Your nose is one of the very first features anyone sees when they look at you, and when you are self-conscious of your nose it can have a serious impact on your confidence. Whether you think your nose is too wide or long or you have been injured in the past and left with a crooked bridge, a rhinoplasty can help restore symmetry to your face and leave you with a huge boost of confidence.
A rhinoplasty is a surgery used to change the shape and size of the nose for cosmetic and medical reasons. However, a nose job is a major decision so you want to ensure you are choosing the right surgeon for the procedure. Many patients feel nervous about getting a rhinoplasty, but aren’t sure what questions they should ask to relieve some of this anxiety.
Before committing to any procedure you should ask your surgeon some important questions so you can be sure you are making the right decision. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some important questions you should ask your plastic surgeon before a rhinoplasty.
Are They Board Certified?
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Before beginning the process of undergoing any surgery, you need to make sure that your surgeon is a qualified expert in their field. The doctor you choose to perform the surgery is the most important decision you will make throughout the process, so making sure they have received the proper qualifications is a step that cannot be skipped.
You’ll want to look into whether or not your surgeon has been certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. In addition to these qualifications, make sure the surgeon has a considerable amount of experience performing rhinoplasties.
Can I See Your Previous Work?
Most qualified, honest surgeons will provide before and after photos of their previous procedures, and you want to make sure to take a look at these. This will give you a good idea of the doctor’s skills, style, and technique before you agree to go under their knife.
By browsing these photos may also find a patient who had a before photo of a similar situation to yours, giving you a better idea of what your results may look like. If your surgeon has not performed any surgeries on individuals with a similar situation as you, they may not be as qualified as someone else is to accomplish your goals.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Most people are good candidates for a rhinoplasty, but it is still a good conversation to have with your surgeon before committing to this procedure. There are very few restrictions for getting a nose job, however everyone’s situation is unique. A good surgeon will review your medical history, desired results, and anatomy to determine which options are best for you, and if anything is going to hinder you from reaching your aesthetic and functionality goals.
What Is Your Revision Rate?
Rhinoplasty revision rate is the number of patients who need a second surgery to refine or correct mistakes from the original procedure. Most revision surgeries are performed to make slight adjustments, and in some cases the nose job can uncover some medical issues that need to be improved further to enhance a patient’s ability to breathe.
The national average revision rate according to a study published by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal is around 9.8%, so you are looking for a number close to or ideally below this rate. If your surgeon has a revision rate that is much higher than the national average, you may want to consider consulting with other surgeons.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
