Should I trust an ENT to perform my facial plastic surgery? What training and qualifications are needed to become board cert?

Question

I recently saw a board cert. ENT who later got board cert. in facial plastic surgery. I looked up her medical board profile and her entire residency was in otolaryngology. Facial plastics is now her primary practice, but looks like she only did a one year fellowship in facial plastics. Is that all that's required? That doesn't sound like a lot. Is additional training required that wouldn't necessarily be listed there? Would someone primarily trained in facial plastics likely be a better choice?

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

It is wise to proceed very carefully before entrusting any surgeon with the health & appearance of your face.  There are many very well trained plastic surgeons who come from varied backgrounds. Certainly board certification by the ABFPRS or ABPS is an important indicator of standards the surgeon has met. It is important to feel comfortable with your surgeon and an adequate time in consultation with him/her is a vital beginning. There are no 'dumb' questions. Asking your surgeon to elaborate on their training is fine. Consulting with more than one surgeon can be helpful.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Both plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists perform facial plastic surgery, and there are many surgeons from both specialties who do it well.  I would focus on your surgeons experience looking at before and after pictures,  reputation, and looking closely at their experience.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

25% of board certification in Otolaryngology is based on facial plastic surgery. The reality is that nobody operates more on the face and neck during residency than an Otolaryngology resident. The fact that your Surgeon completed a fellowship suggests a practice that is focused on facial plastic surgery. However the major point many people miss is that training is just the beginning of a Surgeon's development. If your Surgeon spends most of her time on General ENT, or if you were seeing a General Plastic Surgeon who devotes most of his/her time on breast and body surgery, you would probably be in the wrong place.   Overall, you should see the Surgeon you are most impressed by, but both Facial Plastic Surgeons and General Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform a facelift based on their training.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A facial plastic or a plastic surgeon are good choices for facial surgery.  Best to check the quality of their work and care before choosing your surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The normal pathway to become board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery is to first become board certified in  Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(ENT). This is usually a five-year residency program whereby the residents perform all  surgery on the head and neck. After that residency, a fellowship( one-year residency)is performed in facial plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Candidates then are able to become board-certified American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Look for a surgeon  who has dedicated a significant component of the practice to the procedure  you are looking for, such as eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty. Look at their before and after photo gallery, which should be extensive. In addition look at their ratings, reviews, and testimonials specifically regarding the procedure you're interested in.

Should I trust an ENT to perform my facial plastic surgery? What training and qualifications are needed to become board cert?

Answers (6)

Answer: Facial surgery

Answer: Facial surgery

Answer: Trust your ENT to perform facial plastic surgery

Answer: Trust your ENT to perform facial plastic surgery

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Should I trust an ENT to perform my facial plastic surgery? What training and qualifications are needed to become board cert?

Answers (6)

Answer: Facial surgery

Answer: Facial surgery

Answer: Trust your ENT to perform facial plastic surgery

Answer: Trust your ENT to perform facial plastic surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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