A rhinoplasty candidate first visits a surgeon for a consultation to see if rhinoplasty can achieve their goals and so that the surgeon can make sure the patient is in the proper physical health to undergo the procedure. When the patient visits the rhinoplasty surgeon they should have a good idea of what shape they would like their nose to be. The rhinoplasty surgeon can then evaluate the candidate's nose and indicate if this is realistic or not. A complete review of the candidate's medical history will be essential in evaluating if the patient has an increased risk for adverse reactions and the rhinoplasty candidate should be prepared to openly communicate their medical history. Some patients are afraid to be forthcoming about any medical complications they have because they are afraid they will not be able to have the rhinoplasty surgery, but if a health condition is present it will allow the surgeon to monitor and take extra precaution.

If the rhinoplasty candidate is qualified and comfortable for the surgery, the rhinoplasty is then scheduled. Preoperative rhinoplasty instructions will be given to the patient based on their individual conditions. These rhinoplasty instructions should be followed and taken seriously because if the surgeon feels the patient is not properly prepared for the rhinoplasty he/she can elect to postpone the procedure.

A few preoperative rhinoplasty instructions will include discontinuing smoking for a while until the surgery has been completed and the surgeon indicates it is okay to begin smoking again. Smoking can greatly increase the chances for cardiovascular complications to arise during the rhinoplasty in addition to decrease the optimal results of the procedure. No anti-inflammatory medications should be taken either due to the increased risk of bleeding that they cause. Since rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery the patient should have someone available to drive home and to assist the patient especially for the first night after the surgery.

Depending on the areas of the nose that the rhinoplasty patient wants altered will influence where the incisions are made. A benefit of rhinoplasty is that many instances will allow the incisions to be placed inside the nose where they are not visible. If a patient wishes to reduce the width of their nose at the base or because of enlarged nostrils, incisions will often be made in order to remove wedges of skin that are located at the base of the nose in the natural crease. Rhinoplasty scars are all inconspicuous due to the ability to properly hide the areas of the incisions in the natural creases and lines of the nose.

After the rhinoplasty surgeon makes the proper incisions any changes that needs to be made on the cartilage and bone to alter the actual shape of the nose will then be made. In the event that a rhinoplasty is being performed in order to straighten a nose a surgeon can incorporate nasal cartilage to reshape the nose. The rhinoplasty surgeon will be closely monitoring the patient to ensure the rhinoplasty is performed without major complications, and in the event that an abnormality arises, the rhinoplasty surgeon can properly and quickly respond to prevent the abnormality from worsening. During the rhinoplasty consultation the surgeon will have discovered any health conditions that may put the patient at high risk for developing certain complications so these aspects can be more closely monitored and a different approach to the rhinoplasty can be taken if necessary.