Choosing the right surgeon can be a daunting experience to go through for a prospective patient. There is no shortage of options when choosing a surgeon yet not every doctor is the right one for you, especially if you're considering nasal surgery of any sort. 

Here are three reasons to consider a rhinoplasty specialist over other plastic surgeons. 

Reason 1: A Rhinoplasty Specialist Has Focused and Specific Certification

Only asking your consulting physician “Are you board certified?” , you could potentially be misled about the qualifications of the doctor. As there are many types of doctors, so too are there many types of board certifications. There are only two boards which credentials surgeons for plastic surgery to the face. These are the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Even choosing a surgeon who is board certified from these recommended groups does not verify the surgeon’s ability to do rhinoplasty surgery. When in doubt, choose a surgeon who does a large number of nasal surgeries in his/her practice.

Reason 2: Choosing a Rhinoplasty Specialist Means Less Risk Of Nasal Dysfunction

Besides sitting in the middle of our face, the nose has two very important functions that we take for granted, which are breathing and smelling. Even if you may have no problems with the function of your nose, changes done during rhinoplasty surgery may alter these functions. Besides having a good looking nose, its important to also have a nose that works!

Reason 3: A Rhinoplasty Specialist Has Lots of Practice

As mentioned above, it is important to choose a surgeon who specializes in this type of surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most challenging surgeries to perform. Ending up with a nice looking nose that also is able to breath well is no easy task. Just like a lawyer who does murder trials versus business mergers, rhinoplasty requires a completely different skill set than doing breast augmentations or tummy tucks.

The nasal bones are the most frequently fractured bones in the face.  Unfortunately many of us can speak first hand on this type of injury.

Besides causing external changes to the nose, trauma to the nose can alter anatomic structures inside the nose.  One area inside your nose particularly sensitive to nasal trauma, is the internal nasal valve.  This portion of the nose is the narrowest region in the nose, as such this region significantly influences nasal airflow.  Trauma to the cartilage structures comprising this region of the nose can lead to collapse of the internal nasal valve, which can lead to a chronic sensation of nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Beside resetting the fractured nasal bones to a straighter position, Dr. Kwak may need to address the middle portion of your nose to correct a collapse internal nasal valve.

If you have had nasal trauma in the past and have persistant nasal obstruction, you may be a candidate for a procedure to correct your breathing problems.  To learn more about crooked noses or nasal breathing we welcome you to come in for consultation.