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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Rhinoplasty is often considered the most complex plastic surgery procedure, making finding a qualified surgeon one of the most crucial parts of the process. It can feel dizzying before even beginning the search with all the surgeons out there who claim to perform expert rhinoplasty in Sydney. You might have a friend who makes a strong recommendation for the doctor who did her nose, but for those of us without that friend, a little extra effort is needed.
The key to finding a Sydney rhinoplasty surgeon who will yield pleasing results and make you feel well cared for is to not settle. Do your research and then meet with several surgeons whom you feel are the best contenders. During these consultations, use the following points as a checklist of sorts to see which candidate rises above the rest.
Credentials
When researching plastic surgeons you should be checking their credentials. First and foremost they should be Board Certified by a respected organization, such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) or the International Board for Certification for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS). Such certifications are a sign that the surgeon has undergone extensive training. Fellowships are also an indicator of advanced training as these are often conducted under the guidance of the best surgeons in the world.
It is also preferable to select a physician who is both a facial plastic surgeon and an otolaryngologist. Training in these two areas gives rhinoplasty surgeons the upper hand when it comes to ensuring an optimal aesthetic appearance of the nose as well as proper if not improved function.
While you’re at it, look into what professional organizations the surgeon is a member of. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, The Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the Australian Medical Association, and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies are a few of the top groups that the best Sydney plastic surgeons belong to.
Experience
Not all plastic surgeons specialize in rhinoplasty. Some may offer the procedure, but that does not necessarily mean that they have a significant amount of experience with it. Before assuming that the surgeon you are consulting with is an expert when it comes to nose jobs, inquire as to how many rhinoplasties he performs each year and each month. One hundred or more per year is ideal.
Also ask if he performs open or closed rhinoplasty. Any surgeon worth your time will say both. Possessing the ability to use either approach will guarantee you are receiving care that is customized to your needs and not limited by the skill of the surgeon.
You might even ask about his revision rate. Nasal surgery inherently has a high revision rate due to its complexity, but the best rhinoplasty surgeons are able to keep their number low because they have extensive experience that has allowed them to produce consistent results over time. Typically, these surgeons have 10 to 15 years of experience. You will see revision rates range anywhere from 5% to 25%, with the more experienced and skilled surgeon falling closer to the 5% range.
It would be wise to also consider if the surgeon is experienced in secondary or revision procedures. They can often be more difficult than primary rhinoplasty, since scar tissue and missing cartilage can pose unique challenges. Although this may be your first nose job, it wouldn’t hurt to know that any arising complications can be fixed in the future by someone who knows your nose.
Reviews by Peers and Patients
Is the surgeon respected in the field of plastic surgery? If so, then that is an indicator that the physician has the skills and knowledge required to deliver ideal results. There are a few ways you can determine this.
For one, there are several awards that are given based on peer review. Being published in medical journals and other scientific literature is also a sign that the person is a leading expert in their specialty and that their ideas are highly regarded.
Once you’ve determined their status among other plastic surgeons, you may also be curious as to what former patients have to say. This can be found through testimonials. Patient reviews can be found on the surgeon’s website or review sites like RealSelf.com, RealPatientRatings.com or HealthGrades.com. Social media is also a source that many prospective patients turn to when looking for advice about a doctor.
Before and After Photos
Nearly all plastic surgeons have a gallery of before and after photos from past patients. Not all photographs may be displayed on their websites, so you should also be able to ask to see some in person during your consultation.
Photographs will be able to tell you a few things. For instance, the number of rhinoplasty patient images can help you figure out how much experience the surgeon really has with cosmetic nasal procedures. You will also be able to see if other patients with your similar concerns have used this physician. Individuals looking for Asian rhinoplasty in Sydney may reconsider if all the photos in the gallery represent Caucasians.
When evaluating the photos, also look out for “cookie cutter” noses. You want your rhinoplasty surgeon to give careful thought to the aesthetics of your nose, not to just give you the same one as every other man or women who walks out of their office. Your face has its own unique features that will need to be taken into consideration for it to look its best.
Comfort
You could be sitting in front of the chief rhinoplasty expert in the world, but if you don’t mesh well with him then he is not the surgeon for you. It is paramount that you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon. This is the person that will be making changes to the way you look, and possibly altering your ability to breathe. In order for this to work out for the best, you need to be able to communicate openly and feel at ease doing so. Feeling concerned that you didn’t make the right choice? Then wait. It’s like finding a mate. You’ll know “Mr. (or Mrs.) Right” when you meet him.
On your list of surgeons to consult should be Dr. Paul Gerarchi of The Face Institute in Sydney. Dr. Gerarchi has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved with rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Experienced in both the closed and open approach, he will conduct a thorough evaluation and come up with a personalized plan to meet your goals. He is a trained Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of surgeons with several post-fellowship advanced subspecialty training posts. In addition to rhinoplasty, Dr. Gerarchi also performs other surgical and non-surgical procedures for the face and eyes, such as facelift, eyelid surgery, chemical peels, and injectable treatments. http://www.thefaceinstitute.com.au/
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