How does one choose a good rhinoplasty surgeon?

Look for a surgeon who is certified in ear, nose, and throat surgery so that they understand the functional portion of the nose, i.e., breathing dynamics. Search for a surgeon who has completed an additional fellowship or residency in facial plastic surgery and is board certified by the Medical Board of Facial Plastic Surgeons. Find a surgeon who has performed thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries and has demonstrated in their office a before and after photo gallery or on their web site. Even in the hands of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, the touchup rate is still approximately 10%. It is important to make sure that your surgery will take place in a center that is certified by one of the main accrediting agencies, such as Medicare, and that a board certified physician anesthesiologist will be in your attendance during your anesthesia. Also, look for a surgeon you have good repoire and clear communication with. It is also important that the patient has realistic expectations going in to this type of surgery.  

Hello! Thank you for your question.  Cost will vary among plastic surgeons as well as with geographic location and what procedures exactly they will be providing to you.  Certainly, researching a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in the procedure(s) you desire is recommended - checking the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a great start. Consult with two or more surgeons who you are happy with their postoperative photographs and those who you, most importantly, feel comfortable and confident with. Use the opportunity to ask questions as well as visit with staff and investigate the accredited facilities they work out of.  I believe fellowship-training, beyond the core plastic surgery residency to be important, as that surgeon has gone above and beyond to seek additional training specific to that area of interest and chosen to gain additional expertise in that area.   Experience should not be measured solely by the age of the surgeon or how many years s/he has been in practice.  Checking the education and training is more valuable - a Board Certified MD plastic surgeon who was accepted to and completed an integrated plastic surgery residency, in today's day and age, are excellent choices. Those are the top students who have superior training at top institutes.  Plastic Surgery is NOT a fellowship...it is a residency. Those surgeons who have actually successfully completed additional fellowship training beyond the plastic surgery residency are also passionate about that area and will likely have the most recent, innovative, and up to date techniques. These are usually the younger surgeons, who are still readily willing and competent to continue to strive for the newest material and remain up to date on literature and conferences. You must decide for yourself who you are most comfortable with and confident with who will meet your goals and expectations. Cost may differ just on expertise and the aforementioned additional training ad what that additional expertise training has afforded to his/her patients.  Hope that this helps!  Best  wishes!

Dear rhinoplasty patient from Leesburg, VA,
Having a good nose job requires a nose specialist and a skilled surgeon. You also want to take into account whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon, as well as the doctor's experience and other qualifications. Always choose a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty. Be sure to check his before and after pictures to get a feel for the results the doctor has previously produced for other patients.