What To Expect At Your Consultation

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Arrive at your consultation on time, although be prepared for the office to be running a little late. Although your surgeon may try his or her best run on schedule, things do come up so just prepare for it. Just as if you have a few more questions at the end of your consultation, your surgeon should make time for it and run over into the next consultation time slot a little.

Take note of the waiting room, office staff and general ambience. Is it stark and clinical, is it showy, is it extravagant? Is the staff polite and accommodating? Did they welcome you when you came in? Are their before & after books sitting around? What about articles or thank you cards? Is there a practice video playing in the background? Are you comfortable?

You will more than likely have to fill out a patient information packet which asks questions regarding your health and

You will meet with the surgeon -- at least you should. I have heard where you don't even meet the surgeon until the day of surgery which many find to be poor practice. You should be able to meet the person you plan to have operate on you.

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What You Will Discuss
You will address all your questions, concerns, fears expectations, etc. You will discuss your medical history, your options for procedure, anesthesia, incision placements and more. Anything that you wish you should discuss during this time.

You will discuss risks at length, you may be given an informed consent sheet regarding your possible risks at this meeting as well as discuss the anesthesia risks. Just make sure that the surgeon DOES address these risks.

Ask to see the surgeon's before and after photo albums or discs. Ask if you may speak to any of his patients which may be listed on a referral sheet. You may also request to tour the facilities if your surgery will be performed onsite. Ask if it is accredited, and by whom. Ask what will be done in case of an emergency.

You may receive literature regarding the surgeon's education and training, curriculum vitae or any other pertinent information. You may even discuss costs and fees with either the surgeon during your meeting or with a financial planner towards the end of the consultation.

You should go away with enough to go on and request a second meeting if need be, should you feel that more could have been covered. You will notice that intuitions will kick in about judgment of character, trust and faith in one's abilities. This is important so listen to any instinct triggers which may become apparent during the meeting.

You may or may not schedule a surgery date at the end of this consultation - you are by no means obligated but this is generally the next step. If you should choose to schedule a surgery with a particular office you will give deposit to hold your date. You will also make a preoperative appointment for lab work, preparation instructions, medications, etc., etc. After your preoperative appt, you will also take the necessary appointments for checking your blood cell count. Your surgery should take place with in 2 weeks of the last meeting and lab work.

You will also discuss the anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most Rhinoplasty procedures are performed under Light Sleep Sedation, or more commonly known as IV Sedation. Although some surgeons may use General Anesthesia. Either way, discuss this beforehand as most people are hesitant to go under General Anesthesia.

If you do go under General, you make sure that you are under the care of a certified anesthesiologist. The risks of anesthesia should be considered before agreeing to undergo any operation requiring such.

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What To Bring To Your Consultation
You will bring with you your folder of questions, photos, and anything else you can think of.

Rhinoplasty surgery is not a one size fits all type of surgery. Knowledge is power - so research before your consultation. You will also discuss your pre-operative instructions and speak, at length, about the recovery period instructions and what to expect in the months ahead.

[RoxyMoron]

Thanks for the information...I try to be sure I know what I'm doing whenever I go to a consultation and make sure the doctor is a legitimate and certified doctor. Hopefully one day I will actually have enough money to choose one!