Choosing a Nose Job Surgeon
A Rhinoplasty or ‘nose job’ is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes the nose, altering the size of the nose to restore balance to the facial features. While a nose job is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, finding an accomplished surgeon can be quite tricky.
While the number of rhinoplasty treatments being performed in the UK grows year on year, this rise in popularity has also unfortunately meant the rise of unprofessional clinics, and the introduction of aggressive marketing techniques to entice customers.
While most nose job operations are performed to high standards by fully qualified cosmetic surgeons, there are a number that are carried out by under qualified practitioners, often leading to unwanted side effects. The nose job procedure has one of the highest statistics for repeat procedures (also known as ‘revision rhinoplasties’) so it is particularly important to find an experienced, specialist cosmetic surgeon for this procedure.
Your nose is the second most prominent feature on your face, next to your eyes, and its size and shape may be the most obviously defining characteristic of your face, so it is important to carefully consider the desired outcome of the procedure before surgery. We have provided the checklist below to help you make an informed decision and find an experienced, qualified rhinoplasty surgeon.
1. Check the credentials of your practitioner
Look for a cosmetic surgeon who has held an NHS consultant’s position, who has a FRCS (plast) qualification and who is listed on the General Medical Council’s specialist register of Plastic Surgery. Do not be afraid to ask to see certificates.
2. Pick someone who specialises in your treatment
There are many qualified plastic surgeons, but it is always best to find one who is experienced in a nose job treatment. Look for a practitioner with specific training in rhinoplasty procedures, who is more likely to have a good eye for how to transform the length, width and shape of your nose to bring greater harmony to your facial features.
3. Look for membership of professional organisations
There are several professional societies that are specific to cosmetic surgeons. BAPRAS and BAAPS are the most highly regarded and only permit the most skilled and experienced of surgeons to gain entry.
4. Ensure your consultation is with your practitioner
In some clinics, the first person to see a patient is a ‘counsellor’ or ‘advisor’, who will only be able to give you generic advice and is generally there in a sales role. When you are booking a consultation with your chosen clinic, make sure you ask to see the actual surgeon who will be operating on you.
5. Be comfortable
Make sure you are relaxed and have built up a good rapport with your surgeon. You should always feel that your concerns and questions are being addressed thoroughly. Make sure you’re satisfied with the answers you’ve been given before the consultation is over.
6. Ask to see before and after photographs
Feel free to ask to speak to previous patients for testimonials, or to see before and after rhinoplasty images of previous patients. However, do remember that while before and after photographs can give you some insight into the surgeon’s ability, they cannot guarantee you the exact same result.
