How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon
Ratings and before-and-after photos help, but the checks that matter most are free and take ten minutes.
Step 1: Verify board certification
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) runs a public search where you can check whether a surgeon is certified. The ABPS notes that certification is a voluntary credential, so a surgeon without it is not breaking a rule, but you should know the answer before you book. Search at abplasticsurgery.org/public. Other specialties, such as facial plastic surgery or ear, nose and throat surgery, have their own boards. Ask the practice which board certified the surgeon.
Step 2: Check the Oklahoma license
The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision has a Find a Doctor tool on its website. Use it to confirm the license is active. Start at okmedicalboard.org.
Step 3: Ask where surgery will happen
The ASPS says rhinoplasty may be done in an accredited office-based surgical facility, a licensed ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. Ask which one, who gives the anesthesia, and what credentials that person holds.
Step 4: Use the consultation well
According to the ASPS, a good consultation covers your goals for both appearance and breathing, your medical conditions and allergies, your medications and supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and previous surgeries. The surgeon may examine and measure your face, take photographs, discuss options, and explain likely outcomes and risks. You should leave knowing the plan, the risks and the full cost.
Step 5: Read ratings with care
Google ratings in our directory are a snapshot from November 5, 2026. They measure the whole experience of a practice, often including injectables, skin care and front desk service, not only nose surgery. Look at how many reviews there are, read the written ones, and note whether the practice replies to complaints. We do not write reviews or rank surgeons.
Warning signs
- Guarantees about how your nose will look. The ASPS says the goal is balance and proportion, and that results may not be completely symmetric.
- Pressure to book fast or pay a deposit on the same day.
- No discussion of risks, or no consent form.
- Refusing to put the full price in writing.
- Edited photos, or photos that are not the surgeon’s own patients.
The ASPS reminder on cost
The ASPS says to remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost. See the cost guide for what to ask for in writing.
Sources: American Board of Plastic Surgery, Is your surgeon certified?; Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, Find a Doctor; ASPS, How to prepare for rhinoplasty; ASPS, Rhinoplasty consultation; ASPS, Rhinoplasty cost (accessed November 5, 2026).