What questions should I ask during a consultation to assure a successful surgery?

Question

I’m planning on getting a rhinoplasty, however I’m uncertain what type of questions I should ask my surgeon to assure that they have my best interest in mind? I’m also wondering if there’s any “red flags” I should be aware of. To give some background information I am 23 and this would be my first surgery. I also suffer from severe body dysmorphic disorder. Because of this I want to make sure that my surgeon is both trustworthy and experienced! Thanks so much

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be good to select 2-3 board certified plastic surgeon, experts in rhinoplasty, after reviewing their websites for before and after results, patients reviews, surgeon's qualifications. and then make your appointments. You should clearly state your concerns and what you would like to achieve with this surgery and listen surgeons proposal. In many offices 3D simulation software is now available, and that is always good opportunity for nice discussion. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Plucky674377,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

What surgeon might be best for a person with body dysmorphic disorder? The trouble people with body dysmorphic disorder can get into is seeking too much surgery and surgery for things that they do not need done. To avoid this you should choose a surgeon who is well-established, very experienced, and very busy. Such a surgeon will generally only choose to do those procedures which he feels are in the best interest of the patient and not be motivated by a need to perform more and more surgery for his own financial benefit. A surgeon who is very experienced and very busy is most likely to be in that position and does not need to perform dubious surgeries to support his practice.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and I would go on some consultations with experts that use digital photography to show you what can be accomplished with your nose and how it might be done and then look at photos of similar patients and become fully informed about the desired procedure 
Dr Corbin

What questions should I ask during a consultation to assure a successful surgery?

Answers (4)