How to: Choose a Rhinoplasty Surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian The first and foremost decision you need to make in considering a rhinoplasty is choosing the right plastic surgeon. A lot of surgeons offer rhinoplasty, but how do you choose the right one? What makes a good rhinoplasty surgeon? Here are four essentials that you should identify in your surgeon. Experience “Practice makes perfect� is a true testament with any plastic surgery, especially rhinoplasty. One way to measure a rhinoplasty surgeon’s skill level is by the number of rhinoplasty procedures he or she has performed. Select a surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty, not one that occasionally performs them. As like all medical practices, rhinoplasty techniques and methods are constantly evolving, and you need a surgeon that is committed to continually learning about his or her specialization. Your surgeon should stay up-to-date with the latest research in order to constantly strive for the best results. Communication When it comes to choosing a surgeon, finding a good listener is key. You need a surgeon who will develop a surgical plan based on what you are envisioning. Achieving your ideal nose will require a collaborative effort between you and your surgeon. Select a surgeon who you feel comfortable with. Consultations are the best way to assess potential candidates before you make this important decision. Ask all of the questions you can think of. Your surgeon should be willing to communicate with you. Your surgeon should discuss your different options, and if something is not harmonious or natural-looking, he or she should communicate with you accordingly. Skills You should look for a well-rounded rhinoplasty surgeon that is skilled in all types of rhinoplasty surgery, including traditional rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. While all of these procedures involve the nose, they require widely different techniques and skill sets to obtain optimal results. Ethnic noses have different structures than Caucasian noses, and only a skilled hand can produce a natural-looking result. Certification One of the best ways to ensure your surgeon has the skills and experience you need is to identify his or her board certification. Certification is a long and involved process that requires your surgeon to meet specific training and examination qualifications. The process is voluntary, but board-certified surgeons are the best in their field. Being board-certified demonstrates a dedication to life-long learning and patient care. While these four essential traits will help your initial evaluation of potential candidates, there are other important things you should consider. Client testimonials, prestigious awards and online
reviews are valuable resources for evaluating the quality of your potential rhinoplasty surgeon. Qualified rhinoplasty surgeons are willing to share photos of their work, have published papers, present at professional conferences and are members of rhinoplasty professional organizations. Additionally, well-known and skilled rhinoplasty surgeons provide teaching to other plastic surgeons via seminars, symposiums, webinars, and educational courses annually at regional, national, and international meetings. The results of your rhinoplasty are largely dependent on the surgeon you choose, so take all of the time you need to make an educated decision that you feel comfortable with.
Questions to Ask your Plastic Surgeon Use the following questions to guide you through your consultation as they will help identify a qualified rhinoplasty plastic surgeon: Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? You may hear about many boards, but this is the only plastic surgery board that matters. It is the most difficult to attain, requiring years of training窶馬ot just an application and membership fee. Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and or American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)? Only board-certified plastic surgeons are allowed to join these organizations. Are you a surgeon at a teaching facility? Do you teach other plastic surgeons in seminars, symposium, webinars, educational courses and annual meetings as well as regional, national and international major meetings? This aspect of the surgeon and the practice will demonstrate their expertise and determine whether or not they are a leader in their field. Were you trained specifically in plastic surgery? Or did you train in another field (i.e. general surgery, gynecology, family medicine, emergency medicine, etc.) and start performing plastic surgery without the required residency training? What is your specialization? If rhinoplasty, what types of rhinoplasty procedures are you skilled at performing? It is important that you choose a plastic surgeon that specializes in the procedure you are interested in. How many years of plastic surgery training have you had, and was it in a government approved plastic surgery residency? Board-certified plastic surgeons have at least 5 years (usually longer). Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals? Since hospitals do not allow doctors to perform a procedure unless they have the proper training, correct board certification and appropriate peer references, this question will identify who is ultimately qualified. Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified? For safety reasons, procedures that
require anesthesia should only be performed in a certified facility, not in a non-certified office setting. How many rhinoplasty procedures have you performed? Your plastic surgeon should provide an honest number. Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty? Why do you think I’m a good candidate? What are my alternative treatment options? Where and how will you perform my rhinoplasty? Will someone assist you in surgery? Will there be other surgeons? How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? What are the risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty? How are complications handled in your practice? Who’s financially responsible? What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my rhinoplasty? Are corrections and touch-ups included in the fee for my surgery? Is rhinoplasty permanent or is revision necessary? Will I need additional procedures to complement my new nose? Will rhinoplasty change the entire look of my face? Do you have rhinoplasty before-and-after photos I can look at and what results are reasonable for me? What’s the best age for rhinoplasty? How do I prepare for rhinoplasty? These questions will help you better get to know your plastic surgeon and the rhinoplasty procedure. Additionally, you will get a feel of his or her bedside manner and measure how comfortable you feel with this physician as your rhinoplasty surgeon. Dr. Sajjadian has been chosen by his peers as excellent in the area of aesthetic surgery, but whether you choose Dr. Sajjadian as your rhinoplasty surgeon or not, we want to provide you with the tools necessary for a successful and safe rhinoplasty procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at (949) 515-0550.