Rhinoplasty Cost

The cost of rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient and it depends on many factors, including techniques, the surgeon's experience and skill level, geography and extent of the reconstructive work to be performed. At your initial consultation, your surgeon will give you an estimate of the cost and associated fees for the procedure. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost in 2010 for rhinoplasty was $4,314, not including fees for facility, anesthesia, pre-operative tests, medications and supplies.

Like most types of plastic surgery, rhinoplasty involves surgery-related facility fees, anesthesia, medication and blood work. Typically, the cost of the anesthesia ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the procedure performed. The cost of the facility or operating room will also vary and ranges from $500 to $1,000.

Many plastic surgeons have their own clinics, which influences rhinoplasty costs for the procedure. If a patient has more than one procedure performed at once, the surgeon is likely to reduce the fees and combine costs for multiple surgeries. This will also allow the patient to pay only once for anesthesia and operating room costs, and it allows the patient to recover from all the procedures performed.

Health Insurance and Rhinoplasty

In some cases, health insurance will pay for rhinoplasty, if the insurance company agrees that the surgery is medically necessary due to accident, health complications, physical deformities, and in cases of chronic or acute sinusitis or a deviated septum. If the procedure is strictly for cosmetic purposes, expect to pay the full cost for your surgery.

You will need to discuss medical necessity with your surgeon during your consultation. If your surgery is deemed "medically necessary" then you and your surgeon's staff will get the procedure authorized-in writing-by the insurance company, before the procedure is performed. In this case, the patient may be required to pay partial fees or none at all, but this will be determined by the insurance company and the type of coverage you have with your provider.

Rhinoplasty Consultation Cost

Most rhinoplasty surgeons usually offer free consultations, especially when the economy is down, but do not assume your consultation will be free. It is best to ask before scheduling an appointment. You may be required to pay for a consultation, unless you go ahead and schedule a surgery, in which case the surgeon will deduct the cost of the consultation from your surgery fees.

In the initial consultation, the surgeon will give you an estimate cost. He or she might ask for blood work and additional tests to ensure that you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Some surgeons might include the costs for these pre-operative tests in the total cost of the procedure; or you might have the option to choose a lab of your preference.

Payments & Financing

Because the cost of rhinoplasty is usually greater than what a patient can afford at one time, many surgeons offer financing from institutions that specialize in cosmetic and plastic surgery lending. Your surgeon and his or her staff will inform you about these options and finance plans, and you might also research them online. Medical financing works similar to any other type of financing: You apply for a payment plan and once approved, the financial institution pays the rhinoplasty surgeon for the amount you were approved, and you repay the financial institution. You will make monthly payments with interest, which will allow you to pay for your surgery in smaller amounts over time.

Factors That Affect Cost

• Time. The more work a surgeon does on the nasal area, the longer the procedure will take and the more it will cost in terms of facility use and the surgeon's and other staff's time.
• Technique. The technique or equipment used will influence the cost of the procedure.
• Technology. Using the latest technology will usually increase cost of the procedure; likewise, using older technologies will usually lower the cost. (Make sure that whatever technology you choose, you are getting the desired results and not settling on a certain technology based on cost alone.)
• Surgeon. A surgeon with more experience and a higher skill set is likely to charge more for his or her services (see below). A very popular, in-demand rhinoplasty surgeon might increase his or her prices.
• Location. Geography can affect the cost of the procedure. Cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, might cost more if performed in a densely urban area, such as New York City or Los Angeles.
• Anesthesiology. The type of anesthesia will affect cost. Generally speaking, local anesthesia with sedation is less costly than general anesthesia.
• Facility. A procedure performed in your doctor's surgical office will likely cost less than a procedure performed in a hospital.
• Other procedures. If you have rhinoplasty in addition to another procedure (such as facelift) that will affect the cost of the procedure.

A Word About Medical Tourism

Most people love to search for values, even when considering cosmetic surgery. Medical tourism has become increasingly more popular, and the Internet makes it easy to learn about options in other states or countries. This is an attractive option, especially if cost savings are involved, but there are many factors to take into consideration. In many cases, it is not necessarily in your best interest to go abroad for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, unless you know the area you are visiting and you have a known referral for a surgeon who has consistent results and no complaints.

With medical tourism, there are many costs and added fees, such as: travel, accommodations, but the costs are greatly increased if there are complications. Although many countries have high medical standards like the United States, and you are likely to get satisfying results, but some countries have less rigid standards for medical training and cleanliness, and the risk of complications could be higher. In addition, there are medical and liability differences, and in the case of a bad outcome, recompense or revisionary surgery can create issues.

Consider all costs when evaluating medical tourism: plane tickets, hotel stays and follow-up visits. Your surgery will likely require you to refrain from traveling for a week to 10 days post-op, and unless you have a friend who lives in that area, you are looking at a big hotel bill. Traveling abroad is not a good option if the patient is having only one procedure and expects to return to work right away. Medical tourism makes more sense when the patient has several cosmetic procedures performed at one time and is able to take at least one month off work. Additionally, financing is usually not an option to non-residents of the destination country.

Rhinoplasty Surgeon Experience and Training

Cosmetic surgery is not the time to bargain shop. Choose a rhinoplasty surgeon who has extensive, specific experience and training and who is certified in his or her area of specialty. Review his or her before-and-after pictures, read patient testimonials and ask to speak to other patients who have had similar procedures.

Usually the best surgeons cost more; but they have the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver better results and can ensure that you receive the proper treatment and will be handled with the best possible care. Choosing the best, most experienced surgeon can reduce the risk of complications and increase your satisfaction with the outcome of your rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is usually an elective surgery. Like any type of surgery, it should be a conscious and well-thought decision. Choosing the right surgeon will help ensure the success of your surgery.

For a list of rhinoplasty surgeons near you please search our Surgeon Locator!