What happens before/during/after a rhinoplasty procedure?

Each rhinoplasty plan differs

Surgeons, techniques and noses all vary, so rhinoplasty has no single standard sequence. Ask about each stage and have your surgeon explain the plan for your case.

Before, during and after

Split the question into three parts and ask about each one.

Before: ask what the consult involves, what photos or tests are taken, and what you need to start or stop ahead of time. Ask for the instructions in writing. A national plastic surgery society's blog on frequently asked rhinoplasty questions makes a good list of questions to read first. A health site's overview of rhinoplasty reasons, procedure and recovery gives a second angle.

During: ask what type of anesthesia is planned, where the surgery takes place and how long you should expect to be there. If the plan involves the septum, ask what that adds. A survey and systematic review on caudal septoplasty shows how detailed that part of a plan can get.

After: ask about follow-up visits, who to call if something seems off, and when you can return to work and normal activity. If you live around Redmond, ask how many follow-ups to expect and whether any can happen close to home. Ask what the quote includes too. The same society's page on rhinoplasty cost shows the kinds of line items to look for.

A three-column page for the consult

Make a page with three columns, one each for before, during and after. Bring it to the consult and fill in the surgeon's answers. If a column stays empty, ask about it before you book.

Unclear plans deserve a second opinion

Only a licensed surgeon who has examined you can describe what would happen in your case. If something is unclear, ask for a second opinion.