Choosing the right surgeon for your rhinoplasty is a decision that significantly impacts the outcome of your procedure and your overall satisfaction and is an intensely personal decision. When considering rhinoplasty surgery, it is important to consider the following:
- Basic Certification
- Fellowship training
- Board Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Rhinoplasty specific experience
- Before-and-after results
- Patient testimonials
- Rapport with your surgeon
Basic Certification
All doctors practising in the UK need to be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) (insert link – https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/our-registers). The majority of surgeons who undertake rhinoplasty surgery will either be ENT Surgeons (Otolaryngologists) or Plastic Surgeons. In order to practice independently as a Consultant (akin to an Attending in the USA), surgeons will need to be on the GMC specialist register. Additionally, the majority will be Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (or Edinburgh, Ireland or Glasgow) LINK https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/patient-care/surgical-staff-and-regulation/find-your-surgeon-or-specialist/.
Fellowship Training
Being recognised on the GMC specialist register allows a surgeon to practise independently. However, for those who have a desire to hone their skills in rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery further, they will undertake an additional one year of intense surgical training dealing with the most complex of cases.
Board Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
In 1986, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) was established to improve the quality and standards of care for patients specifically undergoing facial plastic & reconstructive surgery. In 2013, under the auspices of the ABFPRS, the European Board for Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (EBCFPRS) was founded with the same vision. Successful candidates are then recognised by both the European and International Boards.
Whilst not essential, for surgeons wishing to be recognised as meeting the highest set of international standards, they may opt to be assessed for Board-certification. The assessment comprises a review of 100 surgical cases, 2 written exams followed by an oral/clinical examination. A full list of internationally recognised surgeons (excluding the USA) can be found here (https://ibcfprs.org/certified-surgeons/).
Rhinoplasty specific experience
Credentials and qualifications are important but surgical experience is crucial. Many surgeons may have general plastic surgery training with little-to-no rhinoplasty training. As the name suggests, most dedicated ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons will spend around 1/3 of their training dealing with nose and sinus complaints thereby able to deal with both functional (breathing) and aesthetic issues. Accredited fellowship training will serve to enhance this level of experience.
Before-and-after results
When meeting a surgeon, do ask to look at their before-and-after results during the consultation. For reasons of confidentiality, results are not always able to be posted online. These photos can provide insight into the surgeon’s aesthetic sense and ability to deliver natural-looking results. It is beneficial to choose a surgeon who has experience with cases like yours, whether you are seeking significant changes or subtle refinements.
Patient testimonials
Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable information about the surgeon’s reputation and patient satisfaction. Read through these reviews to gauge the experiences of others, paying attention to comments about the surgeon’s communication, bedside manner, and post-operative care. A good surgeon will listen to your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and provide realistic expectations about the results.
Rapport with your surgeon
Lastly, consider the consultation process. Ideally your surgeon will offer a thorough consultation, discussing your goals, examining your nose, and possibly using imaging technology to show potential outcomes. They should be open and honest about what can and cannot be achieved and provide a clear understanding of the risks and recovery process. Feeling comfortable and confident with your surgeon is crucial, as this relationship will guide you through your rhinoplasty journey from consultation to recovery.
Whilst no surgeon can guarantee perfect outcomes, a skilled and experienced surgeon can make a profound difference in achieving the results you desire while minimising risks and complications
