Can You Have a Rhinoplasty Consultation Via Telephone and Email For Pictures?

Question

I live no where near a facial cosmetic surgeon. I have flown 1000 miles for one consultation (RE: rhinoplasty), and while it went well, I feel that a second/third opinion may be prudent for such a big decision. Any other surgeon I may choose to see would be significantly further away and probably out of the country. Is it possible to have a preliminary consultation via the phone, along with emailed pictures? I live in Canada - is it advisable to travel to another country (ie. USA) for surgery?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Online consultations can be highly effective. Skype can be used to have a one on one discussion of your concerns. High quality photos are also very helpful to give your potential surgeon an idea of what you would like to change and also to aid the discussion of what changes are realistic. You can also get a good feeling for your potential surgeon's bedside manner over Skype or over the telephone. Make sure that you are able to review the surgeon's own pre- and post-surgery photos either on their website or ask them to email photos to you before moving forward with scheduling a procedure. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Depending on their needs and preference for surgeon, many patients travel for their procedure. We have patients that come in from all over the world for surgery. We offer consultations via Skype, and it is likely that many other practices do as well. I would recommend contacting any prospective surgeons and inquiring as to whether they offer an internet consult. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is very common for patients to fly in from out of town and out of the country in our practice.  Rhinoplasty is a big decision, and it is best to have 2-3 consultations prior to choosing your surgeon. Preoperative photos can be   mailed to the office, computer  imaging can also be done electronically and securely messaged to patients. It is important to communicate in a HIPPA protected environment when done electronically for protection of patient's privacy. Many practices like ours, have dedicated patient care coordinators for out of state and out of town patients to coordinate your procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think a basic discussion can occur via good quality video, however an in-office exam is key.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Having plastic surgery consultations from far away is very common today and is a form of patient communication that we do numerous times every week. Initially sending pictures and your objectives/concerns and then arranging for a phone, Skype or Facetime for further discussion can answer a large number of questions of what can and cannot be achieved. While it can never completely replace an actual in-office consultation, it can come pretty close in many cases.

Can You Have a Rhinoplasty Consultation Via Telephone and Email For Pictures?

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Answer: Photo or phone consult

Answer: Photo or phone consult

Answer: Skype or Facetime Rhinoplasty Consultation

Answer: Skype or Facetime Rhinoplasty Consultation

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Can You Have a Rhinoplasty Consultation Via Telephone and Email For Pictures?

Answers (8)

Answer: Photo or phone consult

Answer: Photo or phone consult

Answer: Skype or Facetime Rhinoplasty Consultation

Answer: Skype or Facetime Rhinoplasty Consultation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.