Berkeley Parents Network: Rhinoplasty

Berkeley Parents Network

Rhinoplasty

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Beauty & Fitness > Rhinoplasty

May 2004

Can anyone recommend a good plastic surgeon in the Bay Area who specializes in nose jobs (rhinoplasty)? I've looked on the archives in the network and it seems there are a lot of listings for tummy tucks, but no nose jobs.

Also, is it typical to have to pay for a consultation, even when you are still shopping around for surgeons and have not decided on whether to have the surgery? I called Dr. Elizabeth Lee's office to schedule a consultation (since she came highly recommended by many on the Parents Network) and to find out if she specialized in rhinoplasty; however, the receptionist told me that it costs $150 just for a one-hour consultation. I was somewhat shocked at this price, just because I thought a consultation was an info-gathering meeting. At this price, it seems like you have to have already decided on the surgeon and the surgery and that the consultation is more like a pre- operation meeting. I really don't want to spend this kind of money just to ask questions; I'd rather save it for the surgery.

Please share your experiences. I've wanted this done for so long, but the whole process seems so daunting.

Thank you for all your responses! Nose Like a Rhino

I have been charged for consultations with landscape architects, attorneys, contractors, architects I would never expect to get someone's expertise for free especially considering that they have a family to feed, overhead and expenses too. I have heard great things about an Elizabeth Lee who is a doctor in Berkeley who is a hand surgeon. I don't know if she does nose jobs, though. Could or couldn't be the same one. A Fair Capitalist

I had my nose done 2 years ago and I am soooo glad I did it. My advice is DEFINITELY go for it!! I used Dr. Albert Chow in SF and really liked him. The surgery was simple and the recovery very easy. I believe that I did pay $150 for my first consultation with him, but that is put toward the surgery (which was around $5K) if you decide to do it. Most doctors will do that. In any case, during that first visit they took digital photos and can show you with a new nose, new chin, new eyes, etc. I thought it was worth the $150 just to play around with that! However, if you are concerned about the $150 I would just go to someone you are fairly sure about when you are feeling sure about doing the surgery, then you'll know you can apply the money towards that. I wish you luck - you won't regret it.

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