Surgical Expertise
After you have decided that you want to undergo a rhinoplasty, choosing the right surgeon is the next important step. While there are many qualified surgeons to choose from, the training and background of your prospective doctor will dictate his or her competency and specialization.
Although most nasal operations are performed by facial plastic surgeons, general plastic surgeons also perform rhinoplasties. A surgeon’s specialty is important for stated expertise; even more essential is your surgeon’s procedural experience. Your chances of a successful procedure will be performed by a board-certified surgeon with solid experience in facial reconstruction. In addition to credentials, you may also want to take into consideration on “bed-side” manner. It will mean a lot during recovery if you can feel comfortable with the surgeon. Be sure to check his before and after pictures to get a feel for the results the doctor has previously produced for other patients. A good medical practice will have these pictures readily available for your review, and Dr. Sadati’s office is no exception. For your convenience, we have compiled a short list of helpful suggestions when selecting a top-notch facial reconstructive surgeon.
Board Certification
Once you considered having a cosmetic surgery, the most significant aspect in selecting your surgeon is his experience and skill. Nationwide, many nasal surgeries including septoplasty, nasal fracture repair, rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, surgery for nasal tumors are performed by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. Although there are no firm statistics available, many rhinoplasties for cosmetic and functional improvements are performed by facial plastic surgeons with a background in ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgery. Unlike other facial cosmetic reconstruction, rhinoplasty is rarely performed by surgeons from other specialties.
What is Board Certification? For plastic surgeons, Board Certifications are obtained by meeting criteria set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Below is a summary from their website concerning Board certification:
By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc., you can be assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This includes a minimum of five years of residency training in all areas of surgery, including at least two years devoted entirely to plastic surgery. Certification is a voluntary process a surgeon seeks after this training. To become certified, the doctor then must pass comprehensive written and oral exams.
Board certification indicates a surgeon’s competency in a particular specialty and with appropriate training during residency. For instance, a board-certified general plastic surgeon that primarily practices hand surgery may not be experienced in rhinoplasty, although it may have been part of the residency program or intern curriculum. Similarly, a facial plastic surgeon that specializes in major head and neck reconstruction may not be the best choice because of the lack of experience in other areas of cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty.
Choosing a surgeon experienced in specific procedures as well as one holding Board Certification credentials will ensure your experience is smooth and has the best chance of beautiful results!
Finding the Best Surgeon
Other than Board Certification credentials and experience, a good plastic surgeon will also have artistic vision. Aesthetics are as important in plastic surgery as they are in art. In addition, nasal specialists understand that the fusion of form and function is crucial. Try to objectively consider the doctor’s assessment of your nasal anatomy in relation to aesthetics and breathing. Your rhinoplasty surgeon should also evaluate your overall facial characteristics. During the discussion phase, you can assess if you and your surgeon have a matching aesthetic understanding of your unique features and that you are “on the same page”. Be careful of a surgeon who tries to talk you into something you do not want or something you may not need. This should be a red flag that your prospective doctor may have a hidden agenda. There is, however, a huge difference between a doctor that suggests something you may wish to consider and him trying to separate you from your money. “Before and After” photos present an opportunity to see if your aesthetic sense matches outcomes of recent patients and can tell you quite a bit about who may be performing your surgery.
Finding the best surgeon may be easier than you think! Information found on the Internet including our website and will point you in the right direction for choosing the right plastic surgeon to make you look your best!
