No one-size-fits-all practice model for facial surgeons exists. The option you select should be based upon several factors. First, you must decide if you intend to be recognized as a facial surgeon or someone whose core specialty practice also includes facial surgery. In making that determination, there are three cardinal questions to be considered:

• Are you an independent thinker—an entrepreneur?

• Are you more comfortable working in a team environment?

• Do you prefer to have the backing of a large institution behind you and an academic title?

How these questions are answered should direct you toward a particular style of practice.

• The entrepreneur will likely lean toward solo practice in a private setting.

• The team player will likely be attracted to a group practice or partnership.

• And the institutionalist will likely be intrigued by joining the full-time faculty of a university, large multispecialty clinic, or hospital.

Regardless of which route you choose, you should surround yourself with a team of advisors and counselors: an attorney, an accountant, and a financial advisor.