How to Choose the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon: Credentials, Questions, and Red Flags

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey and New York

In areas like Short Hills and New York City, researching the best surgeons near you can be intimidating. It can be difficult to narrow down the search and hone in on what it means to be “one of the best” for any given procedure. For a complex and delicate procedure like rhinoplasty, you must choose a surgeon with the right experience.

This resource will help you learn more about the credentials and skills that set the best rhinoplasty surgeons apart. With it, you can make decisions about your health and appearance with more dignity and confidence.

I, Dr. Alexander Ovchinsky, am the founder and Medical Director of Plastic Surgery of Short Hills. Unlike many other surgeons, I am a true specialist in rhinoplasty, and I execute each with a special focus on both science and artistry, sculpting the impressive, natural-looking results I have become so well-known for.

To learn more, please contact us online to schedule a consultation, or call the office most convenient for you:

About Choosing the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Being the “best rhinoplasty surgeon” requires more than being the most popular name in your area. It requires extensive knowledge and skill to perform corrections while also producing flattering, natural-looking results.

Rhinoplasty procedures are incredibly complex, as the structures of the nose are delicate and deeply interconnected. Factors such as skin thickness, shape, anatomy, and whether the patient had undergone a previous rhinoplasty can greatly affect results and techniques. An expert surgeon should be able to account for each patient’s unique nasal anatomy, medical history, and desired aesthetic outcomes. Surgeons who are the best at what they do are able to adapt their surgical techniques to ensure seamless results in every case.

I have been one of New Jersey’s top rhinoplasty specialists for several years. I am an expert in primary and revision rhinoplasty procedures, with more than 20 years of experience and over 40,000 procedures performed. I have also conducted numerous published research projects about rhinoplasty and related topics.

Choosing a Surgeon with the Right Credentials and Training

Among the first things you should research for a surgeon are their credentials and training. Your surgeon should be direct and upfront about where they went to medical school, what medical areas they are trained in, where they completed their residency, and any other experience they have.

I completed both my medical degree and residency at the State University of New York – Downstate Health Science Center. When I was receiving my medical degree, the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society elected me into membership. This is the only national medical honor society in the country, and membership is determined by merit. I completed my fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

After completing my education, I joined the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary—one of the leading teaching institutions for facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology in the state of New York—as an assistant professor. Here, I helped teach the next generation of residents and performed clinical research.

Awards and Recognitions

  • “Peter Shindler Memorial Award” by the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
  • “Best Rhinoplasty Doctor in NJ” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine from 2018 to 2022, consecutively.

The Importance of Board Certification

Being board-certified can make a big difference between a surgeon who can perform rhinoplasty and a plastic surgeon who takes the time to advance their training and hold themselves to a higher standard. I currently maintain two different board certifications. One by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and one by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This reflects the specialized training I have undergone and the exams I must pass to demonstrate knowledge and dedication.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon?

There are 24 different medical specialty boards in the country, and each has different requirements. For otolaryngology, doctors must complete three to seven years of full-time experience in a residency training program after earning their medical degree. They must then pass a written and oral exam. (1) It is important to note that board certifications are not lifelong, and that doctors must actively meet the requirements for their board. They also need to recertify after a certain amount of time. (2)

What Are the Requirements to Become a Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a subspecialty board certification. It holds a very unique set of requirements for certification.

Each surgeon who applies for this board certification must have already earned their board certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or an accepted Canadian equivalent. Each surgeon must have been in practice for a minimum of two years and operate in an accredited facility. They are also required to submit 100 operative reports of personally performed facial cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgeries to be accepted by a peer-review committee and pass a written and oral exam. (3)

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • A Lack of Credentials: You should reconsider working with a surgeon if they lack the proper training or experience to perform the procedure you are interested in.
  • Before and After photos don’t show good results, or the results don’t align with your aesthetic goals
  • Too-Good-to-be-True Discounted Pricing: It is often a red flag when you see a price that is too good to be true. Low-priced plastic surgery may indicate that the surgeon performing it is unqualified or that the facility is inadequate.
  • Upselling Procedures: If your plastic surgeon keeps trying to sell you more procedures or is trying to convince you to achieve a different look, you should consider finding someone new. Any medical specialist you work with should respect your choices and natural beauty, especially in a field such as plastic surgery.
  • False Promises: No plastic surgeon can promise a patient exact results. An honest surgeon will always be upfront about what results are realistic and the risks associated with the procedure.

What Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures Do You Offer?

I have an extensive expertise in a variety of rhinoplasty procedures, including:

Cost of Rhinoplasty in New Jersey and New York

My patient care coordinator will discuss your financial obligations with you in person once I have examined you and created your treatment plan. The pricing of your procedure can vary depending on certain factors, such as the type of rhinoplasty you receive, the overall complexity of your procedure, the need for special supplies and equipment, and more. My staff will discuss with you financing options and see if you qualify.

For further inquiries about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call the office:

FAQ

What does it mean to be fellowship-trained?

Being fellowship-trained means that after my residency, I had to apply, get accepted, and complete one additional year of training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Where are Dr. Ovchinsky’s offices located?

I have two conveniently located offices in Short Hills, New Jersey, and Brooklyn, New York.

How many years of experience does Dr. Ovchinsky have?

Throughout my career, I have amassed over 20 years of experience. These experiences have helped me become one of the most trusted and recognized rhinoplasty specialists in my area.

What variations of rhinoplasty can Dr. Ovchinsky perform?

I can perform all types of rhinoplasty, including cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, male rhinoplasty, transgender rhinoplasty, teenage rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty.

How will I know if a rhinoplasty procedure is right for me?

During your personal consultation, I will meet with you to learn more about your aesthetic goals, medical history, functional concerns, and assess your nasal anatomy and structure. I will then use this information to decide whether a rhinoplasty or another procedure best suits your needs.

References

  1. Our Assessment Programs | American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Abohns.org. Published 2024. https://www.abohns.org/about-our-certifications/our-assessment-programs
  2. Abraham SE. Board Certification: It’s Not the Test! The Journal of the American College of Certified Wound Specialists. 2009;1(2):43-44. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcws.2009.04.002
  3. Examinee’s Guide to the Written and Oral Exams. Accessed June 3, 2026. https://www.abfprs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/9-examinee-guide-copy.pdf