Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists Doctor Answers, Tips

+3

ENT vs Plastic Surgeons

There are surgeons talented in facelift surgery in both camps. Dr. Rand is correct in looking closely to see if surgeons from either camp have special interest in facelift surgery. This may come in the form of publications on the field, innovations or new procedures that are published and make sense, and many before and after photographs. There should be no question that you could ask the surgeon that would stump them, because they will have seen it all. Training wise, many ENT surgeons... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+4

Both Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons are trained to perform facelifts

The difference is the original training. Most Plastic Surgeons train in general surgery then plastic surgery. Plastic Surgery training includes the entire body, face, burns and hand surgery. ENT (Otolaryngology) training also starts in general surgery then ENT. As ENT residents, training includes cancer, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face head and neck. Different programs have differing amounts of time devoted to facial cosmetic surgery. Board certified Facial Plastic Surgeons... more

Steven J. Pearlman, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

+3

ENT Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon

You will find very capable Facial Plastic Surgeons as well as General Plastic Surgeons to perform your facelift surgery. There really is no turf war but, like all other businesses, surgeons require customers. Sometimes physicians can be disparaging towards another specialty but, when both are well trained in the procedure ,such as facelifts, and board certified, there is no need for this. The training and board certification process for both Facial Plastic Surgeons and General Plastic... more

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon

+3

Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

Most otolaryngologists (a.k.a. head & neck surgeons, ENT surgeons) do NOT perform facelifts but rather, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons do. For most of us plastic & facial plastic surgeons, this "turf" is a non-issue today as we appreciate and understand each others background and training very well. In fact, during national and international meetings, we learn from each other and acknowledge the benefits of exchange. Although I am not sure about the residency... more

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+2

There is no turf war

As a busy board certified facial plastic surgeon I see more of a turf war between the various plastic surgeons in my city competing for patients than a war between myself and plastic surgeons. The economy is tight and everyone who does cosmetic surgery is competing for a smaller pool of patients. As the other posters point out, seek at least 3 consultations from either board certified plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons and choose someone you feel comfortable with. Hope this helps.... more

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

Research each surgeons credentials AND look at before-&-after photos

Facelifts can be performed equally well between plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. Facial plastic surgeons concentrate their surgical training in only the head, neck, and facial area five years during residency and an additional year of facial plastic surgery fellowship. Facial plastic surgery fellowships are extremely competitive. For example, I was the only person accepted in thirty-five applications for a fellowship at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills in 1991. ... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

Understanding specialties

The previous responses have done a good job of describing that ENT surgeons who have done a facial plastic surgery fellowship are as qualified to do facelifts (but not plastic surgery in other parts of the body) as plastic surgeons. It might be helpful to understand the differences in training between specialties and what certification means. All medical specialties in the U.S. have a specialty board that is overseen by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS.org). All of them set... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

baxterplasticsurgery.com

+2

Described Succintly: Turf War with Great Quality on Both Sides

The first thing I would recommend is that you ignore Dr. Kasden's ridiculous and ignorant remark which is representative of the tribalism and small mindedness that persists in a small percentage of Doctors. Since this topic has been well covered by Dr. Rand and Dr. Pearlman, I will say briefly that you should choose a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon who has a special interest in facial aesthetic surgery. You will not sacrifice quality or credentials with... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+2

Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists

GREAT question! I feel there is no 'turf' war, patients should see at least 3 boarded surgeons, either pure plastics, pure facial plastics, or both (as Dr Esmailian is). Get a feeling on who you as a patient like then research that specific doctor. For example, I'm a boarded pure plastic, but I have done noses, face lifts for over thirty years. Does that mean I can not do these operations? It is up to the consumer to be informed and chose the doctor that their feel meets all their personal... more

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

+2

Facial Plastic surgeons vs. general plastic surgeons

I agree with Dr. Rand. There are fantastic surgeons in both fields, and, unfortunately, not so great ones in both fields either. Facial plastic surgeons are usually otolaryngologists who do an additional fellowship training in facial plastic surgery. If you go to one, I would strongly recommend that you choose the one who did the fellowship training, is double Board certified, and who actually does facelifts on the regular basis, i.e. every week. I would go further to recommend you review... more

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

The difference between Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

If you read RealSelf's many other answers on this topic you will understand the training differences between the two fields. The point to understand is that both groups contain artistic, talented surgeons who can do an excellent job on your face and both unfortunately contain surgeons you would be wise not to visit. You can teach technique but you cannot teach talent. Talent knows no boundary between these 2 fields. That being said, I do object strongly to Facial Plastic Surgeons who have... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

+2

ENT vs Plastic Surgeon for facelift

That is a really interesting question you pose. As a plastic surgeon I belive both ENT and Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform facelifts and other facial plastic surgey procedures. I think both specialties are well trained in the art of surgical techniques and treatment of complications from surgical procedures. Where I have issues is when non-surgically trained specialties, such as dermatologists or dentists start performing surgical procedures such as facelifts, eyelid surgery, and... more

Robert B. Pollack, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

+2

ENT cosmetic vs Plastic Surgeon

Disclaimer: I am a double board certified plastic surgeon. ENT surgeons who are doing facial procedures are usually facial plastic surgeons who do their residency of ENT for 5 years and then do 1 year of training doing cosmetic procedures on the face. Plastic Surgeons are general trained as a general surgeon for 5 years and then go off and do a plastic surgery residency for 2-3 years doing face and body procedures. You can find plastic surgeons that excel in the face and body and you can... more

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

+2

Less Facial Plasic Surgery Fellowships than Plastic Surgery Fellowships

It is a fact that there are far less Academy approved Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowships for Otolaryngologists, so I'm not sure why you would say that plastic surgery residencies are harder to get?

Kevin Ende, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Turf wars in cosmetic surgery

Unfortunately, you have experienced the unfortunate effects of marketing and competition, not just turf wars between plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. There are excellent, well-trained, board certified physicians in both groups. After practicing in Los Angeles for over thirty years, I have plastic surgeons with whom I frequently share patients. For your facelift, pick an experienced surgeon whose results you like regardless of their plastic surgery specialty group.... more

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Certification of your facelift surgeon

You have correctly identified the presence of "turf wars" in the practice of medicine, and are smart to ask this question. In a nutshell, surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have completed 3- 5 years of general surgery training or 5 years of ENT training and then have finished at least 2 years in an accredited plastic surgery training program. During those last 2 years, plastic surgeons study both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the entire body.... more

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

+1

Facial Plastic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform facelifts

I would agree with the other physicians who say that both plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons are qualified to perform facelifts. Dr. Esmailian summarizes the appropriate training very nicely. In direct reply to your question, otolaryngology residencies (ENT) are as competitive if not more competitive than plastic surgery residencies and as Dr. Ende points out there are far fewer facial plastic surgery fellowships than plastic surgery residencies. In the end, a plastic surgeon who... more

D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

innovationsfps.com

+1

You should interview your Facelift surgeon carefully.

You should consult a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with many favorable Facelift photos before you proceed. If you find a physician with good credentials, awesome results, and happy patients, you'll be in good hands. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Cosmetic vs. Plastic Sugeon

I wouldn't put it quite that way. My feeling is that plastic surgery is the specialty devoted to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. ENT is well, just that -- ear, nose, and throat. For your tonsils, go to an ENT. For your face lift, go to a plastic surgeon.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

+1

Settle it in a "cage match"

As a consumer trying to pick a doctor for my facelift, I am extremely confused by the turf war that I surmise between plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist cosmetic surgeons. I don't want to start a war here and I don't know if anyone will touch this question, but is the idea that plastic surgery residencies are more competitive and harder to get and, therefore, you know that if someone went the plastic surgery route, they are the crème de la crème, so to speak? In... more

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Get Free Email Updates

Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists

ENT vs Plastic Surgeons

Both Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons are trained to perform facelifts

ENT Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

There is no turf war

Research each surgeons credentials AND look at before-&-after photos

Understanding specialties

Described Succintly: Turf War with Great Quality on Both Sides

Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists

Facial Plastic surgeons vs. general plastic surgeons

The difference between Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

ENT vs Plastic Surgeon for facelift

ENT cosmetic vs Plastic Surgeon

Less Facial Plasic Surgery Fellowships than Plastic Surgery Fellowships

Turf wars in cosmetic surgery

Certification of your facelift surgeon

Facial Plastic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform facelifts

You should interview your Facelift surgeon carefully.

Cosmetic vs. Plastic Sugeon

Settle it in a "cage match"

Doctors Nearby

Get Free Email Updates

Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists

ENT vs Plastic Surgeons

Both Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons are trained to perform facelifts

ENT Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

There is no turf war

Research each surgeons credentials AND look at before-&-after photos

Understanding specialties

Described Succintly: Turf War with Great Quality on Both Sides

Confused By Turf War Between Plastic Surgeons and Otolaryngologists

Facial Plastic surgeons vs. general plastic surgeons

The difference between Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons

ENT vs Plastic Surgeon for facelift

ENT cosmetic vs Plastic Surgeon

Less Facial Plasic Surgery Fellowships than Plastic Surgery Fellowships

Turf wars in cosmetic surgery

Certification of your facelift surgeon

Facial Plastic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform facelifts

You should interview your Facelift surgeon carefully.

Cosmetic vs. Plastic Sugeon

Settle it in a "cage match"

Doctors Nearby

Related Facelift Q&A