Is It Ok to Add Something You Want Done in Your Rhinoplasty in Your Pre Op Appointment the Day Before the Surgery?

If you want to change your planned surgery, it is better to schedule a 2nd consult as early as you can to go over what you want to add.  Do not wait until the last minute to inform your surgeon you want to add to what you already discussed. If what you want to add has a medical indication, your surgeon needs time to request pre-authorization. This can take days to weeks. If it is not considered medically necessary, then you will need to pay a cosmetic fee, not only for the surgeons fee, but also for the extra anesthesia and OR time needed to do the additional procedures.  Also, the surgeon may need to adjust the surgery schedule in order to allow enough time for your procedure. Personally, if a rhinoplasty patient told me last minute she wanted to change what was being done, I would wonder if she really knew what she wanted and would prefer she took time to give it some serious thought.  Don't rush into rhinoplasty before you are sure of what you want. Also, there are different varieties of rhinoplasty surgeons. Not all feel comfortable doing extensive tip work. So for many reasons, it's better to discuss your goals with your surgeon early, and make sure you are on the same page. Good luck!

You should contact your rhinoplasty surgeon immediately and make arrangements for another follow-up consultation.  It is very important that you both agree on the plan.  An excellent time to have another computer imaging session, so that you can see the predicted result that the doctor believes will fulfill your wishes. 

Regarding the insurance issue, obviously, you will have to contact your insurance company and check with the doctor's business manager to find out what else has to be done administratively.

It is always better to have everything in place well before the day before rhinoplasty surgery.  That way, your doctor will have all his notes, photographs, computer imaging, and all the documents necessary for him to execute the maneuvers necessary to get you the result you want.

Good luck!

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON

The insurance company needs to be notified about the procedure before it takes place. Otherwise you might be responsible for the uncovered portion of that surgery. Usually the cosmetic part is not covered. You should speak to you surgeon about changes prior the pre-op appointment. One day could not be enough to get some answers from your insurance company. Your plastic surgeon can probably accommodate the cosmetic changes but it may mean more time (and money)