Finding the best rhinoplasty surgeon in the UK for you

It can be difficult to find the best rhinoplasty surgeon for you

Just because someone has trained as a plastic, ENT or maxillofacial surgeon does not mean that they are good at aesthetic surgery.

A good surgeon has plenty of experience and a good track record in rhinoplasty. Here are good places to start your search:

1. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS): The BAAPS is based at The Royal College of Surgeons and was established for the advancement of education and safety in Aesthetic Surgery. All BAAPS Members are on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons maintained by the General Medical Council and are required to return an annual safety audit of their work as a condition of membership.
2. The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS): The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) is the professional representative body for plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the United Kingdom, based at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. The Association was founded in 1946 with the aim of relieving sickness and protecting and preserving public health by the promotion and development of plastic surgery. The aim of the association is to advance education in the field of plastic surgery.
3. The European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgeons (EAFPS): EAFPS was founded in 1977. Its purpose is to create a body of duly qualified surgeons who have had training and experience in plastic and/or reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.
4. ENT-UK: ENT-UK is the professional membership body that represents Ear, Nose and Throat and its related specialities. ENT-UK, also known as The British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists – Head & neck Surgeons is based at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. ENT UK represents over 1,300 medical practitioners including surgeons, trainees and audiologists. The advancement for the public benefit of education, training and research in the fields of otorhinolaryngology – head and neck surgery; the relief of patients suffering from diseases in the ear, nose and throat and related areas. It has a group devoted to Facial Plastic Surgery, FPS-UK.

You can find lists of many good rhinoplasty surgeons in the membership listings of some of the organisations above. Not all good surgeons are members of these groups. Not all members of these groups may be good surgeons for you. You need to spend the time to meet with a couple of nose surgeons before you can make a choice.

Knowing the right questions you want answers for is essential before a consultation. If you have satisfactory answers to all your questions you do not need more consultations.  However if you are not happy with what you have heard or all your questions have not been answered you should seek another opinion. Make sure you are happy with their postoperative photographs. Use the appointment as an opportunity to ask questions. An appointment is also an excellent opportunity to sit with staff. You can also use this time to investigate the accredited facilities in which they work. Fellowship-training, beyond the core plastic surgery residency, is important. Fellowship training shows that the surgeon has gone above and beyond the standard. They’ve sought specialised training specific to the area in which they practice.

The most important thing is that you choose someone with whom you feel comfortable. You must be confident they will meet your goals and expectations.