Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ask a Question

I Found a Great Rhino Surgeon with a Lot of Experience but His is in His Mid Seventies, Is This Recommended?

I know that he has a lot of experience but I am being paranoid because of his age and to embarased to ask him this question: What if something happens to the surgeon during the surgery? Due to the age, anything is possible like heart attack? What would happen to me as a patient while on the operating table? I know this is a silly question but what if?......

Tags:

Comment on this

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by ilovecandy in los angeles, ca

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

I Found a Great Rhino Surgeon with a Lot of Experience but His is in His Mid Seventies, Is This Recommended?

There is no substitute for experience. You are as safe or safer with the senior surgeon you have selected as with a younger surgeon. Statistically, the chance of a sudden adverse event during your procedure that would affect the outcome is quite remote. This answer is coming from a 55 year old surgeon, in practice for twenty years. see video

Age of surgeon

This is a good question. I wouldn't worry as much about the surgeon having an event during your surgery but it is true that some surgeons have been known to operate 'past their prime'. Each surgeon is different and many stay very sharp long after 70

Sam Naficy, MD

84 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

The experience of your rhinoplasty surgeon is important for achieving a good result.

I had the privilege of observing my rhinoplasty teacher, nearly 13 years after my fellowship, perform a complicated revision surgery with irradiated rib cartilage for reconstructive purposes. He's likely in his 70's and his steady, controlled demeanor and world-class technique in the OR was as I remembered. Your concern about your surgeon suffering a heart attack during your surgery is a concern I do not know how to address. I've never heard of any surgeon dropping during a... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD

204 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

You might also like...

Real Stories

Definitely Worth It! - Vancouver, BC

I've always wanted to have rhinoplasty ever since I was a little girl. My nose is the...

Before + After Photos

View 3573 Rhinoplasty photos

70 is the new 60

It is your call, but experience is important with a surgeon. We are ageing, but many older surgeons are excellent.

Rhinoplasty surgery

If your surgery is being done in an accredited facility we are trained to prepare for all types of complications and these include an impaired surgeon or anesthesiologist. We have an anesthesiologist and surgeon on call at all times in the case of any possible problems. I do not think that age should be a concern to you. The more experience the better and as in my surgical facility most of my staff has been there for over fifteen years and we do monthly drills to prepare for all... more

Michael Elam, MD

87 reviews

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

michaelelammd.com

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.