How do I find the best rhinoplasty surgeon?

 Look for someone who has done thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries and has many years of experience.  Facial plastic surgeons with an original background in ear, nose, and throat surgery tend to do many rhinoplasty surgeries and revision rhinoplasty surgeries.    The prospective surgeon should have a photo gallery with noses that are similar in anatomy to your own.

Web reference: http://www.seattlefacial.com

Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you can make when considering rhinoplasty (nose job surgery).

Because rhinoplasty is generally considered the most difficult procedure in cosmetic surgery , finding the best rhinoplasty surgeon is essential for obtaining the best rhinoplasty results. Follow these key points to help you narrow your search for the right doctor for you:

• Research Your Doctors Credentials: Your rhinoplasty surgeon should be Board Certified in either Plastic Surgery or Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, & Throat Surgery).  Not all "cosmetic surgeons" have completed the rigorous training that is required to become Board Certified in either one of these specialities. It is important to find a surgeon who understands both the aesthetic (cosmetic)  aspects of nasal surgery as well as the functional aspects. 

• Choose a Surgeon Who Specializes in Nasal Surgery: It is important to realize that not all plastic surgeons, nor all ENT surgeons, routinely perform rhinoplasty in their practices.  It is imperatice to find one that does. Rhinoplasty takes considerable experience and training to get predictable results. Inquire about what percentage of the doctor's practice is devoted to nasal surgery.

• View the Surgeons Rhinoplasty Before & After Results: Most rhinoplasty surgeons maintain a portfolio of examples of their results that compare before and after photos, and many qualified rhinoplasty surgeons have a "Results Gallery" on their websites. You can tell alot about your potential results by looking to see their previous work.

• Ask to See Simulated Results: Your rhinoplasty surgeon should analyze your pre-operative photographs with you and be able to show you graphically their intended results.  Some physicians prefer to use tracing paper to overlay your photographs, while others may show your photos with computer morphing software. 

• Trust Your Instincts: Finding a rhinoplasty surgeon who understands your goals, expectations, and desires.  Communication is paramount, and you should feel comfortable with your surgeon.  Trust your gut.

Web reference: http://rhinoplasty-usa.com

Rhinoplasty is considered by almost all plastic surgeons as the most difficult operation that they do. Performing a rhinoplasty operation requires knowing what a nose should look like and how it functions. In my opinion, producing a nose that looks great but you can't breath through is a failed operation. Finding a rhinoplasty surgeon who is trained in the function and aesthetic of the nose is important.

• Find a surgeon who is honest about what they can deliver while maintaining the function of the nose. Often patients want an aesthetic look that would produce a functional problem. It is the job of the surgeon to educate the patient as to what they can deliver and what is appropriate for the patient.
• Find a surgeon who understands what a nose should look like. A nose should fit the age of the person it is on, the ethnicity of the person it is on, the sex of the person it is on, and again, should be functional. What looks good on a male face does not necessarily look good on a female face. What looks good on Maria Carey won't necessarily look good on you.
• Find a surgeon who you are comfortable with. A surgeon can be the absolute best rhinoplasty surgeon in the world, but if you are not comfortable with their bedside manner, you may feel afraid to bring appropriate questions and concerns to them after surgery. This can lead to disasterous results which are often avoidable.
• Find a surgeon who has an appropriate training. Plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons are probably your best bet for performing rhinoplasty. Facial plastic surgeons generally have a background as ear, nose, and throat surgeons before specializing in aesthetic surgery. This ENT backgrounds affords them a unique added education in the function as well as the look of the nose. Some still perform sinus surgery so if you are having sinus symptoms, they can often be taken care of at the same time as your nose surgery.
• Determine if your goals are functional or aesthetic or both. Do you have problems breathing out of your nose or are you just wanting a change in the way your nose looks?
• A good surgeon will not be afraid to tell a patient "no" during a consultation. They will also explain all of the risks and benefits of the surgery and understand when patients desire a second or third opinion before pursuing surgery.

Your best choice for a rhinoplasty surgeon should be someone who routinely addresses both breathing and cosmetic issues, is experienced with both open and closed surgical approaches, and is able to show you many of his or her before and after surgery photos of different noses.

This surgeon should be able to discuss in detail with you exactly how he or she is going to change your nose, in accordance with your goals. Make certain that you feel confident in your surgeon's aesthetic judgement, knowledge, experience, and skill.

Rhinoplasty surgery requires the unique set of talents:

•An understanding of aesthetics and beauty

•Understanding the complex three dimensional anatomy of the nose (both inside and out)

•Technical skill

•Understanding of nasal physiology

•Experience, experience, experience

(and finally, in my opinion):
•Humility and an appreciation of all the great rhinoplasty surgeons' work of the past century

Ideally, your surgeon should have all of these traits. The best rhinoplasty surgeons usually specialize in plastic surgery within the head & neck. It is important to ask your surgeon about his/her experience and training in the field. Besides asking for examples of actual results, you should determine:
(note that these are important items in any doctor/patient relationship)
•Do I communicate well with this doctor?
•Does he/she take the time to explain the possibilities *and* limitations of what can be achieved?
•Does he/she take the time to explain risks and benefits?
•How many doe s/he perform each year?

Bonus question:
•Does he/she get invited regularly to lecture at national or international conference on the topic?

You should probably seek more than one opinion, and good surgeons understand this.

Finally, ask for before/after simulations. I find that this is an important part of my patient consultation, as it helps us both understand the goals of the procedure and helps determine if the surgeon/patient relationship is the 'right fit'.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery. It is a procedure characterised by millimetre precision, along with fine skills and judgement.

Because of this, it is important to ask your plastic surgeon if he performs this procedure on a regular basis, how many he has performed, what is his revision rate, and what would the financial implications be of an unfavourable result (in other words, would you have to pay for a revision if you didn’t like the appearance after a year).

Lastly, if you ask your surgeon if he minds you going to see another couple of surgeons for a further opinion, and if your surgeon objects, then perhaps that surgeon is not for you!