Is an ENT Doctor Qualified to Remove a Dorsal Hump?

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.

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.

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