Plastic Surgeon Vs Otolaryngologist: Who is Better Qualified?

Question

A plastic surgeon who works on the whole body or an Otolaryngologist (ear,nose,throat) doctor who focuses on the nose? With my surgery I am looking to do revision rhino and chin. As well as buccal fat removal. Who is better qualified?

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not fall into the trap of selecting a doctor based solely on whether they are an Ear-Nose-and-Throat (ENT) or Plastic Surgeon (In my opinion, the "General" in front of Plastic Surgeon has been added by those surgeons who want to distinguish themselves as being more "specialized" or maybe "better qualified" than the "general" plastic surgeon).  Plastic surgeons are surgical artists who have a complete and detailed knowledge of the anatomy, function and aging process in major human aesthetic structures - especially the Nose, Eyes and Face.   Aesthetic surgery on the nose, eyes and face have been an integral part of the plastic surgeon's training for almost 100 years now. While the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery (not a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties) has only been around since the 1980's, it's members have made major contributions to facial aesthetic surgery.  

	I would choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by a board included in the American Board of Medical Specialists group.  There are a lot of so-called "Boards" that a doctor can join simply by submitting an application and fee so be careful.  The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology are both members of the American Board of Medical Specialties and both of these boards have Subspecialty Certificates in "Facial Plastic Surgery".   I would then look at the plastic surgeon's before and after photos, look at his experience and schedule a consultation.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The surgeon's experience, reviews, and results are far more important that anything else.  With rhinoplasty the more they do and the longer they have been doing it TYPICALLY makes them better

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Since you've had rhinoplasty surgery and are not satisfied, you should consult several board-certified rhinoplasty specialists. You should check credentials, and view many favorable photos of patients with similar concerns before proceeding. A good place to start is to check AAFPRS.org for a list of local facial plastic surgeons.

	I hope you find this helpful.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Both a plastic surgeon and an otolaryngologist are qualified to do this type of surgery. The better question to ask is how many rhinoplasties and chin implants has your plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist performed. Many plastic surgeons concentrate on breasts, tummy tucks, and liposuction, while otolaryngologists specialize in tonsils, adenoids, and ear tubes. Look for a facial plastic surgeon whose original background is ear, nose, and throat, who is board certified in both specialties. Find a surgeon who has performed thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries, chin augmentations, and is someone you feel comfortable with. Also make sure that you have a board certified anesthesiologist in attendance and the surgery is performed in a Medicare certified ambulatory surgery center.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

Aaaah...let the turf wars begin!

	Only joking!  I am a board certified plastic surgeon, but any board certified plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon who does good work (look at before and after photos) and that you LIKE (remember, after surgery, you are stuck with this surgeon for a while!) is qualified to do your surgery.

	Best of luck.

Plastic Surgeon Vs Otolaryngologist: Who is Better Qualified?

Answers (9)

Answer: Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist

Answer: Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist

Answer: PLASTIC SURGEON OR ENT FOR NOSE, FACIAL SURGERY

Answer: PLASTIC SURGEON OR ENT FOR NOSE, FACIAL SURGERY

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

Plastic Surgeon Vs Otolaryngologist: Who is Better Qualified?

Answers (9)

Answer: Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist

Answer: Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist

Answer: PLASTIC SURGEON OR ENT FOR NOSE, FACIAL SURGERY

Answer: PLASTIC SURGEON OR ENT FOR NOSE, FACIAL SURGERY

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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