Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon Makes All the Difference

Is it important that a plastic surgeon specializes solely in rhinoplasty?Do you remember the movie Catch Me If You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio? It was based on the life of Frank Abagnale, a brilliant and very successful con artist, who convincingly posed as a commercial pilot, a Georgia doctor and a prosecutor in Louisiana. Were this not a true story, there would be those quick to point out that no one could get away with pretending to be a pilot for a major airline or pass himself off as a doctor actually treating patients. But, this is a true story, and Frank Abagnale did exactly those things.It is easy to settle into a false sense of security in this day and age. We take for granted that everyone presenting themselves as a professional does, in fact, have the requisite experience and credentials for whatever it is that they are claiming to do. This can be a dangerous assumption. Are you aware that it is perfectly legal for any licensed physician to perform rhinoplasty or any other cosmetic procedure, whether they have any relevant training or experience?How scary is that?How many situations come to mind that require more due diligence on your part than when considering surgery? Not research a surgeon’s credentials as thoroughly as you might otherwise may be excused when that procedure is an emergency but not when it is elective, as in the case of a nose job or, basically, any sort of cosmetic surgery. Assuming that someone advertising a particular specialty means that they are actually trained in it, can come back to haunt you.Plastic surgery happens to be one of the few areas where surgeons are trained and certified, as is otolaryngology, which is head-and-neck surgery. Both of these certifications require that an individual successfully complete an M.D. program and surgery and plastic reconstructive surgery residency, with otolaryngologists receiving additional instruction for the head and neck.As a prospective patient, you, of course, have a right to know the level of training and experience of any healthcare professional. More than that, you have the responsibility to take the steps necessary to be informed and satisfied with your choice of surgeon or doctor.When researching who you want to do your rhinoplasty surgery, you should meet with the surgeon, ask for references from those having already had the same procedure and check formal education and certification. For rhinoplasty, the ones you want to look for are:The American Board of OtolaryngologyThe American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryMembership in professional associations, such as The Rhinoplasty Society, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery are also indicative of experience and qualifications. All of these are respected associations, but The Rhinoplasty Society has particularly stringent membership requirements.Experienced, board certified and dedicated, Dr. Geoffrey Tobias, was recognized 12 times as “best in his field” by New York Magazine. When you choose to explore the possibilities of rhinoplasty surgery, you could not make a better decision than to request a consultation with Dr. Tobias. To start that process, simply click here.