How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon

Credentials, questions, and red flags when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon.

The single biggest predictor of a great rhinoplasty result isn't the technique or the city — it's the surgeon. Take the time to choose well.

Credentials that matter

• American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
• Hospital privileges for rhinoplasty at an accredited hospital
• Fellowship training specifically in rhinoplasty or facial plastic surgery
• 100+ rhinoplasty cases per year in their portfolio
• Demonstrated portfolio across multiple ethnicities and starting anatomies similar to yours

Questions to ask in consultation

• How many rhinoplasty cases do you do per year, specifically?
• What's your revision rate, and is your revision policy in writing?
• Will you do an open or closed approach for me, and why?
• Will I need cartilage grafts, and from where?
• Show me 3 patients with starting anatomy similar to mine — including their 12-month photos.

Red flags

• Books surgery on the day of consultation without time to think
• Refuses to discuss revision rate or policy
• Operates only in non-accredited facilities
• Heavy filtering or inconsistent lighting in before/after photos
• Photos cherry-picked to one ethnic profile or one starting anatomy

Find a surgeon by city