Is an ENT just as qualified to do rhinoplasty as a board certified cosmetic surgeon?

This a great question.There are a variety of specialties that perform rhinoplasty.This includes board certified otolaryngologist, facial plastic surgeons and plastic surgeons.It is important that your surgeon is trained in rhinoplasty, regularly performs rhinoplasty,  and can show a wide variety of before and after rhinoplasty images. In addition, it is important to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with and trust.Training is important in your selection of a rhinoplasty surgeon, but is just one of many factors.

HI Verdad,Thanks for your question. Training is extremely important. All of the above are not created equal. You will have good surgeons in every category but the foundation of surgery that each doctor has done will be different. Some will have had more experience in other areas that others. Always check to see if the doctor can perform the surgery at a hospital just in case there are any issues that arise. You don't want to find out that your doctor can perform the surgery at the hospital and then need someone else to correct any issues. Look for great before and afters. Sinus issues are usually fixed by ENT or facial plastic surgery not cosmetic or plastic surgeons but some do. Again experience is critical. The ABMS is judging factor in whether a board is recognized or not. Speak with all the types of surgeons and see who you feel most comfortable with that give you what you are looking for. All
the best,
Carlos
Mata MD, MBA, FACS

#liposuction
#docmata
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ignore all questions of ENT/Plastic/Cosmetic, board-certified, "qualified", etc. They'll just distract you from what's important.When it comes to the appearance of your nose, look at the doctor's before and after photos. If they're gorgeous, if they convince you that he can handle your nose and has helped others as you'd like to be helped, then he's the right guy for you. If you think the before and afters are mediocre, or if he can't/won't show you photos, then he's off your list.See the "Web reference" link, below my post, for a discussion, just below the map, on how to tell if you've gotten a good evaluation and consultation, and how to select a doctor.When it comes to "sinus" issues, you need to see an ENT for a good evaluation of that, but most "sinus issues" are just airway obstruction, and can be addressed with a septoplasty at the time of the rhinoplasty.

This is a great question. Thank you for sharing. When patients are considering having any facial plastic procedure (especially rhinoplasty) a surgeon’s board certification is one of the most important things to consider. Any physician can call themselves a "cosmetic surgeon", "aesthetic surgeon", etc. However, there are only three certifying boards generally accepted by the medical community that recognize a surgeon as qualified to perform comprehensive facial plastic surgery: The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and The American Board of Otolaryngology, or ENT (ABOto). While the listed specialties are all recognized as having the appropriate training to perform rhinoplasty, keep in mind that board certification should not be the only qualification you should look at when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon. Experience is also very important. Rhinoplasty is the most difficult procedure performed by these specialists. The most experienced and successful rhinoplasty surgeons dedicate a large proportion of their practices to rhinoplasty and they perform the operation frequently.  You should also have the opportunity to review a collection of before and after photographs (either on the website, RealSelf, or for private consultation). These photos will allow you to assess the surgeon's experience, results, types of patients and noses, as well as case volume. With all of that being said the answer your question is "Maybe." Since you have both functional nasal/sinus issues as well as aesthetic concerns, an otolaryngologist (ENT), or Facial Plastic Surgeon, would likely have the appropriate 'training' to address both the functional and aesthetic concerns. But, you need to make sure the additional criteria (listed above) are also met. 

In our practice, we address both cosmetic and functional nasal issues routinely. When researching here on RS, you can search for a specialist with experience in both rhinoplasty and sinus issues. Check many photos and reviews, and begin the process of consulting with several reputable experts so you could see what might be best for you.Hope this helps you.Dr Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question.  Plastic surgeons, ENT, and facial plastic surgeons all perform rhinoplasty.   It is very
important that you thoroughly research your surgeon before committing to
surgery. It is a good idea to research your surgeon's educational background,
online reviews, before & after pictures, and speak with anyone who you may
know who has had surgery with that surgeon. During your consultation, make sure
that you don't feel rushed and make sure that you have adequate time with your
surgeon and not just their patient coordinator or nurses. If the majority of
your consultation is spent with someone other than the surgeon, this is usually
not a good sign. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified expert surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

This is a common question and concern.  For a detailed answer, see the link below.In short, a "cosmetic surgeon" only means a surgeon who performs cosmetic surgery.  A plastic surgeon, ENT, facial plastic surgeon, occuloplastic surgeon, dermatologist, or even a general surgeon or oromaxillofacial surgeon with a dental background may consider them self a "cosmetic surgeon".An ENT may be better qualified to repair breathing and "sinus" issues in addition to cosmetic concerns for your rhinoplasty.  Looking at your location, the ENT Facial Plastic Surgeon in your area has an excellent reputation.  Best Wishes

Hi there.Rhinoplasty involves correction of both Form (cosmetic/appearance) and Function (breathing/airway). A good rhinoplasty surgeon must be equiped with the knowledge, skill set, and experience to be able to correct both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your nose. Rhinoplasty has a very steep learning curve and takes years of experience to be familiar and comfortable with. From my experience, sinus surgery is usually performed by ENT surgeons, and is often done separately to any rhinoplasty.When researching a rhinoplasty surgeon, look beyond their specialty. Look at their experience. Ask them about the number of rhinoplasties they have performed, both primary and secondaries. Ask them to show you before and after photographs that can demonstrate techniques that can be employed for your rhinoplasty. All the very best. Dr Ray Goh

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.I usually tell my patients that the first step for a safe plastic surgery is to choose a board certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon.This should have a personal website containing details of his professional biography and some photos of the procedures performed.Your plastic surgeon should be transparent and a honest person with you, with ethical and human values, and especially with good reputation and history. Also, it's much better if this doctor have special training and experience in procedures like the one you're interested.Finally, i invite you to send your photos to give you more information of interest for you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

A  board certified ENT doctor can address sinus and breathing related issues. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon has additional qualifications and training to performing rhinoplasty, which is one of the most difficult procedures to perform  in the entire field of cosmetic surgery. A Double board certified ENT/ facial plastic surgeon can also address both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery.