Many of us know that nose jobs are not just limited to the Hollywood elite who wish to have a cosmetic alteration. Sometimes rhinoplasty surgery must be performed primarily to correct a deviated septum or a broken or deformed nose. In these cases, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (also called an ENT or otorhinolaryngology specialist) can perform this procedure.
More accurately, anyone with a medical degree can legally perform a rhinoplasty, even if they have not had specific surgical training.
There are a few things that typically prevent these physicians from doing so, but it can still occur, and the results of their inexperience can be devastating. Since the nose is in the center of the face, and since it is one of the most complex procedures to perform, those considering rhinoplasty should choose their surgeon very carefully.
When choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon, you should only consider a licensed ENT or a board-certified plastic surgeon. Both must complete up to 15 years of college and post-graduate training.
The decision between a plastic surgeon and an ENT for your rhinoplasty really comes down to a few considerations:
- Does the surgeon have the right credentials?
- Does the surgeon have extensive experience performing rhinoplasties?
- What are your goals with the rhinoplasty procedure?
Aesthetics is usually the main concern with all rhinoplasty patients even if they are getting the procedure done for medical reasons. Since cosmetic surgery requires the artistic eye of a plastic surgeon, a plastic surgeon is arguably a better choice to perform a rhinoplasty procedure, so long as he or she is qualified and experienced.
Plastic surgeons who are certified by certain boards have added education, training, and experience that a regular ENT will not likely have. According to The Rhinoplasty Society, as a consumer, your best choice is a nasal surgeon who is board-certified by one of the following boards: The American Board of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, or The American Board of Otolaryngology. Along with having one of these certifications, they advise choosing a surgeon who has a particular interest in rhinoplasty surgery.
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery – certifies those who specialize in all cosmetic procedures
- American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – certifies those who specialize exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- American Board of Otolaryngology – certifies those who specialize in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. The certificate includes facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and much of the training covers nasal surgery.
Dr. Shah is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, which evaluates the training and knowledge of broadly competent plastic surgeons. This means that Dr. Shah has the education, training, and experience necessary to perform many different cosmetic procedures, including both the reconstructive and cosmetic aspects of rhinoplasty surgery.
Dr. Shah is also a member of the American Burn Association, which means he has access to continued education and the latest techniques available in burn treatment. This special understanding of the skin aids Dr. Shah in the aesthetics and reconstructive aspects of all the surgeries he performs.
There are also professional organizations that surgeons can belong to, which only accept reputable plastic surgeons into their membership. One of these well-respected organizations is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, of which Dr. Shah is a member.
Another advantage at the Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery is that surgery is not performed in a hospital where the patient can be exposed to illness, but in a facility certified by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), which ensures a higher standard of care for patients. The Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery is accredited nationally and by the state and features all the equipment and safety measures that a hospital would require.
To ensure the best possible result with your rhinoplasty procedure, be sure to choose a surgeon who can back up his or her claims to success with plenty of before and after photos of surgeries he or she has performed.
As a skilled, qualified, and educated rhinoplasty surgeon in the Columbus area, Dr. Shah is among the top surgeons to choose for your rhinoplasty procedure. To schedule your consultation, please call (614) 482-2123 or fill out our contact form for more information.