Dr Philip Michael
FRCSEd (ORL-HNS), FRACS | ENT Surgeon
Rhinology, nasal surgery and children’s ENT
Dr Philip Michael is a Melbourne-based ENT surgeon with a particular focus on rhinology, nasal obstruction, sinus disease and functional nasal surgery. He also has a longstanding practice in children’s ENT.
His nasal practice includes the assessment and treatment of structural and inflammatory causes of nasal obstruction, chronic and recurrent sinusitis, nasal polyps, septal problems and disorders affecting nasal airflow. Where the external structure of the nose contributes to breathing difficulty, assessment considers both internal and external nasal anatomy.
He has undertaken advanced training in rhinology and nasal surgery and holds specialist fellowships from both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Clinical interests
Nasal obstruction
Nasal blockage can result from several problems occurring alone or together, including septal deviation, enlargement of the turbinates, rhinitis and narrowing or weakness of the nasal valve.
Dr Michael assesses both the internal nasal airway and, where relevant, the external structure and support of the nose. Treatment may involve medical therapy, surgery or a combination of approaches depending on the cause of the obstruction.
Sinusitis and nasal polyps
Persistent nasal blockage, discharge, reduced sense of smell and recurrent sinus infections may be associated with chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps.
Assessment may include nasal endoscopy and review of CT imaging when appropriate. Treatment is tailored to the underlying condition and may include saline irrigation, topical medication and endoscopic sinus surgery when medical treatment alone is insufficient.
Functional nasal surgery
The nasal airway depends on more than the septum alone. The turbinates, internal nasal valve, external nasal sidewall and structural support of the nose can all influence breathing.
Dr Michael has a particular interest in functional nasal surgery, including septal surgery and reconstruction of structural problems affecting nasal airflow.
Where functional and aesthetic considerations overlap, these are assessed together rather than treating the appearance and function of the nose as unrelated issues.
Rhinoplasty and revision nasal surgery
Dr Michael's practice also includes rhinoplasty and revision nasal surgery. His approach places particular emphasis on preserving or improving nasal function while achieving changes that remain in proportion with the rest of the face.
More detailed information about rhinoplasty, including functional, cosmetic and revision surgery, is available on Dr Michael's dedicated rhinoplasty website.
Children’s ENT
Dr Michael treats common ENT conditions affecting children, including tonsil and adenoid problems, sleep-related breathing problems, nasal obstruction and recurrent ENT conditions.
He has more than 20 years' experience in paediatric tonsil surgery and has used Coblation techniques for tonsil and adenoid surgery since 2008. His practice includes both total tonsillectomy and intracapsular tonsillotomy, with the choice of technique based on the individual child, the indication for surgery and discussion with the family.
Qualifications and training
Dr Michael is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
His postgraduate training has included advanced experience in rhinology, endoscopic sinus surgery and functional and aesthetic nasal surgery.
His clinical practice has subsequently developed a particular emphasis on the relationship between nasal structure and function, including complex and revision nasal surgery.
Clinical audit and quality improvement
Dr Michael has maintained a longstanding interest in clinical audit and the recovery of children undergoing ENT surgery.
His previous audit work has included:
The Management of Pain Post-Tonsillectomy — Newport, 1997
Audit of Day Case Surgery – Information Given to Patients — Newport, 2003
Paediatric Day Case Surgery in the Birmingham Treatment Centre — Birmingham, 2007
This work forms part of a broader clinical interest in postoperative pain management, day-case surgery, hydration, discharge information and safe recovery following children’s tonsil and adenoid surgery.
Appointments
Dr Michael practises in Melbourne across private and public hospital settings.
For information about the hospitals at which a particular procedure can be performed, please contact Hawthorn ENT reception.
Appointments at Hawthorn ENT
Dr Michael sees adults and children at Hawthorn ENT in Hawthorn East.
Patients may be referred specifically to Dr Michael, or reception can assist where you are unsure which Hawthorn ENT specialist is most appropriate for the condition.