How Many Consultations/Appointments Are Normally Required Before Having the Rhinoplasty Op?

Once you have found the surgeon with whom you feel
most comfortable moving forward, scheduling your rhinoplasty is relatively
simple. You will likely have one or two additional pre-op appointments after
your initial consultation, during which your surgeon will go over in depth how
to prep for your surgery, what to expect on the day of, and what your recovery
time will look like. 

One to two consultations are usually appropriate prior to undergoing a rhinoplasty surgery.  A comprehensive consultation will last at least 30 minutes with a physician and at least 30 minutes with the patient care coordinator or nurse to discuss pre-and postoperative care, expectations, limitations, and complications of nasal surgery.  Computer imaging alone takes another 15 minutes.  

Most patients will have 2 visits with me prior to them undergoing a rhinoplasty. Obviously, some have sought consultations elsewhere as well. The first visit is the initial consultation where the patient explains their concerns, goals and desires and then are examined. There is then a full and lengthy discussion which covers the procedure including risks and complications. The second visit is the preoperative visit where among other things, the patient can ask additional questions regarding their upcoming rhinoplasty. 

i typically  have a least two visits before scheduling the procedure and one preoperatively. During the first visit I try to get a sense of what change the patient is seeking, examine the nose and ask about general health. I then have the patient review before and after photos of previous similar patients to get a further sense of what they would consider a good outcome. I then explain the details of the procedure, recovery time and risks. My coordinator reviews ths costs a nd schedule openings. Photos are taken. When they return for their second visit they view computer altered images of what their result might be . We then refine these to be certain that we are on the same page about the desired results. Any additionla medical or business questions are answered.

At the preoperative visit I again review the medical history, the surgical plan and answer any questions. Instructions for post surgery care and prescriptions and supplies are given.

When patients come from long distances I try to compress some of these or have them send advance photos by e mail to help with the logistics. Sometimes we'll have them come in the morning for the first visit and then return in the afternoon to review photo changes. They then return for preop visits the day before the procedure.

Generally, there are 2 visits with your surgeon: the initial consultation and the preoperative visit.  A thorough examination of the inside and outside of your nose as well as photographs should be performed.

I usually do a first consultation and then a pre-op visit. However, I encourage patients to come back with questions or a second consult if too much time has elapsed

At the bare minimum, at least two.  The initial consultation and the preoperative appointment.  A full intranasal and external nasal exam should be performed.  Photographs should be taken of your nose and reviewed in detail with the surgeon.  Surgical goals should be discussed.

Only one good consultation with "The Plastic Surgeon' is required to have good plastic surgery.  Getting multiple opinions from multiple doctors is just wild goose chase and does not accomplish any positive value.

The key is to find the right plastic surgeon since there is only one right way to do cosmetic surgery in each patient.    

Many do plastic surgery but only a few know how to do it well since good cosmetic surgery is an art first and science second. 

 

Consultations for any type of surgery are always about your and the surgeon's comfort with one another.  This may require one visit, but several visits may also be considered. Consulations are always a two way street- both you and the surgeon have to feel comfortable with the decision and the possibilities for  a good result always have to be considered and discussed fully.

 

Good luck to you.

 

Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Honestly, a good Rhinoplastic surgeon needs only one visit to examine the patient, develop a plan, and schedule surgery.  The main reason for the second or third visit is for the patients sake.  It is imperative that the patient understands what is going to be done and is given realistic expectations.  So, in other words, the number of preoperative consultations required is the number the patient needs.

We have a lot of out-of-towners who come in the day before their surgery for their one and only consult.  Then again, we have patients with significant anxiety who require multiple preop visits.