Rhinoplasty — Teleconsultation

Hello, I am Dr. Fernando Amato, a board-certified plastic surgeon from SBCP. This page summarizes what I usually discuss in teleconsultations about rhinoplasty — a preparatory online consultation, especially useful for those who live far away or are in the decision-making phase and want to understand the surgery better before the in-person evaluation.

What is the teleconsultation

It is a scheduled video call where we discuss your case. Before the consultation, you send standardized photos of your nose (front, profiles, base, and 3/4 views) and reference photos, if you have any. During the call, we analyze them together, I discuss what is technically possible, we align expectations, and define the next steps.

The teleconsultation does not replace the in-person consultation — rhinoplasty requires a physical examination of the nose internally and externally, palpation of the structures, and functional assessment. But it is a step that saves time, money (especially for those coming from afar) and helps you arrive much more prepared for the definitive evaluation.

What we discuss in the teleconsultation

1. Your main concern — what you would like to change (dorsal hump, tip, deviation, base, respiratory function).
2. Photo analysis — facial proportions, nasal characteristics, realistic starting point.
3. Probable technique — open vs. closed, need for septoplasty, structured grafts, preservation rhinoplasty.
4. Expectation — aligning what is technically achievable with your skin type and nasal structure (thick skin takes longer to define the tip, thin skin shows everything).
5. Actual recovery — first week with a splint, eye swelling, return to work, physical activity, wearing glasses, evolution up to 12 months.
6. Actual risks — subtle asymmetries, prolonged tip swelling, eventual need for touch-up, worsening breathing if performed by inexperienced hands.
7. Next steps — pre-operative exams, in-person evaluation, travel arrangements (if applicable) and timeline.

How to prepare

• Photos of the nose with good lighting: front, left profile, right profile, base (from below) and 3/4 views from both sides.
• Relevant medical history: previous nose surgeries, traumas, breathing problems (rhinitis, deviated septum, snoring).
• List of your questions — no matter how "obvious" they seem.
• If you have recent exams (CT scan of the sinuses, nasofibroscopy), have them handy.
• Reference photos, if any — they help to understand your aesthetic preference (not as a promise of result).

When the teleconsultation is especially useful

• Patients from other cities or abroad who want to decide if the trip is worthwhile.
• Those researching between surgeons and wanting to compare approaches critically.
• Cases of secondary rhinoplasty (revision) — a first conversation to understand if the case is technically approachable.
• Uncertain patients who want to calmly understand before scheduling an in-person consultation.
• Follow-up between post-operative returns, when the patient lives far away.

Next step: in-person evaluation

After the teleconsultation, if there is an indication and desire to proceed, the in-person evaluation is scheduled — where we perform a complete physical examination, definitively define the technique, finalize the planning, and provide a written quote with each item itemized (surgeon, board-certified anesthesiologist, hospital, materials, follow-ups).

For complete content on techniques, recovery, and how to choose a surgeon, see the complete rhinoplasty guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the teleconsultation replace the in-person consultation?

No. The teleconsultation is a preparatory online discussion — it clarifies doubts, aligns expectations, and guides what to expect. The surgical indication and definitive quote require an in-person physical examination of the nose (internal and external).

How is the teleconsultation conducted?

Via scheduled video call. The patient sends photos of the nose (front, left profile, right profile, base, and 3/4 views) in advance, and during the call, we discuss objectives, appropriate technique, recovery, risks, and next steps.

How long does it last?

On average 30 to 45 minutes. The time varies according to the complexity of the case and the number of questions — there is no artificial limit.

Can I have a teleconsultation if I live in another city or country?

Yes — that is precisely one of the advantages. Many patients from other cities and abroad use teleconsultation to decide if the trip for the in-person evaluation and surgery is worthwhile.

Is the teleconsultation useful for rhinoplasty revision (secondary surgery)?

It serves as an initial discussion — to understand the complaint, surgical history, and what is technically possible. Revision cases require a mandatory in-person examination (palpation of residual structures, internal examination) before any planning.