Choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make for your face. The right questions reveal training, philosophy, and artistry, and they separate a competent surgeon from a remarkable one.
Dr. Omotara Sulyman-Scott, founder and CEO of That Face Chicago and a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has built her Lincoln Park practice on precision, natural-looking results, and an honest consultation process that respects every patient's goals.
In this blog, we will discuss the seven questions every patient should ask before booking rhinoplasty in Chicago, why those answers matter, and how Dr. Sulyman-Scott approaches each one.
1. Is the Surgeon Board-Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery?
- ABFPRS certification: Confirms dedicated training and rigorous testing in facial plastic surgery.
- ABPS certification: Recognizes broader plastic surgery training across the body.
- Ongoing certification: Indicates the surgeon maintains current standards and continued education.
Board certification is the floor, not the ceiling.
2. Does the Surgeon Specialize in Rhinoplasty?
- Volume of cases: Reveals how often the surgeon performs nasal procedures.
- Range of techniques: Shows comfort with cosmetic, functional, ethnic, and revision rhinoplasty.
- Photo library: Should include patients with features and goals similar to your own.
Specialization matters because the nose is one of the most technically demanding regions in plastic surgery. Dr. Sulyman-Scott focuses her practice on the face and nose, offering cosmetic, ethnic, functional, and revision rhinoplasty designed around each patient's anatomy. Generalists rarely match that level of focus, and the difference tends to show in the final result.
3. What Does the Before-and-After Gallery Show?
- Variety of noses: Look for a range of ethnic backgrounds, ages, and nasal shapes.
- Natural-looking results: Notice whether the noses look refreshed or done.
- Photo consistency: Compare frontal, profile, and three-quarter views in matching lighting.
A gallery tells you what a surgeon can actually deliver. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends reviewing photos of patients with starting points similar to yours. Dr. Sulyman-Scott's portfolio reflects her signature philosophy: results that look uniquely natural, refined, and never pulled or overdone.
4. How Does the Surgeon Approach Ethnic and Revision Rhinoplasty?
- Ethnic rhinoplasty: Preserves cultural identity while refining specific features.
- Revision rhinoplasty: Corrects scar tissue, breathing issues, or unsatisfactory primary results.
- Personalized planning: Considers skin thickness, cartilage strength, and facial proportions.
Ethnic and revision rhinoplasty require a surgeon who understands the nuances. Removing too much cartilage, ignoring skin type, or applying a single template can permanently alter a patient's identity or compromise their breathing. Dr. Sulyman-Scott approaches each ethnic rhinoplasty with respect for the patient's heritage and a goal of refinement, not erasure.
5. Where Will the Surgery Be Performed?
- Accredited facility: Look for AAAHC, AAAASF, or hospital-based accreditation.
- Anesthesia provider: Should be a board-certified anesthesiologist or CRNA.
- Emergency protocols: The facility must have transfer agreements and proper monitoring.
Facility accreditation directly impacts patient safety. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the surgical setting and the anesthesia team are two of the most important questions to raise during your consultation.
6. What Is the Consultation and Planning Process?
- Detailed evaluation: Includes a nasal exam, breathing assessment, and facial proportion review.
- Imaging or simulation: Helps visualize potential outcomes and align expectations.
- Honest conversation: A skilled surgeon will tell you what's realistic — and what isn't.
The consultation is where artistry meets honesty. Dr. Sulyman-Scott reviews each patient's anatomy, breathing, skin quality, and aesthetic goals before recommending an approach. She believes the best rhinoplasty begins with a plan that fits the patient in front of her — not a template applied to every face.
7. What Is the Surgeon's Philosophy on Natural Results?
- Preservation techniques: Maintain structural support while refining shape.
- Long-term outcomes: A natural result still looks elegant five, ten, and twenty years later.
- Patient-first approach: Your nose should fit your face, not someone else's idea of beauty.
Dr. Sulyman-Scott's approach favors refinement over reduction and balance over dramatic change. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the most respected rhinoplasty surgeons prioritize structural preservation and facial harmony, the same values that define Dr. Sulyman-Scott's work.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation With Dr. Sulyman-Scott Today
If you're considering rhinoplasty, call 312.883.0183 or book your consultation online to begin the conversation.
