We hear it all the time, especially in the plastic surgery field: this surgeon is “the best” or that practice is “top-notch.” It’s perfectly normal to want to find the best rhinoplasty surgeon—after all, you wouldn’t want to trust something as precious and unique as your face to just any surgeon!
But what do these superlatives really mean, and should a plastic surgeon be so bold as to claim to be the greatest? And how do you discern between a good rhinoplasty surgeon and an outstanding one? In this blog post, I cover 6 ways to tell if your rhinoplasty surgeon is among the very best.
#1. Key Qualifications
First and foremost, you want a plastic surgeon who specializes in faces. Facial plastic surgery is truly an art form. It takes highly refined skills to make the delicate changes needed to produce beautiful, natural-appearing results. You can learn more about how facial plastic surgery differs from general plastic surgery—and why this distinction matters—in this related blog post.
Second, look for skills and training that set your surgeon apart, such as a certification from a prestigious medical board, such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS). This means your doctor has passed rigorous examinations and been carefully vetted for their skill, knowledge, and ethics.
#2. Background and Inspiration
Go ahead: ask your surgeon why he or she became a facial plastic surgeon. Ideally, a passion for helping people through medicine should be deeply rooted or even in his or her blood! When your physician is passionate at work, it shows in the end results.
#3. Real Patient Testimonials
As a plastic surgeon, I know that you can sing your own praises all you want, but reviews and testimonials often tell the true story. When researching your surgeon, look for phrases like “the best,” “I recommend all of my friends,” and “caring.”
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for their before and after photos to see the results that the doctor can achieve and whether their aesthetic sensibility aligns with yours.
#4. Media Contributions
Media outlets can be choosy when it comes to selecting a surgeon to weigh in on a health story. Review which publications or broadcasts have featured your physician and keep an eye out for recommendations in local “best of” lists, such as “Best of Orlando.”
#5. Commitment to Continuing Education
The field of facial plastic surgery continues to evolve. A surgeon should be dedicated to staying on top of the latest techniques and technology. Typically, a physician with a passion for learning will still be connected to a higher learning institution, either through a teaching position or mentorship program. They may also be active with professional committees, hold leadership roles in medical societies, and participate in both teaching and learning opportunities within their industry.
#6. Community Involvement
The final element of a well-rounded rhinoplasty surgeon is giving back. You want to choose someone who takes time to help others, whether they be victims of domestic violence, children, or our nation’s heroes. These are all signs of a physician who truly cares about their work.
Letting Experience and Reputation Do the Talking
Personally, I believe that if a surgeon has outstanding qualifications, awards, and testimonials, it is appropriate to let his or her patients know. Think of it this way: You go to the doctor with a serious medical issue and before your treatment, you ask the doctor how long he or she has been in practice and if the physician is an expert in the particular procedure. How would you feel if the doctor replied, “I’m pretty good” or, “I’m so-so”? Not comforting, right?
As physicians, we want to be modest, but surgical consultations are not always the time to be humble. It’s about striking a balance between being boastful and being reassuring. Your consultation is your opportunity to gage whether you feel comfortable moving forward with a provider, and that personal connection goes a long way toward determining if a surgeon is right for you.
Take the Next Step
If you are looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon in Florida, be sure to keep this checklist handy. I hope it helps you find the surgeon who is the “best fit” to make you happy — because ultimately, that is what matters most.
If you would like to discuss your nasal enhancement options, please request a consultation or call us at (407) 333-3040 to get started.
This post was originally written in November 2015 and has been updated.
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