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Should I Bring Pictures of Desired Noses to Rhinoplasty Consultation?

Hello, I was considering having a rhinoplasty procedure, but had some questions concerning it. I have read up on this for almost a year, but this question tends to stir up the most controversy: Would it be good for me to bring pictures in of desired noses? Second, I am a male with a very long nose, so would I be able to make my nose smaller and more defined; rather than long, and "chubby." The reason I ask this second question is because most of the before and after photos that I have seen of people with long noses has not demonstrated much difference in them. Meaning it seems as if the surgeon only made slight decreases in his/her nose. Why is this?

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64 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Balanced contours in rhinoplasty lead to the most natural result

Pictures are valuable, in order to give you talking points during the consult. They can illustrate specific desires for highlights, size, definition, or tip rotation. Those talking points can then be extrapolated to your current nose shape, and thats when the real conversation begins. You can then discuss with your rhinoplasty surgeon what is applicable to your anatomy, and whether those changes can be accomplished. Imaging is central to this process in my practice. As for your second... more

Bring photos to rhinoplasty consultation

Yes, but with a few caveats... Remember, the consultation is all about communication. You need to make sure the physician understands what you are looking for. For this reason, I also suggest computer simulation (esp for profile changes) to help both surgeon and patient understand what things might look like. Photo of celebrities, etc. may help the surgeon understand where you're coming from. However, you must realize: 1. Celebrity photos are almost always idealized/touched up 2. Only... more

Sam Most, MD

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Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmost.com

Nose pictures and an experienced surgeon equals winning combination

It is always helpful to bring pictures as long as you do not expect to look exactly like any of them. However, it is useful to discuss your sense of what you consider aesthetic for YOUR nose. This will help you and your doctor to arrive on the same page. In addition, drawings help a lot as well. Software computer imaging is also helpful but not necessary and in my opinion is best used to demonstrate the curve desired on the profile view. You are correct, many surgeons do NOT take the... more

Long and chubby noses postop

In answer to your first question, yes you should bring in photos but they must be realistic. People often bring me noses on faces that don't at all resemble the patient's face. That's not so helpful because usually the patient is subconsciously looking at the other facial features and likes that. Morphing on the computer can help with preop communication but often isn't achieved postoperatively to the degree that one expects. Usually, the morphed photo isn't looked at in the postoperative... more

Magazine photos at preop appointment

Hi, Any information that can be brought to the consultation is helpful including photos of celebrities and othe magazine models. It helps begin a discussion regarding what your expectations are and whether or not this is reasonable. For others, it helps them convey in words what they are not able to convey otherwise. g

Additional photos and collateral for your rhinoplasty consultation

Absolutely, it is always great to bring in as much information and photos as you can.....you and your surgeon need to be on the same page. Most important though, make sure your surgeon has a sophisticated morphing program so you and he can review what is realistic and what the results are going to resemble after the surgery.

Pictures to Help Acheive Your Aesthetic Goals

Bringing pictures to a surgical consultation is usually very helpful, since they will help you explain your goals more clearly to your surgeon. It is often difficult for patients to articulate their aesthetic ideas since they are often not familiar with the medical and anatomical terminology for features of the nose and surrounding parts of the face. However, it is important to remember that while these pictures will help in fostering clearer communication... more

Information Before Rhinolpasty Aids Communication

Looking at your nose, and of those you admire, helps you discern what features you are looking to change. This information will aid in your consultation. But each patient brings a unique set of circumstances such as skin thickness, cartilage structure & support, etc., each of which determines what changes are realistic. During the consultation, your surgeon will take the time to educate you about your particular circumstances, even an overly long nose.

Photos

Photos are valuable if used as support in communication. It will help demonstrate your objectives and expectations. The surgeon will be able to determine if these expectations are reasonable and if he/she can help you.