To prepare for a virtual rhinoplasty consultation, gather your complete medical history, take clear photos of your nose from several angles, define your aesthetic and functional goals, and write down a list of specific questions for the surgeon. Doing this groundwork ensures your time with Dr. Zarrabi is productive and gives him the details needed to guide your next steps. Rhinoplasty requires an in-person evaluation – so a virtual conversation can be a helpful first step, especially for the many out-of-state patients we see.
This guide walks you through everything you need to feel confident, organized, and ready before you log on.
During your one-on-one video call, Dr. Zarrabi will lead a detailed discussion about your nasal concerns and desired outcomes. You can expect him to:
Listen carefully to what you hope to change and what you like about your nose
Ask you to move your head to see your nose from different perspectives
Review any photos you have provided (photos are required for any surgical assessment)
Discuss your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery
Discuss whether this would be your first nose surgery, since Dr. Zarrabi performs primary rhinoplasty, including procedures such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty
Provide a preliminary overview of the surgical approach that might be right for you, whether it involves techniques for a bulbous tip, dorsal hump, or a specific approach like piezo rhinoplasty
This initial meeting is a conversation, not a commitment – and not a replacement for the in-person exam.
Because rhinoplasty reshapes the bone and cartilage of your nose, an in-person evaluation is essential. At our practice, rhinoplasty consultations are held on Wednesdays and Fridays, and an anesthesiologist assessment must also be done in person.
During your visit at our Newport Beach practice, Dr. Zarrabi performs a physical examination of your nasal structures, skin thickness, and internal airways, and we utilize our in-office 3D CT scan technology to create a precise surgical plan.
The quality of your consultation depends heavily on the quality of your preparation. The more organized you are, the more specific and helpful Dr. Zarrabi’s feedback can be.
Before your appointment, compile a thorough summary of your health. Dr. Zarrabi will need to know about:
Previous Surgeries: Especially any prior surgery on your nose, including septoplasty or cosmetic procedures (this is required information before scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation). Dr. Zarrabi specializes in primary rhinoplasty (first-time nose surgeries)
Medical Conditions: Any chronic or significant health issues
Medications & Supplements: A complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, with dosages
Allergies: Any known allergies to medications or other substances
Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drug use, as these can significantly impact healing
New patient forms are sent by email at Zarrabi MD. You can fill them out and bring them with you, or arrive 10 minutes early to complete them in the office. Documents may also be emailed to [email protected] or brought in person on the day of your visit.
Complete honesty is critical for your safety. Information about your health and lifestyle allows Dr. Zarrabi to accurately assess your candidacy for surgery and anesthesia, and to set realistic expectations. This detailed history helps ensure the surgical plan, whether for cosmetic enhancement or to improve breathing with a functional rhinoplasty, is tailored to your unique needs.
A few simple steps can make your virtual consultation go smoothly:
Find a Quiet, Private Space: Choose a well-lit room where you won’t be interrupted, with a strong internet connection
Check Your Tech: Test your camera, microphone, and connection beforehand; use a device on a stable surface
Good Lighting is Key: Sit facing a window or light source. Avoid sitting with a bright light or window behind you
Prepare Your Photos: Have digital photos of your nose ready – front, both side profiles, a three-quarter angle, and from below (a “worm’s-eye view”) in natural light
Keep a Notepad Nearby: Jot down thoughts and questions as they come up
Be Ready to Talk: Set aside uninterrupted time and come prepared to have an honest conversation about your insecurities and goals
This preparation pays off when you sit down to talk.
Knowing what you want and being able to articulate it is the most important part of your preparation. The better you describe what you want, the better the guidance you receive.
You are interviewing Dr. Zarrabi just as much as he is evaluating you. Writing your questions down beforehand keeps you from forgetting them. Consider asking:
Based on my goals and nasal structure, am I a good candidate for primary rhinoplasty?
What surgical approach (e.g., open vs. closed, ultrasonic) do you think is best for my case?
What can I realistically expect in terms of a result?
What does the in-person evaluation involve?
What is the overall timeline from consultation to surgery and recovery?
What should I expect during the pre-op and post-op process?
You can learn more about our practice’s surgical approaches on the open rhinoplasty page or by reviewing the various ethnic rhinoplasty options, since Dr. Zarrabi is skilled at performing surgery on a wide variety of ethnicities.
Be as specific as possible about both how you want your nose to look and how it functions. Instead of saying “I want a smaller nose,” identify the specific feature:
“I feel my nasal tip is too round and bulbous.”
“I’m concerned about the prominent hump on my bridge.”
“My nostrils seem too wide when I smile.”
“I’ve had trouble breathing through one side of my nose for years.”
Pointing to gallery examples you like can help bridge the gap between what you imagine and what your surgeon understands – the goal is harmony with your unique features, not replicating another person’s nose. If you have functional issues alongside cosmetic ones, mention them – procedures such as septorhinoplasty can address breathing and appearance together.
After your virtual conversation, our Patient Care Coordinator will connect with you about scheduling an in-person consultation, since rhinoplasty requires a hands-on evaluation. At our practice, these in-office consultations are complimentary. To schedule, call our office at (949) 873-0807 or respond to a text message. Consultations are typically scheduled within about two weeks, so it helps to reach out close to your desired date.
A few practical notes for the in-person stage:
Our office is located at 2865 E. Coast Hwy, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92625, on the third floor
New patient forms should be completed beforehand or 10 minutes before your appointment
Only one extra person is allowed in the consultation room with you
Spanish-speaking assistance may be available, though patients needing translation are encouraged to bring their own translator
After the in-person consultation, your final surgical plan is discussed. Photos and a 3D CT scan are taken at the time of surgery booking, and surgeries are typically scheduled two to three months from the date of your consultation. Knowing this timeline helps you plan ahead.
A successful rhinoplasty begins long before you enter the operating room – it starts with a thorough, well-prepared consultation. Gather your medical history, take clear photos, study real results, write down your goals, and prepare thoughtful questions. Dr. Zarrabi requires an in-person evaluation, and your preparation makes every conversation – virtual or in office – more productive.
To begin, explore our practice or call (949) 873-0807.
Dr. Zarrabi’s practice is a unique combination of art, science and cutting edge technology.
Dr. Zarrabi is a Board Certified Maxillofacial Surgeon and Diplomate of American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also an accomplished Sculptor Artist and he has created masterpieces for collections nationally and around the world.
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