Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

How should I choose a rhinoplasty surgeon? Choosing a surgeon who will change your appearance dramatically by reshaping the central feature of your face is not a choice to be made lightly. We have all made impulsive decisions that we regret; this is a decision that, I think we can all agree, has to be made after careful consideration. There are no shortcuts here — you have to take the time to do the research. Referrals from doctors and friends are all well and good, but you have to make your decision based on concrete evidence. Here are some checkpoints to examine:(1) Surgical SkillThe surgeon should be well-educated and well-trained, with excellent credentials from fine institutions, both educational and medical. He or she should have a track record of many successful surgeries, substantiated by testimonials from satisfied patients. A fine surgeon should be adept at closed rhinoplasty procedures which are far less invasive than open operations and have a great many advantages in terms of patient recovery.(2) Artistic ApproachRhinoplasty is an artistic, as well as a surgical, endeavor. The more sensitivity the surgeon has to beauty in general and nasal contours in particular, the more likely he or she will be to craft the facial results that will please you. The surgeon you choose should have a bio indicating a strong interest in, and an aptitude for, the craft of rhinoplasty as a form of sculpture.(3) Official CredentialsIn addition to being a doctor and a surgeon, the person you choose should be board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology, a member of The Rhinoplasty Society and, of course, licensed to practice in your state. Any awards or titles in prestigious organizations in the rhinoplasty field indicate that the surgeon you have chosen is well-respected by peers as well as patients.(4) Hands-on ExperienceIt stands to reason that a surgeon who has performed an operation frequently will perfect his or her skill. Make sure that the surgeon you choose has specialized in rhinoplasty and has performed it successfully a great many times. The more hands-on experience your surgeon has had in rhinoplasty, the more familiar he or she will be with the procedure. Not only will such experience hone skills; it will have presented the doctor with possible complications, making your surgery safer as well as more technically refined.(5) TemperamentNo matter how highly recommended the surgeon is, and no matter how impressive his or her credentials, nothing will substitute for your feeling of comfort with the doctor as a person. If you experience the doctor as caring and compassionate during your initial consultation, it bodes well that you will feel safe and confident about your surgery.(6) The Proof Is in the PuddingIt would be foolhardy to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon without seeing examples of the surgeon’s work. Most doctors have examples of their work available for easy viewing on their websites. You should make sure to assess the work your surgeon has done so that you can look forward to similarly pleasing results.