What is the Best Way to Describe to Your Dr How You Want Your Nose to Look?

       The possibility of a collapsed nose is very small in the hands of very gifted rhinoplasty surgeon.  If that surgeon performs rhinoplasty all the time and has a good track record, this probably will never happen.  You should not have to be able to describe every change you want made to your nose although that can be helpful.  Your surgeon should be able to guide you through this process.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

 Communication is extremely important between the patient and the surgeon understanding what the patient's goals are with regards to the rhinoplasty AND  what the rhinoplasty surgeon can accomplish. Computer imaging is helpful for both parties to communicate the desired goals. The virtual rhinoplasty software is located on our website for you to try.  An in-person examination and consultation are also required and many of our patients come back 2-3 times prior to undergoing the  Rhinoplasty surgery just to make sure we're both on the same page. A closed rhinoplasty approach to accomplish your goals with all the incisions placed on the inside of the nose.

Start by describing in detail what you want as a final result. You can also bring photos of noses that you like as a starting point for your discussion. Video imaging is also very helpful to ensure that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page with regard to the optimal rhinoplasty result.

With regard to online reviews, a few negative reviews are to be expected for surgeons who are busy. Some of these are even planted by former office employees or competitors but these are usually pretty obvious. However, if the balance of the reviews tilts toward a negative direction, this should give you pause about your surgeon's skills, bedside manner, or both. With rhinoplasty especially, you want a highly experienced surgeon who is also a good listener.