What the first rhinoplasty consultation is like and how to prepare

The first rhinoplasty consultation is the most important step in the whole process. It is where the surgeon understands what bothers you, examines the nose inside and out and explains what can be done. It is also the moment when you decide whether you trust that doctor to operate on the centre of your face.

Many people put off booking because they do not know what to expect. In this article we explain how the rhinoplasty in Portoconsultation works at Clínica do Nariz e Face, and how you can prepare to make the most of it.

A good rhinoplasty consultation is not quick. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. There is no rush: the goal is for you to leave with all your questions answered and a clear idea of what the surgery can and cannot do for your nose.

1. Listening to what bothers you

The consultation starts with you. The surgeon wants to know what you do not like about your nose, since when, whether there was a defining episode (an injury, for example) and whether you have difficulty breathing. There are no small complaints: a drooping tip, a hump, wide nostrils or a crooked nose are all valid reasons.

2. Medical history

You will be asked about illnesses, previous surgeries, allergies, regular medication, smoking habits and whether you have had any nose surgery before. All of this influences the planning and safety of the surgery.

3. Examination of the nose outside and inside

The surgeon looks at the nose from the front, in profile and from below, assesses the skin, the shape of the tip, the bridge and the relationship with the rest of the face. He then examines the inside of the nose with a small endoscope, to see the septum, the turbinates and the nasal valves. This is where a deviated septum or another cause of obstruction that should be corrected in the same surgery, in a septorhinoplasty, is discovered.

4. Photographs and facial analysis

Standardised photographs are taken from several angles. With them, Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira uses the Crisalix software to do what he prefers to call a study of the face: a 3D simulation of what he believes to be the best harmony for your face. It is not only the nose that is looked at: whether other parts of the face should, or should not, be corrected or improved is also discussed.

The simulation is a communication tool, which we explain in detail in the article on facial analysis in rhinoplasty. It allows you to discuss, point by point, each feature you want to change, align expectations and understand whether what you imagine is realistic. It is not a guarantee of the final result.

5. Explanation of the surgical plan

With all the information gathered, the surgeon explains what he proposes to do, which technique he plans to use (for example, preservation rhinoplasty or ultrasonic rhinoplasty), where the surgery is performed, under what anaesthesia, how long it takes and what the recovery will be like. He also tells you, honestly, if any expectation is not achievable.

6. Quote and next steps

At the end you receive a quote with everything included and a list of the necessary pre-operative tests. You are not obliged to decide anything on the spot. Take as much time as you need.

• Write down what bothers you. Make a list, in order of importance. At the consultation it is easy to forget a point.
• Bring old photographs, if the nose changed after an injury or a previous surgery.
• Gather your clinical information: medication you take, allergies, reports from previous nose surgeries, imaging tests if you have them.
• Come without make-up or with very little, for the photographs and the skin examination.
• Prepare questions. We give you a list at the end of this article.
• Be honest about your expectations. If you want a discreet change, say so. If you want a marked change, say so too. The surgeon can only advise you well if he knows what you are looking for.

• Does my nose have any breathing problem that should be treated at the same time?
• Which technique will you use in my case and why?
• Can I see cases similar to mine, from several angles and with more than a year of evolution?
• Where is the surgery performed, under what anaesthesia and how long does it take?
• How many days do I need to stop working?
• How many follow-up consultations are included?
• What happens if a touch-up is needed?

If you want to go deeper into the criteria for choosing the doctor, read our guide How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon in Porto.

Anyone considering rhinoplasty, even if they have not decided yet. The consultation is precisely there to help you decide. As a rule, surgery is performed after the nose has finished growing, around 16 to 18 years of age, and there is no upper age limit as long as your health allows it.

If you have already had surgery elsewhere and are not happy, the consultation is also the first step to assess a revision rhinoplasty.

Does the consultation oblige me to book the surgery?

No. You leave the consultation with the information and the quote and decide calmly.

Do I need to bring tests?

It is not necessary. If you have tests or reports from previous nose surgeries, bring them, but the pre-operative tests are requested later, if you decide to go ahead.

Can I have the consultation in Braga?

Yes. Besides the Porto practice, Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira holds rhinoplasty consultations in Braga.

How long after the consultation can I have surgery?

It depends on the pre-operative tests and the surgical schedule. As a rule, a few weeks.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, the consultation is carried out by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, dedicated to rhinoplasty. The Porto practice is at Rua Orfeão do Porto, 52. You can see real results in our clinical cases and learn more about rhinoplasty in Porto.

Book your consultation or call +351 915 808 584.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation.