Choosing the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Finding a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is vital to the health of your rhinoplasty. Your surgeon should be able to demonstrate a dedication to his/her patients by maintaining a high level of professional skill, competence, and dedication. It is important to make sure you find a surgeon who is committed to continuing education in order to keep up to date on new techniques and advancements in the field of rhinoplasty.
It is essential to thoroughly discuss with your surgeon’s office before your surgery what medications will be prescribed to help reduce the risk of side effects. Some medicines are not suitable for all patients, so your doctor will likely recommend a series of tests to ensure that the medication will not harm you or cause you additional harm. It is also important to understand that many of these medications can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so it is important to ask if any medicines can be avoided prior to your surgery.
When choosing a surgeon, it is also important to make sure that he or she is anesthesiologists qualified. Anesthesiologists, or medical professionals that administer anesthesia to patients, are trained to administer the drug to reduce discomfort and minimize pain during surgical procedures. If anesthesia does not properly numb the body, complications may occur and you may have an increased risk of post-operative complications. Anesthesiologists are often required by law in some jurisdictions and will be listed in your local phone book under “surgeons.”
Good surgeons have a variety of tools at their disposal to help make your procedure as smooth and painless as possible. Your surgeon should be familiar with local anesthesia practices. As part of the pre-op medical consultation, your surgeon should take you to an anesthesiologist to get a general understanding of how anesthesia is administered during rhinoplasty. Anesthetic practices include the use of various concentrations of anesthesia, the proper way to use them, and the benefits and risks of using them.
While the operation is not considered a “life-saving” procedure, it is important to make sure you have enough health insurance to cover the procedure if you decide to get cosmetic surgery in the future. Many cosmetic surgery companies offer a discount on coverage if they know you are covered under your primary insurance policy. Also, your surgeon should work closely with you throughout your recovery process to help you understand how to manage your symptoms and the return of normal activities. As you move through the healing process, you may choose to stop participating in certain activities that you used to enjoy prior to the rhinoplasty, such as going swimming or doing yoga.
The recovery time for a rhinoplasty procedure is also important to understand the amount of time you should expect to spend in the recovery room. Your surgeon will be able to determine this by asking you about your lifestyle, activities prior to your rhinoplasty, the severity of the procedure, and your prior treatment history. Most surgeons can give you a general guideline for recovery time.