Rhinoplasty is a surgical reshaping of the nose. Each year, over 200,000 patients decide to have this procedure done, either for cosmetic purposes or for medical reasons, such as to improve breathing or correct a congenital defect. During the surgery, the doctor may opt to remodel bone, cartilage and skin either separately or combined, depending on the wishes of the patient and the need.
Since there are many variables involved, it is hard to say exactly how much this surgical procedure will cost, but it’s important to know what goes into the final bill. Usually, the surgeon’s fee, which is a portion of the total cost, ranges from $6,000-10,000 for primary rhinoplasty procedures.
What To Consider
There are many things to consider when discussing rhinoplasty with a surgeon – not the least of which is cost. Rhinoplasty is major surgery done with local anesthesia and sedation, or under general anesthesia for more complex procedures. The exact fees will vary based on how extensive the procedure is, which practitioner and facility you are using and whether there are any complications involved. The bill should break down each cost for you.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost
The key to understanding the average cost of rhinoplasty is educating yourself on the different factors involved in your procedure. This is major surgery, so the cost should be broken down by the expense of each service provided.
Anesthesia Fees
Anesthesia costs range from $500 or more for a local anesthetic to $1,500-3,500 for a general anesthetic administered by an anesthesiologist. You should expect to pay:
- An anesthesia provider fee, which is payment for administering the medication.
- The facility anesthesia fee, which is payment for supplies, medication and hospital staff used during the administration.
Minimal IV sedation leaves the patient awake and in control of how much sedation they need. Moderate IV sedation, or Twilight sleep, leaves the patient asleep but able to move. Deep sedation means the patient may require some breathing assistance via a nasal or oral airway.
Cost of the Hospital or Surgical Center
A rhinoplasty is usually considered an outpatient procedure, so there is no overnight stay at a hospital; however, the procedure will be done in a medical facility that charges a fee.
In some cases, the doctor may decide to keep you in the hospital overnight. For example, if there are complications such as excessive bleeding, you will need to be under medical supervision. If you have a medical problem that may interfere with your healing, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may require more extensive medical monitoring. This monitoring may include a day or more of hospitalization.
Medical Testing
Lab work would include routine pre-op tests done for all major surgeries. In general, the doctor will want a complete blood count (CBC) to measure levels of red and white blood cells, chem 7 to check to see how the kidneys work, liver function panel, coagulation study to make sure the blot clots normally and arterial blood gas to ensure blood oxygen levels are healthy. Lab tests gauge your overall health and alert the doctor of potential complications.
Post-Surgical Garments
The surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment around the neck for a week or more to improve healing. In most cases, the doctor will apply a splint of some kind to protect the delicate nose structure as it heals. If there is a history of blood clots, you may even need more extensive compression garments to reduce risk.
Post-Op Medications
Post-op medications involve antibiotics to reduce the risk of infections, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes. The doctor will suggest over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen if you need something to help manage the discomfort.
Surgeon’s Fee
The average cost of rhinoplasty will also include a bill from the surgeon for the reconstructive procedure itself. The amount depends on the experience and location of the surgeon. Primary rhinoplasty surgeon fees typically range from $6,000-10,000. Follow-up visits are usually included.
For some people, insurance will cover the bill in part or in full. This outcome will depend on your insurance company, the plan you purchase and why you need the surgery. If the rhinoplasty is part of a comprehensive plan to improve your breathing or is a medical necessity to unblock the airway, the insurance company might pay for the reconstruction and additional costs. You may be responsible for a copay or coinsurance fee to share part of that expense.
What Other Factors Might Influence the Cost of a Rhinoplasty?
The experience, educational background and the reputation of the surgeon matters, as do the tools at his or her disposal. A new surgeon still trying to build a client base would probably do the procedure for less than one who has been practicing for decades. An established surgeon may also have more advanced technology with state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Generally speaking, an emergency procedure done after trauma might cost more, as well.
Although the final bill is always something you want to think about, it is not your primary concern. You put a lot of trust in the surgeon during your reconstructive surgery, so take your time and do some research. Go online and look at reviews of the doctor and practice during the vetting process. Look for a surgeon that understands the importance of the doctor/patient bond. A board-certified professional should be willing to sit down with you and consider the pros and cons of having this procedure done, which includes the estimated average cost.
You also want someone willing to go that extra mile and provide you with realistic expectations. Pick a surgeon who is open with you about the expenses and what you can expect from your surgical procedure.
