ENT or plastic surgeon for Septoplasty - which one should I go to?

Question

My ENT wants to do a harsh turbinate reduction method with scissors and I want a safer method because the turbinates are delicate. Should I go to plastic surgeon instead? I believe if I’m interested in cosmetic services as well my septum can be used to harvest materials for grafts and I can save on anesthesia services.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you want purely airway work don't go to an ENT. If you want cosmetic changes either a plastic surgeon or ENT is fine. Just be sure you go to someone who is highly experienced. Reduction if turbinates with scissors  is a perfectly appropriate procedure either way

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Many doctors do not do turbinate resection any more, so,  you may simply wish to find another otolaryngologist.  A plastic surgeon would not likely do anything for the turbinates.

Joseph Shvidler, MD · Answer

Please do your research and due diligence and choose someone that has done many surgeries and is comfortable doing work both inside your nasal cavity and external work. The two procedures are often done together and septal cartilage can be harvested during the time of septoplasty. I do not recommend excision of turbinates with scissors as this may lead to empty nose syndrome which is very difficult to reverse. There are more conservative treatments that are available to address inferior turbinates such as  sub-mucous resection, outfracture and radiofrequency reduction.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

ENT or plastic surgeon? Many ENT surgeons also do cosmetic surgery on the nose and may do less aggressive turbinate work such as laser. Similarly many plastic surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty do some septal work and may do turbinate work if indicated. If you are looking for laser of the turbinates you can also split it up and have a plastic surgeon do your rhinoplasty then to see an ENT in the office for a simple office procedure lasering the turbinates either before or after the Rhinoplasty.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's best to see a double board-certified ENT/facial plastic surgeon who can address turbinates , a septoplasty, and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is The most difficult operation to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so it's imperative to choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience. Sometimes septal cartilage is used for  grafts when necessary during rhinoplasty procedure. It's very important to be conservative with turbinates so that you do not end up with empty nose syndrome.

ENT or plastic surgeon for Septoplasty - which one should I go to?

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