Zahi Abou Chacra, MD FRCSC, is the Medical Director and Principal Surgeon at Clinique 7 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada: A boutique surgical practice. The first of its kind in the city, dedicated exclusively to Rhinoplasty.
Q: When you’re meeting with patients, how do you ensure they’re well-informed and comfortable with their decision to undergo rhinoplasty?
ZAHI ABOU CHACRA: The consultation process allows me to evaluate patients in more ways than only regarding the surgery they’re consulting about. It’s my responsibility to perform a thorough medical history, as well as cover important subjects, such as surgical eligibility, risks and complications. In today’s world, most patients have a basic understanding of what surgery entails, and generally have done some research about rhinoplasty before coming to see me. My job is to provide them with science-based information, facts, and serve almost as a guide when it comes to their needs with regards to a nasal surgery.
I believe that informed patients are empowered patients, meaning that the more information they have, the better suited they are to decide about undergoing surgery. Once they’re more familiar with the process from beginning to end, my surgical coordinator takes care of the rest of the patient experience. The information patients get begins when they first call the practice and inquire about our services. It’s imperative that my team and I share the same desire to inform patients in a thoughtful way that allows them the space to share their concerns with us, and that we listen, so that we can reassure them and make them feel that we are highly qualified and competent not only in our field, but also when it comes to patient care.
Q: What are the most common goals patients look to achieve with rhinoplasty?
ZAHI ABOU CHACRA: Patients seek to undergo rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s something predominantly functional, such as breathing or correcting a deviated septum, or a cosmetic aspect of their nose, such as softening or creating a more defined structural appearance. During functional cases, we can restore patients’ breathing and correct a deviated septum. Meanwhile, cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery contributes to overall improved facial symmetry and balance. During cosmetic and aesthetic cases, we can remove humps, bumps, depressions and other irregularities. Patients are often seeking a nose that is in harmony with the rest of their features. Enhanced breathing and optimized airflow contribute to an elevated quality of life, while the cosmetic improvements increase self-confidence and self-image.
Q: What is your practice’s approach to post-operative care and patient support?
ZAHI ABOU CHACRA: At Clinique 7, my patients benefit from one-on-one, personalized care from my tight-knit team and me. We accompany patients from the first phone call, up until their one-year follow up appointment in a way that allows patients direct access to the resources they need, whether it be information or support.
Post-operative care is a small part of what we do. The perioperative period has three distinct phases: Preoperative: before surgery. Intraoperative: during surgery. Postoperative: after surgery. We make sure that our patients receive only the highest standard of care during all three phases, and that nothing is left to chance or to be desired after the healing period has passed. Patients who trust their team, and a team who cares genuinely about their patients is what makes the difference in the way patients navigate the entire experience, in my opinion. We see high levels of patient satisfaction not only with their results, but also with the care they receive. This is why our reputation is that we do excellent work and provide excellent care.
Q: How has the increase in male patients over the past few years influenced your business strategy and marketing approach?
ZAHI ABOU CHACRA: Men have been seeking to undergo rhinoplasty for decades already. However, we have seen an increase in male patients, specifically, over the last few years due to social media and perhaps due to articles covering this topic in general. People have always sought to enhance the quality of their appearance; I believe men may just be more vocal about it these days as the stigma around plastic surgery has continued to become less prevalent.
Our business strategy and marketing approach hasn’t changed much, though we continually adapt to accommodate market fluctuations, changes and evolution of our industry, in general. We believe in excellence across the board, no matter the gender of our patients. Our before and after photos showcase photos of men who allow us to share their results on our online platforms, allowing other potential patients to see what’s possible through rhinoplasty. My practice is very much dedicated to natural results, which male patients often request. The idea is to sculpt a nose that is masculine, suits the face, is balanced with the jawline and the rest of their features is the goal when it comes to operating on men.
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