If you’re planning to get a nose job, technically known as rhinoplasty, you’ll want to be prepared for what is going to happen and understand what recovery will be like. You may want to have an idea of the rhinoplasty results and what you can do to make the process go smoother.

You should have a list of questions to ask the top surgeon of rhinoplasty in Houston. Here are some suggestions to help you think through this procedure.

Are You Board Certified?

One of the most important questions to ask a surgeon before your procedure is if they are board certified. You want your nose job done by a certified surgeon knowledgeable about the latest techniques and requirements. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is triple-board-certified, which means he has been certified by multiple boards, including the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified, you must meet stringent requirements, which can provide added confidence for patients in choosing their plastic surgeon.

How Many Rhinoplasties Have You Performed?

Plastic surgeons may specialize in certain areas or have a more thorough history with specific procedures. You want to choose an experienced rhinoplasty rather than being their first or one of a few patients for this procedure. You may also want to know how many of these procedures the doctor performs each year. This information allows you to understand that they are staying current with any changes or updates in the field.

Is There Any Reason I Might Not Be a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

The surgeon should go over your medical history and ask a lot of questions about your health and family history. This step will help them determine if you are a good candidate for a nose job or any other plastic surgery. However, it is a good idea to ask them directly if there are reasons they might not recommend you have a nose job.

What Are The Possible Complications With a Rhinoplasty?

While rhinoplasty is a safe procedure when performed by a board-certified, experienced surgeon, every procedure has the potential for complications. Your doctor should discuss this with you during your consultation. One of the most important questions to ask a plastic surgeon concerns any possible surgery complications. If they try to evade the question or don’t have an answer, you may want to consider looking for a different surgeon.

How Long Will I Be Off Work?

Before your rhinoplasty procedure, you want to understand what to expect during recovery. You’ll need to schedule time off from work or school. Inquire about a timeline from your doctor. They may provide a range because everyone responds to surgery and heals differently.

What Types of Medication Should I Expect To Be Prescribed for Pain?

This is another one of the important questions to ask a surgeon before a nose job. You’ll want to know which pain medications you’ll likely be given and what side effects are possible if you’ve never taken those particular drugs before.

What Kind of Anesthesia Do You Use for Rhinoplasty?

Learn ahead of time if the doctor uses general or local anesthesia for your procedure. The type of anesthesia you receive will impact your first days of recovery.

What Do You Recommend To Reduce My Discomfort?

Your plastic surgeon should be able to offer tips for easing any pain or discomfort you may feel during recovery. They may provide you with a list to follow at home. The doctor should go over these details with you during your consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure you understand exactly what you should do.

When Can I Wear Glasses After Surgery?

Sometimes the area around the nose is tender enough that you don’t want anything to touch it. You may not feel comfortable having your glasses rest on your nose for a few days. Bruising and swelling can make it sore for some time. If your glasses have heavy frames, you may want to consider a light pair for after the surgery.

Do You Do Revisions if the Results Aren’t What I Expected?

No one likes to think about a revision, but it’s a possibility with any plastic surgery. Your surgeon should provide you with how likely a revision could be based on your expectations. They should also define their policy for providing revisions.

Who Do I Contact After Hours if I Need Something?

Ask your surgeon before your rhinoplasty what to do if you need help outside of regular clinic or office hours. They should be able to provide you with an after-hours number and let you know with whom you would be talking. If the situation is an emergency, you will need to go to the ER. An on-call number should be available for other concerns.

What Do I Need to Do to Get the Best Results?

When it comes to nose jobs or any plastic surgery, you and your surgeon are a team. Ask about your role in the preparation and recovery process to get the best rhinoplasty results. The surgeon will provide you with a list of things you should and shouldn’t do. You’ll need to follow those rules closely.

When Can I Expect to See Full Results?

After a rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll have some bruising and swelling. Your nose may be packed, and it will take some time for you to see the new look. The changes will likely be revealed gradually throughout the recovery process. Ask your surgeon when the final results should be evident. At this point, you know that no more changes are taking place, and you can decide if you like the results.

Can I See Before and After Photos?

Many doctors put a sample of their procedures on their website with before and after photos. These photos show potential patients the work the surgeons have done. However, those are the best results of their previous surgeries. One of the best questions to ask a surgeon is if you can see more photos, especially of ones that look similar to how you look now and what you want your results to be. This will give you a better idea of what to expect after the rhinoplasty procedure is completed.

Will This Be a Closed or Open Approach?

Many plastic surgeons perform both closed and open rhinoplasties. You’ll want to know which they recommend for you and how care will differ based on the chosen approach.

Schedule a Consultation for Rhinoplasty Today

If you’re thinking about changing the shape, size, or structure of your nose, you’ll want to work with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Lapuerta. With more than 20 years of experience, he has performed hundreds of nose jobs along with liposuction and body contouring in Houston. Dr. Lapuerta will sit down with you and discuss your concerns and answer any questions to ask a surgeon before surgery. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for rhinoplasty.