Two Doctors Performing a Septoplasty/rhinoplasty?

Question

I have a bump on my nose from previous trauma as a child as well as a deviated septum & large turbinates. Therefore, I need to have a septoplasty/rhinoplasty/& turbinate reduction performed. Upon researching doctors I came upon a plastic surgeon who could perform all of the above as well as another plastic surgeon who only can perform a rhinoplasty but would operate on me with an E.N.T who would address the other procedures. SO, which would it be wiser to choose?? PS, or PS & ENT?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear about the injury you experienced. You have brought up an interesting question, and there may not be a right or wrong answer. It is not uncommon to have different surgeons collaborate on a surgery, as there are specialists who excel with certain procedures and techniques. However, many well-trained rhinoplasty specialists also have extensive training in the functional aspects of the nose, and are more than capable of performing septoplasty and turbinate reductions while also making cosmetic improvements to the nose. What it really comes down to is the experience and qualifications of the surgeon you choose. Ideally, your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You will want to take a look at patient testimonials, before and after photos on the surgeon's website, and the surgeon's office. You also want to ensure that good communication is established between you and your prospective surgeon, and they are responsive to your needs and concerns. After doing a bit of homework, you should have a better idea of which surgeon will best help meet your needs. Thanks and I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Kayap,

	-An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon (either facial plastic or plastic surgeon) will be able to do both portions of the procedure

	-I would get a second opinion just to make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon who you are with, this isn't necessarily a bad thing

	-In fact, it would take a lot for a plastic surgeon to point these things out and bring in another colleague to help out.

	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Any good rhinoplasty surgeon should be equally skilled at addressing BOTH the functional and the cosmetic issues.  This fact is much more important than whether the surgeon is designated as a PS or an ENT.

	 

	There are plenty of excellent ENTs who can adequately address the internal stuctures to improve breathing but lack the expertise in the cosmetic component. Similarly, there are plenty of excellent PS who are not skilled at addressing the functional part.

	 

	In my opinion, if a surgeon cant fix both, he or she has no business performing this type of surgery.  You would be wise to steer clear!

David O. Volpi, MD · Answer

Two doctors can in fact perform a single
septorhinoplasty surgery. Or, a single, experienced rhinoplasty surgeon can
perform both surgeries. In the end, it depends on what you want and with who
you feel most comfortable. Whether you want two, distinct surgeons who are
highly specialized and who will each perform one of the two surgeries is your
decision. If you trust a single doctor to perform both the septoplasty and
rhinoplasty surgeries in a single setting, it is also entirely up to you.

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD · Answer

My recommendation is to find an experienced surgeon who is skilled in operating on both the external and internal nose. For those of us who perform functional rhinoplasty on patients with very complex nasal airways, it is difficult to separate the two, as they are intertwined. This is especially true with surgery on the middle vault. I agree with Dr. Cochran that it does not matter if the surgeon is a plastic or facial plastic surgeon; what matters is that they should be proficient in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery.

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Answer: Two Doctors, One Surgery

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