Rhinoplasty Q&A

80%

WORTH IT RATING

1,003 Reviews

Ask a Question

View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,053 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Should a Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgeon Also Be an ENT Doctor?

asked 2 years ago by melaschel in NY
Latest answer by C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Question viewed 2,113 times
Tags: doctor, ENT, qualifications, training

My daughter wants to have Rhinoplasty and found a board certified plastic surgeon that she wants to use. However, her ENT said that she is better off going to a doctor who is both an ENT and a plastic surgeon so that he can better address both her issues. I am concerned that, although this plastic surgeon has a great eye and hand in being able to give my daughter a great nose, he may not be able to perform Septoplasty in the same way as an ENT can. Is this true?

15 answers to Should a Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgeon Also Be an ENT Doctor?

Rhinoplasty Surgeon Qualifications

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are delicate operations which require experience and an aesthetic eye. Both otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) and plastic surgeons receive some training in these operations during training. The experience of these doctors after they enter practice can be quite different, with some performing many rhinoplasty procedures, and others almost none. Therefore it is essential to find out who in your community does these operations both frequently and well. If there are... more

Ira D. Papel, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty; General Plastic Surgeon or ENT?

Hi Melashel, Way to stir up the old specialty "wars". ENT, Facial Plastic, and General Plastic Surgeons all perform septorhinoplasty. The surgical procedure is not a commodity, but an operation that combines the skill, experience, training, creativity, and aesthetic sense of beauty of the surgeon to achieve an attractive (cosmetic) as well as an excellent breathing (functional) result. There are surgeons of all of the above cited specialities that perform the operation very well... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Experience matters, so be inquisitive

The more experienced and talented a surgeon is, the more likely he or she will produce a favorable result for you. The reality is that expertise in rhinoplasty can be found in either a plastic surgeon, an ENT surgeon, or a facial plastic surgeon with a background in ENT surgery. Likewise, it is also the case that any one of these specialties may have surgeons who are not particularly skilled in rhinoplasty! Therefore, its really important to take your time, shop around, and do your... more

Patrick Byrne, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty outcome depends on credentials, experience, and photos.

When considering Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty, your surgeon's credentials and personal experience is critical. You should find a board certified surgeon well trained in the art of nasal surgery. You should see many favorable before and after photos before proceeding. A frank discussion with your surgeon about your daughter's nasal airway will alleviate any concerns. Experienced nasal surgeons routinely correct septal deviations during Rhinoplasty, and also routinely harvest cartilage... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Rhinoplasty and correct surgeon

A board certified plastic surgeon or a qualified facial plastic surgeon(ENT) can handle both septal work and cosmetic rhinoplasty work. The key is to find someone who has experience.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Experience is king

The ability to perform a quality septoplasty in addition to a rhinoplasty really depends on the individual's training and experience. In general Facial Plastic Surgeons have ENT training prior to facial plastic surgery and learn the nose and sinuses inside and out. However, many Plastic Surgeons are also qualified and experienced in septoplasty. What is important is how well trained and how often your proposed surgeon performs both septoplasty and rhinoplasty; both as combined and separate... more

Steven J. Pearlman, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

It depends where you are

Both ENT doctors and plastic surgeons are trained in nasal surgery, usually both functional and external nasal surgery. But the training programs and experiences of each doctor may vary greatly. In some communities it appears that the ENT doctors do most of the nasal surgery and in other places the opposite is true. You can not make a blanket statement that one is better than the other. I would question each doctor about their experience and their recommendations and base your decision on... more

Dean Fardo, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

It depends on the surgeon and the surgery.

It will depend on how many septoplasties the surgeon has done and how good he is at doing noses! In general, your doctor is correct. Usually ENT training is more extensive in nasal surgery issues. Having said that, you can find good and bad of both types of surgeons. Ask how many of these operations your doctor has done and what is his training in them.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Septorhinoplasty by plastic surgeons vs. facial plastic surgeons

Melaschel, The answer to your question is based on the training and experience that your particular surgeon has. Plastic surgeons complete a 3-5 year training program in general surgery where they have no exposure or experience in performing septoplasty. Then, they complete a 2-3 year training program dedicated to plastic surgery. They may or may not have a large experience in performing septoplasties or rhinoplasties during this time. Whereas, facial plastic surgeons who complete 1 year... more

Jason D. Meier, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Facial Plastic Surgeon

Otolaryngologists concentrate on the complex anatomy, physiology and pathology of the face, head and neck, enabling them to become uniquely qualified to perform surgery in this region of the body. A Facial Plastic Surgeon specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face. Facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery is a main subspecialty of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. A Facial Plastic Surgeon has undergone rigorous training specific to the head and neck to be... more

Guy Lin, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ask to speak with prior patients

Board-certified plastic surgeons who perform rhinoplasty on a routine basis are just as qualified to perform septoplasty as ENT/plastic surgeons. Rhinoplasty/septoplasty is routine surgery in any good plastic surgery training program. Rather than spending your time searching for an ENT/plastic surgeon, you should focus your energies on speaking with and viewing pictures of past patients. Good surgeons will have no issue with providing this information for you. Good luck!

Elan B. Singer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Choose A Doctor Who Specializes in Nasal Surgery

Choosing a qualified surgeon is the most important decision you can make when deciding to under go nasal surgery because rhinoplasty is considered the most diffcult procedure in cosmetic surgery. Here are some tips for choosing a the right surgeon: Choose a Rhinoplasty Specialist: First and foremost, choose an surgeon who specializes in nasal surgery. Your surgeon should be equally experienced at correcting both cosmetic problems and functional problems (such as a deviated septum)... more

C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

Most facial plastic surgeons have ENT based backgroud.

It really depends on the surgeon’s experience performing rhinoplasty surgery. Most ENT doctors are quite adept at performing septoplasty surgery. Some have taken additional training to perform rhinoplasty surgery. Most facial plastic surgeons’ backgrounds are ENT-based with additional one-year fellowship or training in facial plastic and cosmetic surgery. Many facial plastic surgeons perform lots of rhinoplasties, so that is a good choice. To find a facial plastic surgeon... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Both types of surgeons can give you a nice result

I think either type of surgeon can give you a nice result-- as long as the training and qualifications are there, I think you are at a good starting point. Ask lots of questions, see before and after photos and talk to some of their former patients-- this will give you the best chance at a positive...

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.drsalemy.com

You don't need ENT doctor for septoplasty.

Hi! I can tell you that in New York City, most rhinoplasties, which usually include septoplasties, are done by board certified plastic surgeons. Many ENT doctors are also called "facial plastic surgeons", but this is different. Some facial plastic surgeons are very good at a nose job. Ultimately it is the skill, artistry, experience, and meticulousness of the individual surgeon that matters. He or she has to have a really good eye. A plastic surgeon who is good at rhinoplasty... more