How To Choose a Rhinoplasty Surgeon?

The choice of a plastic surgeon is important for any procedure, but finding the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Anchorage is absolutely critical. That’s because the nose is the focal point of the face, and surgery to change its size or shape is a delicate, complicated procedure that requires a surgeon with a combination of technical skill, experience, and a refined sense of aesthetics.

People considering rhinoplasty—often called a “nose job”—know what it’s like to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their noses. Many have thought of undergoing surgery for months or years and want to ensure they get the desired results. That starts with finding the right surgeon for you. How do you do that? We’ll recommend steps to take in your search, starting with checking credentials and experience.

Board Certification—Benchmark of Excellence

Before scheduling consultations with any surgeons, check to see if they’re certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery perform rhinoplasty but don’t have the specialized training in facial plastic surgery that ABFPRS-certified surgeons possess. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon must complete an approved residency that includes training in all aspects of facial plastic surgery. At ACENT, Dr. Dwight Ellerbe is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. In addition to being certified by the ABFPRS, he is also certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

You can also check additional credentials that indicate advanced training, such as fellowships. Dr. Ellerbe, for example, completed a clinical fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ask About Experience

The number of years a surgeon has been practicing isn’t the only experience that matters. You should ask how often they perform rhinoplasty and how many nose jobs they’ve performed (approximately) in their careers. Also, how do they handle cases in which a patient isn’t satisfied with the results?

Read Patient Reviews

What have a surgeon’s previous patients said about their experiences? There are a number of independent websites where you can read reviews from actual patients who provide valuable insight about their results and their interactions with the surgeon. These sites include RealSelf, Healthgrades, and Vitals.com. You can also read patient testimonials that surgeons often include on their own websites.

Asking trusted family members or friends for recommendations is another way to create a list of potential surgeons. You can also ask your primary care doctor or other health care providers.

Before & After Photos

Nose job before and after photos give patients a glimpse into a rhinoplasty surgeon’s ability to deliver optimal results. The photos show how a surgeon can perform a nose job to resize or reshape a patient’s nose and enhance their facial appearance. They highlight whether a surgeon can help a patient achieve a nose that complements their eyes, cheeks, and other facial features. You can ask to review these before and after pictures at your consultation.

Communication Skills

A rhinoplasty consultation is your opportunity to discuss your concerns about the appearance of your nose and the cosmetic goals you want to achieve. The best nose surgeon will listen to what their patient has to say about nose surgery and respond to any concerns regarding treatment. Having an honest discussion about the procedure and potential outcomes is essential.

The surgeon should ask about a patient’s medical history and describe the surgical options involved in rhinoplasty, explaining what a nose job can—and cannot—accomplish to establish realistic expectations. You should also be informed about what to expect during the recovery process, the potential risks of plastic surgery, and how long it will take to see results.

The Level of Personalized Care

When you choose a rhinoplasty surgeon, you’re also choosing their staff. Do you feel comfortable calling with questions, which is something you’ll likely do both before and after your surgery? A professional, friendly staff that treats you with respect and courtesy can put you at ease leading up to surgery, which can be an anxious time for many patients.

Trust Your Instincts

Experience, board certification, credentials, and other tangible factors are all important. Ultimately, though, you need to feel like the nose surgeon you choose is one you can trust and who will devote the time and energy needed to provide customized, personal care. A good “bedside manner” is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.

Research is key when it comes to choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon. The more you learn about a surgeon, the more likely you’ll make an informed decision on whether a specific surgeon is the right choice for your surgery.

Our practice sees patients considering rhinoplasty from Wasilla, Palmer, and surrounding areas. You can request a consultation using the online form or call us at (907) 279-8800 to schedule an appointment.

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