How does one choose a good rhinoplasty surgeon?

Hi N,

Great question, and the most important aspect of rhinoplasty from a patient's perspective.  It always amazes me that some patients take more time picking out the color of their car than they do in selecting their rhinoplasty surgeon.  When asked, “What should I look for when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon?” I reply, “The Eye, the Hand, and the Heart”. “Eye” refers to the artistic ability to evaluate the nose and diagnose what is required to restore balance and harmony with a natural un-operated upon appearance. One needs to have a vision of natural, “average” nose. Beautiful, attractive faces are made up of the combination of average features. The nose should get out of the way of your eyes, lips, and cheek and jaw line contours. “Hand” is the ability to perform the sculpting necessary in a precise, safe, and effective manner with a skilled and soft gentle touch. “Heart” is caring about patients with uncommon professional passion and commitment to excellence. This involves close follow up care. These attributes can be used in all walks of life, no matter what your profession or job may be. Exceptional individuals have a vision of the future, ability to carry out the necessary physical steps, and passion coupled with commitment to achieve their client’s goals. When choosing your rhinoplasty surgeon (or any other service), put your trust in those who have “the Eye, the Hand, and the Heart” that is right for you. That having been said, take your time; have multiple consultations, look at before and after pictures carefully. Make sure that they are board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, or ENT. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

 

In no particular order, here are the Top 10 qualities I believe a good rhinoplasty surgeon should have:


They are a passionate student of Rhinoplasty surgery

Communicate intently to learn about your goals

Are able to convincingly see the subtleties within your nasal anatomy (not just a hump)

Knows their limitations and is able to gage the complexity of a potential operation for you in terms of their personal experience with similar rhinoplasties

Is able to show pictures of their own operative patients that clearly demonstrate the types of changes that they are recommending for you

Understands that evaluating the "starting point" of your nose is the critical first step in evaluating options for reducing or adding to the back of your nose

Has an excellent understanding of nasal function and how rhinoplasty relates to changes in breathing

Is able to accurately relate back to you precisely what you see in your nose, educate you as to the underlying structures that cause this, and is able to educate you on options for making changes

Is not the cheapest surgeon in town (a decision based on price alone may well be the most expensive mistake you can make)

Is not too anxious about taking you on as a patient. A good surgeon will be cautious in evaluating your motivations, expectations and understanding of what they are seeing before they agree to take you as a patient



Extra credit -- I have a personal bias against using implants in the nose, as they have a higher risk of infection than your own tissues. I believe that the extra time I spend obtaining graft material from your own body is well worth the investment and the lower rate of visibility and complications over time.


Hope this helps.

Nick Slenkovich MD, FACS