Discussion with patient

If, after careful examination, the patient's goals seem to be reasonable and realistic to this point, the surgeon tells the patient so. The surgeon explains technical details of the surgical plan to the patient. All rhinoplasty surgeons have complications. The literature reports complication rates of 8% to 15% [2-9]. Complications can occur despite surgery that has been well performed technically. The risk of complications is explained forthrightly to the patient. It is explained that, should a complication occur, it is generally correctible to some degree. The patient is informed that occasionally no improvement is possible.

Computer imaging

As part of the office consultation, computer imaging can be done. In the senior author's practice, the office computer network provides for imaging in each examination room. The patient's photos are uploaded onto the computer screen in the examination room, and computer imaging is undertaken.

The senior author explains to the patient that computer imaging is just a "video game"dthat it is a way to communicate a shared surgical goal. This is not an "after" picture, it is not a guarantee, and it should not be taken to offer the slightest implication of a guarantee. It is simply a way to communicate the shared surgical goal. The senior author does not provide the patient with printouts of the computer imaging. The senior author explains to the patient that the preoperative photo and shared surgical goal photo routinely are printed out and taped to the wall in the operating room during surgery so that the pictures can be referred to as surgery progresses.

Typically, the surgeon and patient are able to reach a shared surgical goal. If so, the surgeon should reiterate his or her impression that the goals are reasonable and realistic. Technical details are discussed further. The potential benefits and potential risks of surgery are reviewed. After the surgeon and patient have concluded their discussion, the patient should be introduced to the office manager to discuss logistical and financial details.

Patient education

In the senior author's experience, the rhinoplasty patient researches the subject exhaustively. Many rhinoplasty patients avail themselves of the tremendous amount of educational material on the Internet. They are interested in learning about the procedure in general and are interested in preoperative and postoperative photographic images by their potential surgeon.

The best patient is a well-informed patient. In an effort to provide detailed information to individuals researching this subject, the senior author created two websites, TheRhinoplastyCenter.com and RevisionRhinoplasty.com . In addition to the requisite logistical information, considerable effort has been placed in providing a detailed educational tutorial at these websites. Consequently, the senior author has found that the patients he sees in the office already know "what is wrong" with their nose and already are reasonably well versed in the author's approach and philosophy.

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Ask Dr. Becker a question about revision rhinoplasty or make an appointment for a consultation, by calling 856-589-NOSE (6673) or emailing us at info@revisionrhinoplasty.com.