What to Do Before Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

  • Check around and be aware of all your options. Research the different rhinoplasty techniques. This may take some time, but it is well worth it.

  • Don't be afraid to ask around. Check phonebooks, ask around your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurses, doctors or any type of medical professional that you may know or that friends of yours may know.

  • Compile a list of possible plastic surgeons and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions and check to see if they are currently board certified. Also check for possible negative media coverage.

  • You can find out if they have been disciplined by writing the state medical boards or visiting the state medical board information sites.

  • Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists by calling 1-800-776-2378 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time.

  • Has the doctor's malpractice insurance ever been cancelled? Some state medical boards will tell you when a doctor has had insurance cancelled (beware! most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is).

  • What does the American Medical Association (AMA) have on file about the doctor? The American Medical Directory, published by the AMA, lists the affiliations of its members. It should be available at your public library. However, for $60. the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians.

    • Write: AMA, Department of Physician Data Services, Dept. P, 515 N. State St. Chicago, Illinois 60610

  • EXTRA! Now, in some cases just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit, settling out of court or what not, doesn't mean that doc is a bad one. It is very difficult to go through an entire medical career not having had one thing go wrong or even treat the wrong patient with ulterior motives. Likewise, if a doctor has NOT ever been disciplined, it doesn't mean he is a good one either. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.

  • Beware of the doctor who fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring the risks and complications of rhinoplasty to your attention. If a surgeon ever tells you that it is simple and there are no risks, be wary. KNOW THE RISKS!

  • The doctor should be there to make you, the patient, happy - not make extra money by preying upon your insecurities. Of course if you ask his opinion - be prepared to get it.

  • The above doesn't necessarily mean that you should shy away from constructive criticism either. 

  • Trust your instincts as well. Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something - there's a reason.

  • Not all surgeons charge for a consult. The price of the consult does not necessarily reflect the skill of the surgeon. Prices vary from free to $500. And don't be tricked into the "consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" scenario. If you don't like the surgeon, booking with him or her to save the consult fee is a bad reason to go ahead with the surgery. In other words, don't go with a surgeon because you feel pressured about getting that consult fee refunded.

  • Research the procedure you are interested in. There is a vast amount of information available on the web as well as pamphlets free to the public from libraries and doctors' offices, without obligation.

  • Speak to others, like you, who have undergone or will undergo the same procedure you are interested in. Check around the internet for Forums, Discussion Rooms and Chat rooms related to your interest.

  • If you view before and after photos (from the web, doctors' offices, etc.) do realize that they can be retouched digitally or "airbrushed" and not to rely solely on them.

  • Same as with computer imaging. it may look great but computer generated imagery is easier to "mold" than cartilage, bone and tissue.

  • Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result. Although be aware that a surgeon can't turn you into another person.

  • Compile a list of the medications, if any, that you may be on as a reference. You doctor should instruct you to refrain from ingesting any products containing aspirin.(There is a printable version available on this site).

  • Discuss with your spouse, family or significant other your wishes and concerns; perhaps they, themselves, may have input or concerns you may not have thought of.

What to bring to your consult:

  • Bring a list of questions to ask the surgeon.

  • Bring your list of medications for reference.

  • Bring some photos to provide a visualization for the surgeon on the results you desire and DON'T desire.