Most people who have undergone rhinoplasty surgery think the procedure results are worth the cost, discomfort, and downtime during recovery. Most patients undergo rhinoplasty surgery to change their noses’ size, shape, or proportions.
Apart from cosmetic reasons, rhinoplasty also corrects deformities resulting from an injury or congenital disability. Rhinoplasty surgery costs include surgical consultation, medication, follow-up, and grafting or implant fees.
What Are the Benefits of a Nose Job?
Rhinoplasty treatment addresses cosmetic and functional issues with your nose; this includes breathing problems, nasal shape, size, or symmetry. A nose job has many potential benefits, such as enhancing the aesthetics and function of your nose, improving your confidence, and eliminating self-consciousness about your nasal appearance.
Additionally, rhinoplasty can correct the size and shape of your nose, enhance the symmetry to make it align with other facial features, correct a deviated septum (the cartilage and bone in your nose), and improve your breathing.
Will Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty Surgical Procedure?
Generally, medical insurance does not cover elective cosmetic procedures unless their purpose is to correct a breathing problem or a functional defect. In this case, your insurance covers the operations in part or, sometimes, in full.
Where functional concerns arise after your surgery, you should contact your provider to confirm how much they will cover a corrective procedure.
If the insurance provider doesn’t cover the costs of the surgery, financial companies can also help you work out an affordable monthly payment plan.
How Much Does a Rhinoplasty Procedure Cost?
While rhinoplasty surgery costs vary, be wary of cost estimates significantly lower than the market average, as you could be compromising on the quality and experience. Always ensure you undergo the procedure under a board-certified surgeon.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty surgery is $5,483. And this cost is only part of the total, excluding anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses.
The total fee will often depend on your surgeon’s experience, the type of surgical procedure used, and the geographic location of the clinic. Consult your cosmetic surgeon to determine the costs your insurance provider will cover and those you will pay out of pocket.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical facility costs
- Related medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Medication
- Surgeon’s fee
What You Should Expect After Rhinoplasty
After the rhinoplasty surgery, you may have stitches on the incision areas and a bandage covering the nose as you recover. Your surgeon may also fit a plastic splint to hold the new shape in position as you heal. This splint will remain in place for about a week.
In addition, you will also have a “nasal drip pad” for about two days; this will collect any blood that drips from your nose. You can also expect swelling and bruising, which is a normal part of the healing process, and this should start to fade away within three to four weeks.
Your surgeon will prescribe medication to prevent infection, promote healing, and relieve any pain in the nose or the occasional headaches. During the first few days following the surgery, your nose will tend to feel stuffy, with some troubled breathing. And the skin on your nose tip will also feel numb, with some itching or shooting pain as the wound heals; this is also normal and will only last a few days.
Rhinoplasty Surgery Q&As
Q: What should I avoid after rhinoplasty surgery for optimal healing?
A: You should not blow your nose for a few days and avoid injury for about three months.
Q: How soon should I start noticing changes to the nose after surgery?
A: You will start to have a good idea of what your new nose will look like in about three to four weeks, and it will take up to one year to see the final outcome.
Q: What is the average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure?
A: Rhinoplasty surgery costs an average of $5,483 for surgeon’s fees.
Q: What rhinoplasty procedure is covered by most insurance providers?
A: While most insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic rhinoplasty, they cover procedures that correct injuries or breathing difficulties resulting from congenital disabilities.
Q: How should you care for the incision area after surgery?
A: Avoid any injuries to the incision area which could cause slow healing or bleeding. After stitch removal, you can wash the area with mild soap and water.
Q: What is the use of the splint after rhinoplasty?
A: After repositioning your nose’s bone and cartilage, the splint holds this new position in place as the wound heals.
Q: Why is it important to communicate the goals of the surgery with my surgeon?
A: Going over the goals you want to achieve with rhinoplasty gives you realistic expectations of the procedure.
Q: How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take to complete?
A: Rhinoplasty surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes one and a half to three hours.