nasal passages. This will help to determine what techniques may be needed to achieve your goals and whether any functional issues, like breathing difficulties, will need to be addressed.
Based on your goals and the examination, your surgeon will explain what can realistically be achieved through rhinoplasty. For example, your procedure may involve adjusting the bridge, tip, nostrils, or overall proportions of the nose. Your surgeon will also discuss whether an open or closed approach will be used for the procedure.
Your surgeon will outline the possible risks and the typical recovery process for a rhinoplasty to ensure that you’re fully informed of the process and what the procedure involves. Understanding the healing timeline, details of pre-operative and post-operative care, and any potential complications will help you feel more prepared.
Once all of the details of your surgery plan are finalised, the costs of your procedure will be calculated and explained to you by one of the Client Support Officers. This will help you begin preparing financially well before the day of your surgery.
How to prepare for your consultation
Preparation can make a big difference in how productive and informative your rhinoplasty consultation will be. Some practical steps to help you get ready include doing your research, managing your expectations, and preparing a list of questions and health details.
When we say do your research, we mean taking some time to learn more about the procedure and its components. We also recommend learning more about what makes a suitable candidate for the procedure, as this will help you manage your expectations before the consultation.
It’s a good idea to write a list of questions you want to ask, as it can be easy to forget once you’re at your consultation. You may like to ask your surgeon what specific changes they may recommend, what techniques will be used to perform the procedure, and how much time you’ll need to take off work. Don’t be afraid to ask any type of question, as it’s important that you feel supported during your journey.
Ideally, you should come to your consultation prepared with a list of your current medications, any allergies, and any past surgeries or medical conditions you may have. Assessing your general health not only helps to ensure that a rhinoplasty is right for you, but helps your surgeon carefully tailor the procedure to your needs.
Before your consultation, our team will let you know what you need to do, and if you need to bring anything along on the day. We recommend taking notes during your consultation, so you may like to bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes.
The next steps after your consultation
Once the consultation process is complete, you’ll have the information you need to decide whether to move forward with rhinoplasty. We recommend taking some time to reflect on the discussion and consider whether you feel ready to proceed.
To help you with the next steps, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed surgical plan, cost estimates, and preparation instructions to follow.
Your next step will be scheduling the procedure and preparing for surgery day. Along with following your preparation instructions, preparing for the procedure may include arranging time off work, preparing your home for recovery, and arranging for someone to pick you up from the hospital after your procedure.
Schedule your rhinoplasty consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane
Valley Plastic Surgery offers rhinoplasty procedures using refined techniques.
Throughout your consultation process, our team aims to make you feel supported, focusing on patient education and answering any and all of your questions.
If you’d like to learn more about Valley Plastic Surgery, ask us any questions, or schedule your rhinoplasty consultation, please feel free to contact our team.
