Choosing Your Surgeon

How to Choose an Appropriately Qualified Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Australia

Rhinoplasty is a specialised surgical procedure that requires precision and significant training. When considering this surgery, it is important to select a qualified practitioner with demonstrated expertise in nasal surgery.

This guide outlines key factors to consider when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon in Australia, based on transparency, professional standards and informed decision-making.

Certification and Credentials

Patients are encouraged to confirm whether their surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), which indicates completion of accredited specialist surgical training in Australia.

Membership in professional societies such as the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) or the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS) may also reflect a focused interest in nasal surgery.

Note: Only practitioners with FRACS are recognised by the Medical Board of Australia as specialist surgeons.

Experience and Scope of Practice

Experience in nasal surgery can be an important factor when considering rhinoplasty. During your consultation, you may wish to ask:

How many rhinoplasty procedures have you performed?
Do you focus primarily on nasal or facial procedures?
Are you trained in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques?

Your surgeon can explain how their training and clinical background may apply to your situation.

Viewing Before and After Images

Surgeons may share de-identified before and after images with patient consent. These examples are for general illustrative purposes only.

Disclaimer: Every surgical procedure has individual outcomes. Results may vary depending on factors such as anatomy, healing, and health status. Images are not guarantees of outcomes and should be considered only in the context of your personalised consultation.

Initial Consultation

A consultation allows you to:

Discuss your reasons and expectations
Understand risks, recovery, and alternatives
Evaluate communication with your surgeon

Questions to consider during your consultation:

What qualifications and training do you hold?
How frequently do you perform rhinoplasty?
What surgical setting and anaesthesia will be used?
What are the risks and possible complications?
What does the recovery timeline look like?
Are follow-up consultations included in the total fee?

Patients should receive a written cost estimate that outlines all applicable fees, including surgical, facility, anaesthesia, and follow-up consultations. This is part of informed financial consent.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon is a personal decision that should be made based on qualifications, experience, communication, and a shared understanding of goals and expectations.

Consultation with Dr Shahidi

Dr Shahidi is an Australian-trained specialist Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). MED 0001167352. He has undertaken post-fellowship training in rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery and is a member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS) and Australian Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

He consults and operates in Sydney at Lakeview Private Hospital and Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital.

To explore whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for your needs, please contact our clinic to arrange a consultation.

Disclaimer: All surgical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Many patients consider the following qualifications when selecting a surgeon:

	Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons
	The Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
	The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery