Rhinoplasty at a lower cost from a med student?

Frankly, I would advise against choosing your rhinoplasty specialist based on academic affiliation, or on the assumption that a supervised resident may produce a favorable outcome. The goal of rhinoplasty is to have a successful primary surgery that might lead to happiness or improved self-esteem. Since rhinoplasty is technically difficult, consider locating several rhinoplasty specialists near to you for consultation. If fees are an issue, it may be wise to save for a reputable rhinoplasty specialist.  "Bargain" rhinoplasty may lead to an undesirable result, and the possible need for revision surgery which is more costly, and less predictable. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Dear margaret1998 in Boston, Massachusetts:
Your homework has shown you that it is possible to get a rhinoplasty with a lower cost when done by trainees.  These would not be medical students.  They would be apprentices of surgeons or residents or fellows who must serve a period of training before they are fully certified as specialists.  That training may be anywhere from 5 to 8 years.  There are some risks involved.  Common sense tells you that a surgeon in training does not have the experience and technical facility as a surgeon who has been in practice for 25 or more years.  Are you willing to accept the possibility that the results may be less optimal than if it were done by a fully qualified surgeon?  You cannot expect the same service from a novice as compared to an expert.  However, if your budget is dictating the decision, then when you go for consultation ask if one of the professors or teachers who should have many years of experience, will be there overseeing the work of the surgeon in training.  That is the key.  If the surgeon in training has a professor looking over his shoulder, the prospects for success and your happiness increase significantly. 

Best wishes,

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS