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Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty by an ENT Doctor?

asked 2 years ago by Murad Beg in Indianapolis, Indiana
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 2,597 times
Tags: nose, facial plastic surgeon

I had my last septoplasty in an ENT clinic but I'm getting a septoplasty/rhinoplasty now because of the injury I had that changed the external appearance of the nose. My question is, should I have septoplasty/rhinoplasty done in an ENT clinic? I don't get to choose the surgeon. They have a facial plastic surgeon who performs surgery in their clinic twice a year. So, I don't know if I could have a rhinoplasty done by him.

19 answers to Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty by an ENT Doctor?

Rhinoplasty surgeon

Although there are many qualified ENT surgeons who perform rhinoplasty well, you must be able to chose your surgeon. The individual who you are referring to may be an excellent surgeon and has fantastic surgical outcomes. If that is the case, check out their web site for photos, if they have one, and also photos of similar patients they have performed the surgery on. You can also ask for patient references. These are not always readily available, but, if they have performed enough... more

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon

Well, you opened up a can of worms now, Murad

Murad, Septorhinoplasty surgery is one of the areas that ENT and plastic surgery overlap. Both specialists are trained to perform both of the procedures and you may get a great result from either. Remember that there are risks to the surgery no matter who performs it and you should have a discussion with your surgeon/surgeons about the different risk set that secondary (second time) nasal surgery brings to the table. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Should I go to an ENT clinc for revision nose surgery?

If you are not able to choose your surgeon (as you say) and are going to a clinic, then it is likely that the procedure will be performed by a surgeon-in-training (resident/ fellow). I have done several such cases in my time during training as a plastic surgeon, and I think that these low cost alternatives are definitely worthwhile. However, I do not think that a revision rhinoplasty should be done is such settings. There are many well-qualified ENT surgeons and plastic surgeons that... more

Sirish Maddali, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty/septoplasty and ENT surgeons

Hi Murad, both plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons are trained in rhinoplasty surgery. I would recommend trying to research the background and experience of your surgeon prior to surgery. If he or she is experienced, you should do well. Keep in mind that you are have a secondary procedure, so this makes your surgery a little more challenging and therefore you really do need someone who is comfortable with this procedure. Good luck, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty surgeon

The answer is: choose a surgeon experienced in Rhinoplasty. Both Facial Plastic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons gain expertise in training in this procedure, but quality will vary from surgeon to surgeon. One point to note: given that you have had a previous Septoplasty, alternate sources of cartilage for grafting (if indicated) may be required from your ear or other sources. I would suggest Dr. Stephen Perkins or Dr. Mark Hamilton in the Indianapolis area, but I am sure there are many... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

Do a little research about your rhinoplasty surgeon

There are quite a number of superb Facial Plastic Surgeons in the Indianapolis area. It is not uncommon for surgeons who have busy practices to volunteer their time in clinics, often to show their techniques to doctors in training. You might try to get a little more information about the surgeon. Perhaps seeing if the surgeon's website has before and after photos could be a helpful way to start. The surgeon may also be in the clinic a couple of times a year (in addition to performing... more

Jonathan Sonne, MD
Naples Facial Plastic Surgeon

Revision septoplasty rhinoplasty

This can be a difficult procedure and likely cartilage grafting will be required. Get a few consults and choose surgeon who does at least 100 (preferably 200) rhinoplasty procedures/year and has been doing so for 10+ years.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Find a rhinoplasty surgeon

A septo- and rhinoplasty is a very difficult procedure, especially in light of the fact that it is going to be a revision surgery for the patient. Find an ENT doctor who is specialized in performing facial plastic surgery. It is extremely important to find a rhinoplasty surgeon who has performed thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries and has many years of experience doing so. It is also important to have a certified ambulatory surgery center where the procedure is performed, and a... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Specialist

This surgery is taught in both Plastic Surgery and ENT/Facial Plastic Surgery training programs. Select your surgeon strictly on the basis of their experience in rhinoplasty surgery. Most insurance programs do give the patient some choice in selecting their physician.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pick the surgeon with the best credentials and results

Both plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons can perform septoplasty and rhinoplasty. The key is to select a surgeon with the best credentials (training programs, etc.) and results (photos of his patients -- see as many as you can). Once you find someone with excellent credentials and results, meet with them to make sure you feel comfortable with that person. This is also important. Good luck.

Parham Ganchi, MD
Wayne Plastic Surgeon

Choose a surgeon who specializes in nasal surgery

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 imperative 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 Rhinoplasty. Your rhinoplasty surgeon should be Board Certified in either Plastic Surgery or Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose,... more

C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

It appears that the facial plastic surgeon that you refer to helps train the residents and operates with the residents in the clinic. If so, I assume the facial plastic surgeon is board certified, has a website, and has a Private practice where he sees his own patients. You should try and look at some of his results on the website. You should know that most probably, the residents will be operating under the supervision of this surgeon. Most plastic surgeons who have teaching... more

Maurice M. Khosh, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Corrective rhinoplasty

Tough question to answer. I would recommend an experienced plastic surgeon or ENT/facial plastic surgeon to correct the asymmetry that bothers you. Ask around in your community who to go to. Remember, the changes are for a lifetime.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nasal Surgery Specialist who has done the most noses

Patients are generally best served when their doctor is the most specialized and the most experienced. The principle is universal, whether you need a hand surgeon, eye surgeon or gall bladder surgeon. You need to inquire as to how many combined rhinoplasty and septoplasty operations the doctor has done in his career. If he is board certified and has completed a fellowship that emphasized nasal surgery, you will be in good hands. You need to ask those questions. Then, look at the doctor's... more

Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Either one can be used.

See the doctors work and make sure he is experienced and does many noses per year. An ENT or facial plastic surgeon can do a good job if they are good surgeons.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon

The most concerning part of your question is your statement that you don't get to choose the surgeon. By this, I presume that you are at a teaching facility where a resident or fellow will be performing your procedure (at a reduced fee?) This does not sound like the kind of case for a surgeon-in-training to be tackling, given that you've had previous surgery in the nose. This is one of those cases where some experience by the surgeon is definitely critical. All the best, --DCP more

David C. Pearson, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

You should be able to choose your surgeon!

I am not sure what you are referring to when mentioning the ENT Clinic but it does not sound as if you have done much research or have much knowledge about the Facial Plastic Surgeon who "comes to the clinic twice a year" As mentioned previously there are a number of excellent facial plastic surgeons in Indianapolis who do Rhinoplasty including Dr Perkins, Dr Beeson, Dr Biggerstaff, Dr Hamilton, and Dr Zeph. All are excellent surgeons and you should look at their websites and... more

S. Randolph Waldman, MD
Lexington Facial Plastic Surgeon

Best Surgeon for Rhinoplasty

The best doctor for rhinoplasty is a surgeon who knows the nose inside and out. Rhinoplasty can have a both internal and external components. It can have both functional and cosmetic parts. The best choice is a facial plastic surgeon. This type of doctor has been trained fully in ENT, so she or he knows how to make the nose breathe well. Facial plastic surgeons have had additional or fellowship training to focus on the aesthetic and reconstructive aspects of the face and neck. They can... more

Jennifer Levine, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

The important thing to keep in mind is that a rhinoplasty is a very different operation than septoplasty. It is one that combines the surgeons specific experience and training with rhinoplasty, their technical skills, and their artistic vision. The best chance you have to get the surgery right and get a favorable and satisfying outcome is on the first attempt. So pick your surgeon carefully. Even if it means going outside your clinic or insurance. Generally, finding someone who is... more