How Long from Consult to Surgery for a Rhinoplasty?

The answer to this question leaves room for many variables. The timeline from consult to rhinoplasty generally depends entirely on the patient’s readiness and schedule, but I do have some general guidelines to share with you.
At my Vancouver cosmetic surgery practice, we use a private surgery centre to make the journey from consultation to surgery as streamlined and fluid as possible. This means the wait list is shorter and that we can accommodate most patients’ timelines. We do consider some months “peak seasons” - times when members of the general public book time off collectively -(e.g., winter holidays when employees get time off and the end of june through august when schools break for summer). During these times it may be more difficult to secure a surgical date quickly than at other times of the year.
The best thing you can do to ensure you get your desired surgery date is to plan ahead. Come in for a consultation sooner rather than later - besides giving yourself and the surgeon more “wiggle room” to book a surgery date, you’ll also have time to ensure all of your questions are answered before your procedure and that nothing is left to chance due to the stress of a last-minute booking.

Hello,

Timing really depends on the surgeon's availability, and when one is ready to have the procedure. It will be necessary to have a pre-op appointment prior to surgery and full physical exam by your physician to confirm you are in optimal condition to have surgery performed. Depending on the patient's circumstances and availability, the pre-op appointment can sometimes be combined with the initial in-office consultation. When this is the case, there is usually prior correspondence consisting of a photo evaluation through email and/or Skype consult.  I would recommend speaking with a highly skilled board certified rhinoplasty specialist. Thank you, and I hope this helps.

Dr. Nassif

Be sure you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that you are comfortable with and have seen many before and after pictures of his/her patients. Many surgeons offer computer imaging so you can see what results you can expect.December is usually the busiest month for most surgeons as patients want to take advantage of their holiday break. However things happen and openings can occur and patients that are ready can slip into these openings. When  you schedule your consultation you might ask what openings are available and let the staff know you may want surgery soon. Surgeons who have their own surgery center (versus the hospital) may have a little more flexibilty in getting you on their surgery schedule.You need to stop taking all blood thinners such as aspirin at least two weeks before you want surgery. Good luck!

I read your concerns: I think it works to your benefit not to rush into your proposed nose job surgery.

Here's a few tips:

Before going on consultations, research your surgeons. In the year 2011, nearly all reputable rhinoplasty surgeons have web sites with photos, and credentials for your perusal. See several rhinoplasty specialists for several opinions: scrutinize their work, and ask to speak with their patients. Then you have to figure out which physician would be most likely to achieve your goals.

You could potentially get this done and have surgery within the next 4 weeks. Many busy nose job surgeons are booked till 2012, but cancellations happen. My final advice is to take this slowly, do your homework, and all the best to you.

Dr. Joseph

Hello.  Really, this is determined between the individual surgeon and patient.  Factors include the patient's schedule, the surgeon's schedule, surgery center schedule, and need to obtain any medical clearances.  

The decision whether or not to have surgery should never be rushed.  Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and that she/he has performed thousands of rhinoplasty procedures similar to yours.  Many busy surgeons tend to be booked up during the holiday season since many patients are off from work and school at that time of the year.  It is critically important to find the right surgeon to perform your surgery rather than worry about when you are having it done.

Great question! You can book the surgery the day of your consultation, but the actual surgery date will have be determined by the Patient Care Coordinator and the availability of the surgeons schedule. Our office requires two weeks between the consultation and surgery date, as this gives ample time for prep (both for the patient and surgeon).
Best of luck to you!

 

Hello jrdekker;

I appreciate that, sometimes, people decide after waiting a long time that it is time for action.  While it is possible to go to the operating room within a week of having the consultation, remember that time is needed to have your physical examination and laboratory tests, so that you are, indeed, found fit for surgery.  Most likely, you are, but you never want to take any chances - never be part of a shortcut.  Your health and safety are #1.

If you are going to do consults the second week of December, that does not leave much time before Christmas to:


   Conduct all your consultations

   Make comparisons

   Possibly, reconsult with surgeons you favor. 


Typically, from the day of surgery until the time that you look reasonably good to appear in public, is 7-10 days.

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

This is going to depend on how comfortable you are with the doctor and his/her december availability. I typically like to see patients at least twice to review goals and photos before I allow the patient to schedule. My christmas/school break times are typically booked well in advance by patients who have been seen the summer or fall before so availability is limited. If you are not comfortable with your consult or plan to see several doctors you are going to be very rushed and pressured which is not a good thing for any elective plastic surgery, especially one that is so apparent as rhinoplasty. Good luck!

This depends on your surgeons availability. December can be difficult as many patients are trying to get their surgery done before the end of the year. Discuss this with your surgeon but don't be rushed into things. You may want to get more than 1 opinion on this.