How to Avoid Wasting Time & Money on Rhinoplasty Consultations
Before you can move forward with a nose job - or any cosmetic surgery - you must meet with potential surgeons to decide a) whether you're a candidate for rhinoplasty or not and b) who you'd like to have perform the procedure for you. Surgical consultations, however, take a certain amount of time and money. With most busy and successful surgeons charging a fee to consult with you prior to taking you on as a patient, the following tips can help make the process as painless as possible.
Do Your Own Research First
Before booking consultations with every surgeon in your area, take time to create a shortlist of those you really wish to contact. Start by perusing websites and online discussion forums for reviews and before-and-after photos of past work. If you have family, friends or colleagues who've had rhinoplasty, ask whether they would recommend their surgeon. Your doctor may also be able to give you a recommendation.
What to Look for Online
While most cosmetic surgeons will list rhinoplasty as a basic service, it's up to you to decide who is truly an expert in the field. You can, for the most part, assess a surgeon on his/her website by keeping the following in mind:
- What are his/her credentials? Are details about his/her training listed online? How many years of post-residency/fellowship experience does he/she have? How many rhinoplasty procedures does he/she perform each year?
- Is effort put into educating prospective patients about rhinoplasty online, or is the surgeon simply stating his/her expertise and leaving it at that?
- Are there before-and-after photos posted online? Not only can these give you a taste for the surgeon's work, they speak as a vote of confidence from past patients who are so happy with their results, they're willing to share a very personal process with the world by allowing use of their images online.
Pick Up the Phone
Placing a quick call to a clinic can further help you decide whether to book an in-person consultation. Pay attention to how you're treated on the telephone, making sure to ask the following questions:
- Does the clinic provide a free service that lets you submit your photos ahead of time for a preliminary assessment?
- What tools are used during the consultation to determine the results you can expect from surgery?
- Will computer imaging be used to show you what your nose will likely look like after rhinoplasty?
- Will you be able to view more before-and-after photos of past patients (particularly those with noses similar to your own)?
- What is the fee for a consultation?
If the staff member who answered your call was friendly, helpful and informative and answered your questions to your satisfaction, you may wish to book a consultation in order to make a final decision about whether to proceed with the surgery.
Call 8 West Cosmetic Surgery today to find out more about rhinoplasty. Use our free tool to submit your photos prior to booking a consultation with Dr. Buonassisi - our friendly staff will be able to tell you what results you may be able to expect.
