The consultation is one of the crucial components in a rhinoplasty procedure, and the cosmetic surgeon will invest a significant amount of time in this phase. The information and understanding assimilated during the consultation will form the basis for the rhinoplasty surgical plan, which will be designed to meet to exceed the patient’s expectations.
A suitable rapport between the surgeon and the patient and free and frank communication are essential elements for a successful pre-operative rhinoplasty consultation. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides rhinoplasty and various other aesthetic procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding locations.
Determining Candidacy
During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will determine whether rhinoplasty is the most appropriate treatment option for the patient and they fit to undergo this surgery. The patient’s medical history will be reviewed, and the surgeon will examine the condition of the nose in the relation to the rest of the face.
Any current health problems, allergies, or other concerns will be discussed and evaluated. The surgeon will also ask the patient to provide a complete list of current medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that they may be taking. Prescription medications may have to be rescheduled in coordination with the physician.
The surgeon will also take into account any history of breathing difficulties or sinus infections. The quality and thickness of nose skin will be evaluated. If the patient is a smoker, the surgeon will instruct them to stop smoking for a certain period of time before the surgery can be scheduled.
Patient’s Concerns and Goals
The plastic surgeon will encourage the patient to share their concerns, goals and aesthetics aspirations with regard to the shape and size of the nose. The patient should feel free to discuss their innate aesthetic desires, which will help the surgeon to prepare a customized surgical plan to meet those goals as closely as possible.
Some surgeons may encourage patients to review photographs from magazines and websites about the nose and facial appearance of celebrities so that they can explain their aesthetic perspective more clearly to the surgeon. The surgeon may hand over a mirror to the patient to precisely describe their aesthetic concerns about the shape and size of their nose.
The surgeon will examine the outside and inside of the nose, including the nasal bones and the septum. The relationship of the nose with other facial features will also be assessed. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Developing Expectations
Many surgeons will use the initial consultation as an opportunity to help the patient form realistic expectations from rhinoplasty. At this stage, it is easily possible to prevent any future disappointments or misunderstandings about the procedure. The surgeon will encourage the patient to review as many rhinoplasty before and after photos as possible.
Once the patient knows clear what the procedure can or cannot do for them, they will have more reasonable expectations. This simple exercise at the time of initial consultation can dramatically improve the chances of patient satisfaction and mitigate the risk of any disappointments at a later stage when it is too late to make changes.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: