Getting a rhinoplasty is a decision that can have long-term ramifications for your appearance and your quality of life. An expertly performed nose job will create a greater balance among your facial features and make your face look more proportional. On the other hand, you could end up dissatisfied with the results of your surgery if your nose is still not the size and shape you envisioned, or if you have breathing problems.

The surgeon who does your nose job is the most significant factor impacting your long-term happiness with the outcome of the procedure. You will want to interview several board-certified cosmetic surgeons to find the best one for you. As you do so, here’s a checklist to help you find the right surgeon.

1. Do Your Homework

Informed plastic surgery patients tend to be more satisfied with their results because they go into the procedure with realistic expectations about how they will look after they’ve made a full recovery. You owe it to yourself to read as much as you can about what happens before, during, and after rhinoplasty surgery so you can prepare yourself.

In doing so, you may find you are also a good candidate for other cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the proportions of your face, such as cheek augmentation, forehead reduction, or chin reshaping. Combining surgeries, if necessary, can transform your appearance and ensure you only have to go through one recovery period.

2. Confirm Their Experience and Aesthetic Philosophy

Since cosmetic surgery is such a broad discipline, many skilled surgeons choose to narrow the focus of their practice to a handful of specific procedures. That’s why you should also ensure the surgeons who make it onto your shortlist have plenty of experience with performing rhinoplasty surgery. A nose job affects both the form and the function of your nose, which makes it one of the more complex plastic surgery procedures. Because of this, you don’t want to go into surgery with any lingering doubts that the surgeon you eventually choose is not the most qualified person for the job.

You will also be happier with your final outcome if you select a surgeon whose overall aesthetic philosophy aligns with yours in terms of factors like symmetry among facial features. Cosmetic surgery is equal parts creativity and technique. A surgeon who consistently delivers outstanding nose job results should not only have a profound understanding of facial anatomy, but also a finely honed artistic sensibility.

3. Look at Before-and-After Photos

Ask all potential surgeons you interview if they will show you before-and-after photos of their previous patients. In particular, look for people who are around the same age as you are, have a similar face shape, and share some of the same concerns you are hoping to address, such as a crooked nose or one that is too large or too small for their face. Ideal rhinoplasty results should never have an artificial, “worked-on” look.

4. Ask Lots of Questions

If you’re thinking about a decision as important as having your nose surgically reshaped, you should never be afraid to ask anything that’s on your mind. Here’s a list of sample questions to get you started. Make your list ahead of time and bring it with you so you don’t forget.

• What results can I expect?
• How often do you do nose jobs?
• How long have you been practicing aesthetic surgery?
• How many rhinoplasties have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• Do you recommend any complementary or alternative surgeries?
• Are you board-certified?

5. Pay Attention to How They Make You Feel

The surgeon’s bedside manner is the final factor you can use to help you decide whether to have them perform your rhinoplasty. Their demeanor should be approachable, warm, and friendly while remaining professional. You’ll want to build a level of trust in your chosen surgeon as a partner, not as a service provider or salesperson.

Find a surgeon who takes time to talk through your goals and to explain what choices are available to you. Your goal should be to leave your consultation appointment with a full understanding of the rhinoplasty procedure, including costs, what results you can expect, and what your recovery time and potential risks will be. You should also feel informed about alternative treatments to consider, along with many advantages and disadvantages.

Denver’s Leading Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Successfully completing a rhinoplasty requires experience, natural talent, meticulousness, and an eye for detail – qualities Dr. Schmidt has in abundance. Schedule your nose job consultation today.