Out of Town Rhinoplasty: How Many Follow-up Appointments?

Question

I am considering getting a rhinoplasty in August from a doctor that is located 2.5 hours away. I am also starting a teaching job at the end of August, so I will be able to take little to no time off for follow up appointments. My question is how many follow-up appointments are necessary after a rhinoplasty, and at what frequency? Is it possible to consult over video chat like skype? How do you handle out of town patients?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Many patients schedule their rhinoplasty surgery with doctors
who are not in their hometown but with whom they feel most comfortable moving
forward. Thankfully, you are located relatively close and are driving distance
away from your surgeon should you have any questions or concerns. The exact
number of follow-up visits after your nose job can vary based on your surgeon’s
preference, but most surgeons would like to see you in the office once or twice
within the first 10 days after surgery. Surgeons continue to check in 6
months post-op or 1 year depending on the patient’s availability. Some
doctors even allow their patients to Skype or video chat if no major concerns
are brought up.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,

	Every surgery requires a given number of follow-up appointments.

	Usually, I assign on an average of 4-5 appointments per patients stretching over a 12 months period when they achieve their final results.

	The critical appointments are within the first month post-op.

	I recommend that you communicate with your surgeon to make sure that the post-op care and examination are to be well covered.

	Thank you for your inquiry.

	The best of wishes to you.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a procedure which does not require frequent follow-ups.  Once you have had the surgery, you would be seen at around a week postoperatively for removal of splints.  You may have a follow up 2-3 months afgter surgery, but the final result is considered to be around one year.  Therefore, follow up at one year would work well as well.  Should you have concerns which need to be addressed in between, and if you are from out of town, you can easily send photos to your surgeon by email.  In fact, even in-town patients take a quick snap shot to show what they may be concerned with.

Joseph Campanelli, MD · Answer

When a patient comes from some distance, it is important that we are on the same page in terms of the post-op course and followup.  The normal schedule for followups is 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.  Although the vast majority of rhinoplasties go well and post op visits are mostly reassurance, occasionally some intervention is necessary to obtain the best result.  If you do elect to proceed, make sure that you are willing to make the drive if a problem occurs.  There is nothing more frustrating than a difficult problem that could have been corrected easily if addressed early.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In my office, I see patients a week later to remove the splint and stitches, If I have used packing ( which is not often) I will take it out within a few days after surgery.  Then I like to see patients at week 3, 6, 12, etc..

Out of Town Rhinoplasty: How Many Follow-up Appointments?

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Out of Town Rhinoplasty: How Many Follow-up Appointments?

Answers (10)

Answer: Out of Town Rhinoplasty

Answer: Out of Town Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty post-op

Answer: Rhinoplasty post-op

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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