A rhinoplasty or nasal surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to correct a breathing problem. As with any other kind of plastic surgery, cost is an important factor for anyone considering the procedure. This article looks at various factors that influence the price and to answer the question as to how much a rhinoplasty costs.

Factors influencing Rhinoplasty Costs

Rhinoplasty surgery can be done to reduce size of the nose, correct a deviated septum and solve breathing difficulties, alter a bent bridge or asymmetrical nose, hooked or bulbous tip, reduce the size of the nostrils, fix a broken nose, and more. Nose surgery cost is generally considered reasonable as it does not usually require hospital stay. The money spent would also vary from person to person, depending on the extent of the surgery necessary. The basic factors influencing cost are:

Surgeon’s fee: The surgeon’s skill, experience and repuation are important elements in determining the cost. The fee charged by an experienced surgeon who is an expert in plastic surgery would be high.
Anesthesiologist’s fee: In some cases, general anesthesia is required and the fees would then be higher than for local anesthesia.
Operating room or facility fee: The elements that influence operating room costs are equipment, operating room staff, sterilization, and medication. A procedure performed in a hospital would have a higher operating room cost than one which is done in an outpatient surgery office or center.
Geographical location: The cost of rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery also varies with location. The procedure is more expensive in a big city than in a suburb.
Type of nose surgery performed: The complexity of the surgery or procedure, whether primary open surgery or primary closed surgery also influences price. In open, an incision is along the vertical strip of skin between the nostrils (columella) as well as inside the nostrils. It can involve extensive work and is therefore more expensive than closed surgery when minimal work is needed and incisions are placed only on the inside.
Primary surgery or revision surgery: In many cases, people are not satisfied with the results of the initial surgery and go in for revision rhinoplasty. Revision surgery could be needed to correct both form and function of the nose and is therefore very expensive. For instance, if primary rhinoplasty costs range from $ 3,000 to $ 8,000, revision surgery could start from $ 10,000.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for nasal surgery depends on whether it is performed out of medical necessity or not. If the procedure is done to correct problems like a deviated septum and modify the nasal passage to facilitate breathing, your health insurance would pay for it. Rhinoplasty for just beautification does not qualify for reimbursement.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

How much rhinoplasty costs should not be the only factor influencing your choice of plastic surgeon. It is important to choose a Board-certified surgeon. Only a skilled and experienced surgeon would be able to offer you the results you want to see. Choosing the right surgeon can also ensure that you would not have to go in for revision surgery and end up paying more than you have to.

When you set up the first consultation, find out what the procedure would cost inclusive of initial and post-surgery visits, anesthesia and operating room charges, the surgeon’s fee and any other costs that you would have to incur.