Before rhinoplasty, ask your surgeon about their qualifications and GMC specialist registration, how often they perform nose surgery, what they recommend for your nose and why, where the operation takes place, what aftercare is included and what happens if you need revision. Clear, unhurried answers, realistic advice and no pressure to book are signs of a responsible practice.
About the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register, and in which specialty?: a good answer names plastic surgery or ENT. You can check this yourself on the GMC website.
- What are your surgical qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast) for plastic surgeons, or the equivalent ENT fellowship.
- Which professional bodies are you a member of?: membership of BAAPS or BAPRAS indicates commitment to professional standards.
- How regularly do you perform rhinoplasty?: a surgeon should be able to describe their experience honestly and show before-and-after photographs of their own patients at consultation, with consent.
About your nose and the plan
- What do you think can realistically be changed?: a good surgeon explains what is achievable for your anatomy and skin type, including limitations.
- Open or closed approach, and why?: the answer should link the approach to the changes needed, not a one-size-fits-all method.
- Will my breathing be assessed and addressed?: the inside of the nose should be examined, and any septal or valve problem discussed.
- Will cartilage grafts be needed?: if so, you should be told where they would be taken from.
- How will the nose suit the rest of my face?: expect discussion of the chin, forehead and overall balance.
About the hospital and anaesthetic
- Where will surgery take place?: it should be a CQC-registered hospital with appropriate facilities.
- Who gives the anaesthetic?: a consultant anaesthetist should see you before surgery.
- Is an overnight stay needed?: many patients go home the same day, but you should know the plan and what support you need at home.
About recovery and aftercare
- How long until work, exercise and glasses are possible?: you should receive a realistic, conservative timeline in writing.
- How many follow-up appointments are included?: routine reviews over the first year are good practice.
- Who is the out-of-hours contact?: there should be a clear route to reach the surgical team if a problem arises.
- What warning signs should prompt a call?: heavy bleeding, fever or spreading redness, and chest pain or breathlessness should all be explained with the right urgency.
For a detailed look at complications, see rhinoplasty risks.
About cost and revision
- What does the price include?: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre fees, and routine follow-up should be itemised in writing.
- Is the consultation fee separate?: at this practice the £150 consultation fee is always charged separately.
- What is your revision policy?: you should understand when revision might be considered, how long to wait and what costs would apply.
- Is finance available?: if so, you should be told who the lender is and the terms.
Rhinoplasty with Mr Nassab costs from £8,950; see the rhinoplasty cost guide.
About the result and timescales
- When will the final result be visible?: an honest answer explains that bruising fades within weeks but tip swelling can take twelve months or more to settle.
- What if one side heals differently?: you should hear that mild asymmetry during healing is common and will be monitored at follow-up.
- How will progress be tracked?: standardised photographs before surgery and at follow-up visits allow changes to be compared objectively.
- Could the nose change again with age?: a thoughtful answer acknowledges that the nose continues to age naturally, even after surgery.
Warning signs during a consultation
Be cautious if you are seen only by a salesperson or coordinator rather than the surgeon, if you are offered a discount for booking quickly, if risks are brushed aside, or if you are promised a specific result. A reputable surgeon will encourage a second consultation, a cooling-off period and questions. It can help to write your questions down in advance, bring a friend or relative, and take notes. For guidance on credentials, see choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should there be before rhinoplasty?
At least two is good practice, with time between them to reflect before committing to surgery.
Should photos be brought to the consultation?
Photos of features you like can help discussion, but the plan must be based on your own anatomy rather than copying another nose.
Is it acceptable to ask to see before-and-after photos?
Yes. Surgeons can show photographs of their own patients, shared with consent, during a consultation.
What if the answers are unclear?
Ask again or seek a second opinion. Clear communication before surgery is a good indicator of the care you will receive afterwards.
