Your First Rhinoplasty Consultation

People choose to have nose surgery (or rhinoplasty) for a number of reasons. They may want to improve their appearance by changing the size or shape of their nose. Or they have trouble breathing because of an accident or the way their noses are structured. Still others may have suffered nasal damage or injury. They want to correct the damage and restore symmetry. The goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the nose both aesthetically and functionally, improving breathing and achieving a more harmonious facial appearance.

Here’s what you can expect to talk about during your first consultation:

• Your expectations: First of all, I want to know why you want nose surgery. That means an initial discussion of your expectations. This is important because we have to determine clear and realistic expectations and work together to achieve them.
• Medical records and history of trauma, breathing obstructions and previous operations: It is important for me to know the details of any previous trauma to your nose or any previous nose surgery. I also want to know about any history of breathing problems and nasal obstruction that you have experienced in the past. It is very helpful to bring all nose-related medical records to the initial consultation. I will also request you bring a recent CT scan of your nose and facial bones to this consultation.
• Other relevant medical records: Some people have medical conditions that elevate their risk for any kind of surgery. If you have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, if you take blood thinners or other medications, I need to know. Full disclosure can help me evaluate the risk levels you will face and ensure that we keep you safe during surgery and afterwards.
• Lifestyle issues: These issues can have a direct impact on the level of risk you face during surgery and any potential complications during surgery or your recovery period.

Here’s what will happen during this first consultation:

• A physical exam: A thorough physical examination of the nose is part of the initial consultation. That means inspecting your nose both internally and externally.
• Digital images and scans of your nose and face will be taken. I use the latest computer imaging technology which aids our discussion of any aesthetic changes you may like to your nose. Our starting point will be what your nose is like at the initial consultation in conjunction with your CT Scans. You may also like to bring a USB stick with you to take a copy of the photos home.
• Breathing efficiency test: A test will be performed to judge your breathing efficiency. This is particularly important for those who are suffering from breathing obstructions or have suffered an injury to the nose. All my patients take this test because a surprising number of people have breathing difficulties but are completely unaware of them.

After the examination, scans and test we go back to discussion mode again, and I will be ready to make recommendations and explain them. I also take into consideration your skin type, ethnic background and age. In some cases I may recommend further breathing test and nose studies.

In this discussion I typically discuss:

• What I expect to reasonably achieve from the rhinoplasty operation. I show you how the nose is structured, and how bone, cartilage and soft tissue can be sculpted to reshape your nose.
• The specific techniques I recommend for your nose surgery. Nose surgery can be performed in a number of ways, depending on the type of correction you need. In general, I prefer open structure rhinoplasty techniques, even though this is a more demanding procedure. From experience I know it produces the best results for my patients.
• The risks inherent in any type of surgery, including nose surgery. I will explain the general risks of nose surgery as well as specific risks involved in the surgical techniques I recommend. A discussion of potential complications is also part of this conversation. After taking into consideration your medical history and lifestyle, I will discuss what measures will be taken to reduce, control and manage your risk levels during surgery.
• The type of anaesthesia that will be used in your rhinoplasty and details of the facility where your surgery will be performed.

Once we agree on the specifics, I will be in a position to let you know the costs for your nose surgery.

A lot of people who come to me for nose surgery have fears about their nose collapsing after the procedure or about their nose looking “operated on”. The initial consultation is the perfect opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with me, and I encourage my patients to seek clarification if there is anything that is not clear.

My patients can see for themselves the thorough assessment and meticulous planning that goes into designing their new nose. Cutting corners or taking shortcuts is not an option. Patients see that we care and are passionate about what we do.

For more information

If you wish to make an appointment with Dr Marcells or ask a question, please contact us on 1300 555 095, or using the contact form.

You may also want to check out the Nose Gallery on this website to get an idea of the wide range of nose surgery performed by Dr Marcells.