Rhinoplasty is among the most satisfying cosmetic procedures a patient can undergo, as it helps balance the features, enhances youthfulness, and draws the gaze to the smile and the eyes. Of course, the ultimate burden of your results rests with your plastic surgeon, who should have the skill, education, experience, and artistry to realize your cosmetic vision. Below we will explore some top tips for selecting the right nose specialist.
1. Figure out Your Goals for Surgery.
What changes would you like made to your nose? The better you can articulate your goals, the most successful your search will be. Some surgeons excel at ethnic rhinoplasty, while others have developed a reputation for outstanding revision rhinoplasty results. Do you prefer scarless rhinoplasty? Or are you okay with having a small incision at the base of the nose? By getting into the specifics of the work needed to achieve your aesthetic goals, you can better select a surgeon with the right specialization and background.
2. Review Rhinoplasty Patient Reviews and Scour Your Surgeon’s Before and After Gallery.
The saying “a picture is worth 1000 words” is especially relevant when it comes to rhinoplasty. You need to see pictures of patients with similar noses to yours in order to fully visualize the possibilities for transformation. If you don’t immediately see anyone with your nose, ask your surgeon to direct you to some images that show the type of procedure you wish to undergo.
Testimonials are also important because they help you to anticipate your surgeon’s demeanor and discover the more human aspects of treatment. Do most clients report being treated with compassion and respect? Do they say the doctor was patient and didn’t rush them through the consultation process? These types of comments can help you decide if your doctor will be pleasant to work with, in addition to letting you know the doctor’s skill level and results.
3. Meet with Rhinoplasty Experts who Perform at Least 100 Rhinoplasty Surgeries per Year
Plastic surgeons like Dr. Weber perform 3-4 rhinoplasty surgeries per week and over 200 per year. This ensures that your doctor is aware of the latest advancements in surgical techniques and that they know nasal anatomy backward and forwards. A surgeon who specializes in breast surgery but who performs a few rhinoplasties here and there as requested will not be a good choice if you are concerned about precision, naturalness, and artistry.
4. Ask About Imaging Software.
Photoimaging is the most effective way to ensure that your goals are aligned with those of your surgeons. The doctor will show you a before photo and then a photo of the projected outcome. Together you can go over the different areas of the nose where you would like to see a transformation, fine-tuning certain changes to your liking. If you ask your surgeon to reduce a dorsal hump, it may be necessary to show them by how much. Using digital imaging can be instrumental in this calibration process.
5. Speak with the Doctor’s Recent Patients to Learn About Their Journey.
Speaking with former patients can help set your mind at ease, especially if you’re anxious about moving forward. You can hear about which unique concerns the patients had initially with their noses and find out how they coped with their recovery. Many former clients will be happy to explain their selection process for a surgeon as well, and they can tell you why they chose their particular doctor in terms of his or her strengths and demeanor. Speaking with a former client who has experienced a successful rhinoplasty can fill you with hope and give you the extra confidence to move forward with your vision of a more beautiful and balanced nose.
6. BONUS TIP! Trust Your Gut.
At the end of the day, sometimes you just need to trust your instincts. You may meet a surgeon that has all the right stuff on paper, but you just don’t feel comfortable with them. That is perfectly fine. Keep looking. Rhinoplasty is a major commitment and requires that you place a great deal of trust in your surgeon, so the relationship should feel like a good fit. If it’s difficult to communicate with your doctor and you don’t feel heard, it might be a good idea to continue your search.
What is the Takeaway?
Undergoing rhinoplasty can be life-changing. Patients of all ages report increased self-esteem and self-confidence, both in social and professional situations. When choosing the best rhinoplasty surgeon, it’s important to assess their previous results, listen to former patients, and select a surgeon whose primary focus is facial plastic surgery. Doing your research can empower you to make the best selection possible and help you get started on the road to absolutely adoring your appearance instead of merely tolerating it.