San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon on Rhinoplasty and Choosing the Right Practice for a Procedure
According to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), rhinoplasty was the top procedure performed by facial plastic surgeons in 2010, with an average of 54 procedures performed per surgeon. Dr. John Hilinski, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, says that because of the difficulty involved in successful rhinoplasty, consulting with the proper physician is essential for achieving the best results. Dr. Hilinski discusses the intricacies and complexities of rhinoplasty as well as specific qualifications to look for in a facial plastic surgeon.
At his San Diego facial plastic surgery practice, Dr. John Hilinski says rhinoplasty is the most common procedure he performs. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) confirms Dr. Hilinski’s observations, reporting in their latest study that an average of 54 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in 2010 per surgeon, followed by facelift with an average of 50 procedures and eyelid surgery with an average of 49. Because of its popularity, Dr. Hilinski says many doctors are choosing to offer rhinoplasty at their practice, but few have the qualifications and experience needed to perform such a complex and intricate procedure. He says rhinoplasty requires specific surgical attention to both the cosmetic appearance and the physiological detail of the nose’s structure, because it impacts both a person’s breathing and their appearance.
“Cosmetic rhinoplasty is arguably the most complex and challenging plastic surgery procedure performed because the nose is truly the centerpiece of the face and plays such an important role in our facial appearance. And, unlike other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation and abdominoplasty, less than ideal surgical results cannot be easily concealed from view. Because the stakes are so high in cosmetic reshaping of the nose, choosing your rhinoplasty surgeon can significantly influence whether or not a successful outcome is achieved.”
Dr. Hilinski says that as with any aesthetic enhancement, patients must be sure to consult with the proper surgeon before undergoing a rhinoplasty or secondary rhinoplasty procedure. He also adds that plastic surgeons with specific focus on the face and nose are far more likely to have the experience and surgical ability to perform the procedure successfully and with the highest quality results. Dr. Hilinski says surgeons who have been certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and also the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery are preferred because of their dedication to the specific cosmetic and functional structure of the nose and face. “Those with this additional board certification have established expertise in dealing with the actual function of the nose. Such experience can be vital when reshaping the nose for cosmetic reasons, as form and function are inextricably linked when it comes to rhinoplasty surgery.”
Another distinction to look for in a facial plastic surgeon according to Dr. Hilinski is a detailed and expansive portfolio of before-and-after photographs. He says that a surgeon’s ability to display their work extensively signifies an aptitude and consistency in their surgical technique that comes from having an experienced background in performing rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.
Regardless of whether patients are seeking rhinoplasty in San Diego, or another procedure such as eyelid surgery, Dr. Hilinski recommends putting the time into researching thoroughly all options before undergoing any procedure. “Unless your chosen rhinoplasty surgeon meets these all-important criteria, my recommendation is to keep looking. Given the fact that cosmetic nose reshaping is widely regarded as the most difficult plastic surgery procedure to perform correctly, doing your homework way up front can pay huge dividends in the future.”
About John Hilinski, MD
Dr. John Hilinski received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed a General Surgery internship and a Head and Neck surgery residency at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, focusing exclusively on surgery of the face and neck. Dr. Hilinski also received extensive training through a fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgery in Chicago, IL, where he served as a Clinical Instructor in the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine. He is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Hilinski is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has been published in numerous medical journals and book chapters for rhinoplasty and advanced techniques in scar revision.
Located at 3270 Fourth Avenue in San Diego, Dr. Hilinski’s practice can be contacted at (619) 296-3223 or online via the website drhilinski.com or www.facebook.com/drhilinski.
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