What is the difference between an ENT surgeon and a plastic surgeon, and why does it matter for the nose?

The nose is both an aesthetic and a functional organ — it directly affects not just appearance but breathing. As a surgeon with an ENT (ear, nose and throat) background, when planning surgery I look not only at the external appearance but, at the same time, at functional problems that can cause nasal obstruction, such as a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates.

This makes an important difference: with an approach focused on aesthetics alone, a breathing problem that already exists, or one that could arise from surgery, may be missed. Working with an ENT-trained surgeon means that both how your nose looks and how it works are planned together, as a whole.

Which questions should you ask at the first consultation?

The first consultation is a meeting in which you assess the surgeon as well as the surgeon assessing you. Some questions I suggest asking: How often do you operate on cases like mine? Which technique would be used for my nose, and why? Is there a problem with my breathing, and if so will it be corrected in the same session? How soon can I return to daily life? How will recovery progress, and how often are follow-up appointments? What happens if I am not satisfied with the result?

A surgeon who answers these questions patiently, clearly and understandably is also showing you what communication will be like after surgery.

What should the follow-up schedule be after surgery?

Rhinoplasty does not end on the operating table — the result takes months to settle, so regular follow-up matters. I see my patients at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year. These visits are important for confirming that healing is progressing as expected and for catching anything that needs early attention.

Having a surgeon who remains accessible after surgery, and being able to ask freely about anything on your mind, lets the process go ahead with confidence.

Which promises should be treated with caution?

The result of rhinoplasty varies from person to person, depending on the existing structure of your nose, skin thickness and healing — so I advise caution towards definite promises such as “it will look exactly like this celebrity’s nose” or “a one hundred per cent symmetrical, flawless result”. A serious surgeon sets realistic expectations and explains the possible limitations openly.

Likewise, be careful with approaches that guarantee a price or a result without an examination, without having seen your nose.