What to Expect from Your First Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Consultation
Planning a nose job? Here’s what you can expect during your first consultation with a plastic surgeon. From discussing your goals to understanding the process, we’ll help you feel prepared and confident before taking the next step.
7/5/20253 min read
Are you thinking about getting a nose job (rhinoplasty) but not sure what happens during the first consultation? Don’t worry—this is a common question for many people considering plastic surgery for the first time.
Your consultation is not a commitment to surgery. It’s simply a conversation between you and the plastic surgeon to understand your goals, your options, and whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for you. Here's a complete guide to what you can expect.
1. Introduction and Getting Comfortable
When you arrive at the clinic, you’ll be welcomed by the staff and given some forms to fill out. These may include:
Personal information
Medical history
Current medications
Any allergies or health conditions
Once that’s done, you’ll meet with the surgeon in a private consultation room. The goal is to make you feel relaxed and comfortable—this is your time to talk about why you're considering a nose job and ask any questions you have.
2. Talking About Your Goals
This is the most important part of the consultation. The surgeon will ask you:
What don’t you like about your nose?
What changes are you hoping to see?
Are your concerns cosmetic, functional (like breathing issues), or both?
Be honest and clear. You can even bring pictures of noses you like (and don’t like). This helps the surgeon understand your aesthetic preferences and make realistic suggestions.
3. Medical History Review
Your surgeon will ask about:
Previous nasal surgeries or trauma
Any breathing difficulties
History of allergies, sinus issues, or nasal congestion
Any general medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
This information is important to make sure you are a safe candidate for surgery.
4. Physical Examination of Your Nose
The surgeon will examine your nose both externally and internally. They will look at:
Skin thickness
Nasal bridge, tip, and nostrils
Septum and nasal passages (to check for a deviated septum or breathing issues)
The way your nose fits with your overall face
Photographs may be taken from different angles to plan the surgery and to compare before-and-after results. Some clinics even use digital imaging to show a simulation of your possible result.
5. Surgical Options and Personalized Plan
Based on your goals and the physical exam, the surgeon will explain:
What type of rhinoplasty is suitable for you (open or closed technique)
What changes are possible and realistic
What limitations you should be aware of
How long the recovery will take
If you may benefit from additional procedures like chin augmentation for facial balance
This part helps you understand exactly what can be achieved—and what cannot.
6. Understanding Risks and Recovery
Every surgery carries some risks. Your surgeon will go over the most common risks, such as:
Swelling and bruising
Scarring (minimal, especially with experienced surgeons)
Breathing changes
Infection or poor healing
Need for revision surgery (in rare cases)
You’ll also learn about the healing process:
You may need a nasal splint for 5–7 days
Bruising around the eyes for 1–2 weeks
Final results can take up to 6–12 months as swelling gradually goes down
7. Ask Questions Freely
A good surgeon encourages questions. Here are a few examples you might want to ask:
How many rhinoplasties have you performed?
Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
Will the changes look natural?
How long before I can go back to work or travel?
What happens if I’m not happy with the results?
There are no wrong questions—your comfort and understanding are key.
8. Cost and Next Steps
After the consultation, you’ll receive:
A price quote for your procedure (including surgeon fees, anesthesia, clinic fees, etc.)
Instructions on how to prepare if you choose to move forward
Optional surgery dates and pre-operative checklists
You do not need to make a decision right away. Take time to think, talk to loved ones, or even get a second opinion if you’d like.
Final Thoughts
The first rhinoplasty consultation is an informative and friendly experience. It’s your chance to:
✅ Understand your options
✅ Meet the surgeon and build trust
✅ Get expert feedback based on your facial structure
✅ Ask anything you want
At Dr. Koko’s Clinic, we take pride in providing clear guidance, honest advice, and world-class care. Whether you’re just starting to explore rhinoplasty or already preparing for surgery, our team is here to support you every step of the way.