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?

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.

Is an ENT Doctor Qualified to Remove a Dorsal Hump?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty, Are ENT physicians qualified?

Answer: Rhinoplasty, Are ENT physicians qualified?

Answer: Be sure to find a rhinoplasty specialist even for a small hump

Answer: Be sure to find a rhinoplasty specialist even for a small hump

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is an ENT Doctor Qualified to Remove a Dorsal Hump?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty, Are ENT physicians qualified?

Answer: Rhinoplasty, Are ENT physicians qualified?

Answer: Be sure to find a rhinoplasty specialist even for a small hump

Answer: Be sure to find a rhinoplasty specialist even for a small hump

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.