Is an ENT Doctor Qualified to Remove a Dorsal Hump?

Question

I have a small dorsal hump that I want removed. Is an ENT doctor qualified to do this surgery?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Some ENT doctors are qualified to perform this surgery and some are not. It all depends on the surgeon’s expertise and training. Look for an ENT surgeon who is board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery who has performed thousands of cosmetic nasal surgeries. Remember, removing a dorsal hump will probably require osteotomies of the nasal bones to prevent an open roof deformity.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Because rhinoplasty is considered the most difficult procedure in cosmetic surgery, any patient - regardless of their nasal problem or nasal characteristics - should seek the advice of a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty.  Most people are suprised to learn that most plastic surgeons and most ENT / facial plastic surgeons do not routinely perform rhinoplasty in their practice. It is important to find one that does to help ensure that you attain the best possible result.
Things to consider and questions to ask when looking for a Rhinoplasty Specialist. 
Are You Board Certified?

Find a qualified surgeon who is Board Certified in either Otolaryngology (ENT) or Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Not all "cosmetic surgeons" have undergone the rigorous training in accredited residency programs that allow them to become Board Certified in either of these two specialties.

What Percentage of Your Practice is Devoted to Rhinoplasty?

Choose an surgeon who specializes in nasal surgery. Not all ENTs or Plastic Surgeons routinely perform rhinoplasty. It is important to find one who does. Rhinoplasty takes considerable experience to get predictable results.

Ask to See Examples of the Surgeon's Work.

It is important to view the surgeon's rhinoplasty before and after photos to see the types of results they get. You can tell alot about the type of result you potentially will get by looking at other patients with a similar shaped nose.

What Kind of Result Can I Expect?

Ask to see simulated results using your photographs. Many rhinoplasty specialists will use either computer morphing software or tracing paper to demonstrate the proposed changes to your nose.

Ask Yourself How You Feel About Your Surgeon.

Trust your instincts. It is of the utmost importance that you feel comfortable with your surgeon. Your surgeon should understand your goals and desired outcome. Listen to what your gut tells you.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

While both Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons are usually properly qualified to perform rhinoplasty, so are many ENT surgeons. After all,  the "N" in "ENT" stands for Nose...and this ENT training includes the entire nose: structure, function, and appearance.
But just as with anything in medicine, each doctor usually has areas of strength and areas of weakness in his/her training and experience. Check out the surgeon's credentials and review the surgeon's before and after photos. (If they don't have any, you may want to look elsewhere first).
All the best,
--DCP

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Many ENT surgeons are more than qualified to do this. Make sure he is experienced in cosmetic rhinoplasty as well. Look at his work and make sure his aesthetics agree with yours!

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,
Most Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians are qualified to perform rhinoplasty and remove the dorsal hump from a nose.  Some ENT physicians practice general ENT and do not perform cosmetic procedures.  Make sure that your ENT performs many rhinoplasty surgeries, and that you like the appearance of his post-op patients.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

ENT doctors, officially Otolaryngologists are trained in rhinoplasty, or removing nasal humps. So are Facial Plastic Surgeons, who mostly have backgrounds in ENT and Plastic Surgeons. What is important is your surgeon's experience and expertise in rhinoplasty. How many do they perform a year? Is it something they specialize in? Often patients need more than "just a hump" removed to maintain a natural, harmonius nose. The tip of your nose might be a little large, but currently is balanced by the hump, once removed the tip would look out out of proportion. I use computer imaging to demonstrate if a hump removal will work alone or would alter other nasal relationships.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Choosing an ENT or plastic surgeon is perfectly fine just as long as they are experienced doing rhinoplasty.  Check their credentials and their experience. Good luck.

Stella Desyatnikova, MD · Answer

ENT doctors, or otolaryngologists usually are trained in nasal surgery, including cosmetic nasal surgery. The degree of training and experience will vary by the doctor. Some of them will specialize further and will train further in facial plastic surgery. Make sure the doctor does many rhinoplasties, as you certainly don't want to be one of the first. Computer imaging helps the doctor and the patient to establish and manage their pre-operative expectations, to plan the procedure and decide whether hump removal will be sufficient to address your aesthetic goals.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

I trained in both plastic surgery and Ent = thus I do a lot of noses - but in general what counts is the ability of the surgeon. Both plastic surgeons and ents can do good noses.

Richard L. Dolsky, MD (retired) · Answer

I was the first surgeon in the United States to become board certified in Plastic surgery, ENT, and Cosmetic Surgery and have personal knowledge of both areas of training.
Rhinoplasty surgery is part of the basic training in both ENT and Plastic Surgery. Look for a surgeon who is experienced and has a special interest in Rhinoplasty surgery,
Some ENT surgeons do general ENT and others may specialize in Facial Plastic Surgery or ear surgery. In the same way, Cosmetic Surgery is only one of seven areas of Plastic Surgery. Some Plastic surgeons do hand, reconstructive or burn surgery.
Look for a well trained experienced surgeon who has a passion for excellence in Rhinoplasty; you won't go wrong with either back round.

Is an ENT Doctor Qualified to Remove a Dorsal Hump?

Answers (10)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Does Rhinoplasty Make Nose More Likely to Break in the Future?

What's the Best Material for Nose Implant?

More Closed Rhinoplasty Successes Attributable to Doctor's Experience?

When is It Safe to Sleep Flat After Rhinoplasty?

Adding Rib Graft to Make Nose Bridge Larger?

How is a Broken Nose with Deviated Septum Fixed?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS