Name both goals
Rhinoplasty can address shape, proportion, breathing, or a combination. A photograph may show the outside of the nose but cannot explain an obstructed airway. Write down the visible changes you are considering and describe when breathing feels limited. That gives the surgeon two distinct questions to evaluate rather than an assumed single cause.
Ask what an examination can establish
The Mafi service page describes cosmetic and functional concerns, including a deviated septum. ASPS emphasizes careful evaluation of nasal structure when breathing is involved. Ask which findings relate to airflow, which relate to appearance, and whether the proposed operation addresses both. A cosmetic plan alone should not be treated as proof that breathing will improve.
Compare the plan with your priorities
Bring prior injury or surgery history, relevant symptoms, and examples of proportions you like. Ask where changes could be limited by your anatomy, how the surgeon assesses symmetry, and what tradeoffs matter to you. The goal is a clear explanation of the proposed work, not a promise that a reference photograph can be reproduced.
Questions and answers
Will rhinoplasty automatically fix a breathing problem?
No. Ask for an individual airway assessment and which proposed steps address the specific cause.
Are appearance and function always separate operations?
Not necessarily. The consultation should explain whether the two goals can be evaluated and planned together in your case.