Ask about the surgeon's training and the operations they have performed, how they plan your nose, which photographs they use, what outcome is realistic, where the operation takes place, and who sees you afterwards. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the NHS (NHS) both publish lists of questions for this visit. This page puts them in order. It is information, not advice, and it does not replace the consultation.
Training and operating experience
The ASPS checklist opens with training: whether the surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, was trained specifically in plastic surgery, how many years of plastic surgery training they have had, and whether they hold hospital privileges for this operation, and at which hospitals (ASPS). The NHS adds questions about qualifications and experience, membership of professional associations, how many nose reshaping operations the surgeon has performed, and in how many of them there were complications (NHS). Checking credentials in Lebanon is covered in how to choose a plastic surgeon in Lebanon.
How the surgeon plans your nose
At the consultation, ASPS says the surgeon goes through your surgical goals for both appearance and breathing, your medical conditions, allergies and medications, and any previous surgeries. The surgeon also examines and measures your facial structure, reviews the options and recommends an approach (ASPS). Ask what technique is recommended for you and why, and whether you are a good candidate (ASPS). The difference between the two routes into the nose is explained in open vs closed rhinoplasty.
Photographs, and what they can show
Photographs are taken at the consultation (ASPS). ASPS also suggests asking to see before-and-after photographs for the procedure, and asking what results are reasonable for you (ASPS). A photograph of another nose shows that nose. The useful question is what is realistic for yours.
Realistic outcomes, risks and complications
The NHS states that the results of nose reshaping cannot be guaranteed. It lists permanent breathing difficulty, damage to the cartilage wall between the nostrils, an altered sense of smell and heavy nosebleeds as possible complications, and, as with any operation, excessive bleeding, a blood clot in a vein, infection and an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic. Your surgeon should explain how likely these are and how they would be treated (NHS). ASPS adds three questions: how complications are handled, how you can expect your nose to look over time, and what your options are if you are dissatisfied with the outcome (ASPS).
Anaesthesia, and where the operation takes place
The NHS describes nose reshaping as carried out under general anaesthetic (NHS). Ask which anaesthetic is planned for you. ASPS also lists: where and how the procedure will be performed, and, if it is done in an office-based facility, whether that facility is accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified (ASPS). Dr. Vincent ElKhoury, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, operates on every rhinoplasty case himself, at Hayek Hospital or Bellevue Medical Center.
Recovery and follow-up visits
ASPS suggests asking how long recovery will take and what help you will need (ASPS). The NHS suggests asking what follow-up to expect if things go wrong, and says that if you are unhappy with the results you should speak to your surgeon at the hospital or clinic where you were treated (NHS). The stages of healing are laid out in rhinoplasty recovery. At this practice, the consultation takes place at the clinic in Mansourieh, Metn, before any decision is made. More on the operation is on the rhinoplasty in Lebanon page.
Questions
FAQ
What should I ask at a first rhinoplasty consultation?
Ask about the surgeon's training and hospital privileges, how many rhinoplasties they have performed and in how many there were complications, what technique is recommended for your nose and why, which photographs they use and what is realistic for you, where and under which anaesthetic the operation is done, and what follow-up to expect (ASPS and NHS checklists).
Should I ask to see before-and-after photographs?
ASPS lists it as a question to ask, together with what results are reasonable for you. A photograph shows another person's nose, so the question that matters is what is realistic for yours.
Can a surgeon guarantee how my nose will look?
No. The NHS states that the results of nose reshaping cannot be guaranteed, and that the surgeon should explain how likely each risk is and how it would be treated.
What if I am unhappy with the result?
Ask before the operation what your options are if you are dissatisfied with the outcome (ASPS). The NHS advises speaking to your surgeon at the hospital or clinic where you were treated.