Certifications to Look for in a Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon?

Rhinoplasty can be performed by either Plastic Surgeons or Ear, Nose, & Throat (Otolaryngology) Surgeons. Regardless of your surgeon's specialy, it is important to find a surgeon who is Board Certified in either of these two specialities specifically. Because rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult cosmetic surgery procedures, not all plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons routinely perform rhinoplasty. Secondary (Revision) Rhinoplasty is much more complex that primary... more

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or a Board Certified Otolaryngologist who specializes in Facial Palstic Surgery are what you need. But far beyond that, you need a surgeon who does a significant amount of revision rhinoplasty not just primary rhinoplasty since secondary surgery is so much more difficult in this setting. If you cannot find someone in Atlanta who qualifies in this regard, I would strongly encourage you to go to Dallas and visit with Dr. Cochran (who's answer is just ahead... more

The short answer to your question is to look for someone who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or the American Board of Otolaryngology. The long answer is that you may find someone who has the appropriate certification and has poor experience with revision rhinoplasty anyway. You may be able to find a surgeon with lots of Rhinoplasty experience, but not one of the above certifications; however, those... more

There are bunches of certifications Look for a surgeon that is board certified in Plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery.  These two branches of surgery have multiple pathways to get there.  Plastic surgeons usually start off in general surgery and then do a fellowship in plastic surgery.  Facial plastic surgeons usually start off in Otolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery and then do a fellowship in facial plastic surgery.  Find someone of these two backgrounds and... more

I would start out with board certification in plastic surgery or ENT.  Otherwise, you have to choose a surgeon who understands your needs and works in an accredited surgery center.   Rhinoplasty requires patience and meticulous attention to detail.

You're right to research the board certification of your potential revision rhinoplasty surgeon. As a starting point, you'd want someone who is certified by either the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), American Board of Plastic Surgery, or American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. That being said there's more to it than certifications. You would want a surgeon with extensive experience with revision rhinoplasty and with... more

When choosing a revision rhinoplasty surgeon there are several things you should look for. 1) Board Certification- There are several types of board certifications that an experienced revision rhinolasty surgeon may have. This is either from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Many Facial plastic surgeons are also board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.  This is a... more

Be careful. I would not recommend you undergo a revision rhinoplasty by someone who is only board certified in General Surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is arguably the most challenging plastic surgery operation to perform. Because of this, you need to seek out a plastic surgeon who has documented experience in this particular operation. Experience in performing primary rhinoplasty (no prior surgery of the nose) is not even sufficient in my opinion. Your best best is to look for someone who... more

Rhinoplasty is a very complicated procedure that should only be undertaken by adequately trained surgeons.  I would verify qualifications prior to my consultation and look at any before and after photos on the web by that surgeon.  Make sure your surgeon is Board Certified by The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The American Board of Otolaryngology or The American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Consider a... more

Keep in mind that a revision rhinoplasty can be more challenging than the initial procedure. For this reason, it is essential that you only work with a plastic surgeon that is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also make sure that they have great deal of experience in rhinoplasty and advanced revision rhinoplasty techniques. When discussing your surgery be sure that you understand the different techniques that they are planning to use and how they will come... more

Certification helps only to narrow down your search. Basically two groups do this type of work. Otolaryngologists and Plastic Surgeons. Otolaryngology has several areas of sub specialization. Facial Plastic Surgery is one of them. Plastic Surgery has several areas also of sub specialization. And Cosmetic surgery is one of them. There may be General Surgeons who do rhinoplasty, but nowadays I doubt it. What you really need is a surgeon who is busy doing lots of rhinoplasty. There are... more

Surgeons board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery, or American Board of Otolaryngology are probably best suited to perform rhinoplasties. As far as revision rhinoplasties are concerned, visiting one of the above plastic surgeons and seeing pictures of their work is a good starting place. Also important with any revision rhinoplasty is your comfort level with the surgeon. Make sure you can discuss your concerns... more

Determining certification is a good place to start. Your surgeon should be certified in Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, or Otolaryngology. However, beyond certification you need a surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty. That is best determined by asking to see before and after pictures of patients with with problems similar to yours.