Tips for Choosing the right Facial Surgeon

Tips for Choosing the right Facial Surgeon

At Westside Head & Neck, all cosmetic procedures, including dermal injections are done by one of our Board Certified ENT – Head & Neck Surgeons, and never by a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.   Here is why it is important that you know that:

• A large portion of training in the specialty of ear, nose and throat surgery includes plastic and reconstructive surgery and non-invasive cosmetic procedures of the face, head and neck.
• Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) are regional experts in the anatomy of the face and neck.
• Following medical school, selection into otolaryngology is one of the most competitive in the U.S. After 5-6 years of specialized surgical training, otolaryngologists are fully trained and qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures above the shoulders.
• The American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOto)  is one of the oldest certifying agencies in the U.S. A large portion of their examination is devoted to facial plastic surgery.
• Their extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the face makes otolaryngologists as much (if not better) experts in facial plastic surgery as are general plastic surgeons, who devote a good portion of their training to surgery of other body areas outside of the face.
• As a prudent consumer, you should consider not only board certification, but also training and experience when choosing a cosmetic physician.
• Ask for recommendations from friends and physicians.

The Bottom Line: When it comes to specialized plastic surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, no one knows the face better than an otolaryngologist.

Sources:
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/02/plastic-surgery-part-ent-surgeon-repertoire.html

Dolci JE. Otolaryngologists in facial plastic surgery, yes. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Jul-Aug;77(4):408.

Thomas JR. Perceptions regarding facial plastic surgery among Dutch otolaryngologists. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005 Mar-Apr;7(2):143-4.

Rosenthal E, Clark JM, Wax MK, Cook TA. Emerging perceptions of facial plastic surgery among medical students. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001 Nov;125(5):478-82.