Who assists the surgeon during the operation for a rhinoplasty?

Each surgeon will usually have an experienced & helpful surgical assistant to make the case more efficient & effective. This may be a nurse, scrub technician or other trained staff. Or it might be a resident or surgeon-in-training. In our practice we employ a certified surgical tech who has been with us for years, is very gifted  and provides a very valuable additional to our team! 

This varies widely. In an academic institution (university/ medical school), the surgeon will likely be assisted by a resident or fellow. In private practice, many surgeons will be assisted by the surgery center's surgical assistant or surgical first assistant. I have a full time employee that assists me in the operating room as I feel having someone who knows my technique and my patients is well worth the extra expense of employing a surgical assistant. This is a position licensed by the State of Colorado but the rules vary from state to state. If you're considering rhinoplasty, ask your chosen surgeon who will be assisting them. They, obviously, should do your surgery but it might put you at ease to know exactly who else will be helping them in the operating room. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Depends on where you have the surgery. If you have the surgery at a teaching medical center, the resident is often the one who helps the surgeon. If you have the surgery at a non teaching medical center or surgery center, a "first assistant" or "scrub nurse" will help the doctor. I always hold the "chisel" and the assistant taps the end with a special hammer. Most cases require an assistant.