How to find a good rhinoplasty surgeon

UsefulRhinoplastyInformation.com is intended as a helpful resource for people considering nose surgery, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose and are considering rhinoplasty surgery it is sensible to consult several surgeons before opting for the one who will perform your operation. Having a nose job can be expensive, but you should not let the cost of rhinoplasty blind you to the other factors which should be taken into consideration. Of all the forms of cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult to perform successfully and consequently has the highest rate of revision surgeries. Putting the necessary time and effort into finding a good rhinoplasty surgeon will greatly improve your chances of being satisfied with the end result.

There is no single factor you can use to determine whether a surgeon will produce great results with your nose job, but there are several indications as to whether they are proficient in the rhinoplasty procedure. One strong indication is whether the surgeon is board certified. However, it is important to know what certifications you are looking for as not all boards have the same requirements before they will approve a medical practitioner. Certifying boards may differ in the amount of training they require from their surgeons, for example, as well as having variations in their examinations.

Two of the most reputable certifying boards are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). If a surgeon has been certified by these boards there is still no guarantee that you will be happy with your nose job or that there will be no complications, but you can be reasonably sure that he is highly skilled in his field and that you will be receiving a high standard of medical care. A surgeon will state on their website or in their literature if they have these board certifications. To check that their claim that they have been approved by the ASPS or ABFPRS is legitimate you can check a website such as ABMS.org, which carries a list of all board certified practitioners.

When looking at a clinic or surgeon’s website or brochure you should also look to see if they have provided testimonials and before and after pictures of rhinoplasty surgery. This can help increase your confidence in their ability to do a good job. Once you have reached the stage of booking a consultation you can also ask to be put in touch with rhinoplasty patients the surgeon has previously operated on, to ask about their experiences and whether they were satisfied with their nose job. A good clinic will be happy to oblige.

As well as seeking personal recommendations through the clinics, you should also seek advice from friends, family and acquaintances that have already had a nose job. As nearly half a million Americans undergo rhinoplasty every year, many people know someone who has had the procedure. If you cannot find someone who can personally recommend a surgeon try joining a rhinoplasty or plastic surgery forum. Your family doctor may also be able to assist you.

After you have looked at the information provided by several clinics, your next step should be to book a consultation with the surgeons who you think may be suitable for your needs. The initial consultations are usually free. When you arrive at the clinic, assess how comfortable you are in your surroundings, for instance are the staff friendly and professional. During the consultation the surgeon should give you a realistic idea of what results can be achieved and be honest about the potential risks and complications of the procedure. He should also listen carefully to your wants, needs and concerns and answer your queries fully.

Finally, it is important to remember that the effects of a nose job can last a lifetime. The most skilled rhinoplasty surgeons can be booked up months in advance so you should not be tempted to opt for a less capable surgeon for the sake of a shorter waiting list and a ‘quick fix’. A good rhinoplasty surgeon will be well worth the extra wait.