Although rhinoplasty cost is naturally a consideration when seeking to reshape your nose, it’s not the only thing to consider before going under the knife. It’s just as important to research your plastic surgeon’s qualifications, board certification and years of experience when checking out potential surgical practices to do your procedure.
From there, once you have met with prospective rhinoplasty surgeons and have chosen the best one with whom you have excellent communication, shows a keen artistic sensibility, takes an interest in your needs and desires and concentrates most of his or her time on rhinoplasty, then rhinoplasty cost in Westchester, NY should be discussed.
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure. Considering it is one of the most complicated in the plastic surgery field, it’s critical that you select a truly skilled surgeon, rather than a surgeon offering a bargain price. With that being said, here is an outline of the cost factors involved in a quality rhinoplasty procedure.
Rhinoplasty Cost Factors
- Rhinoplasty complexity: The more complex your particular rhinoplasty case is, the more it will cost to correct the problems with your nose. That is why revision rhinoplasty typically costs more than primary rhinoplasty in Westchester, NY and northern NJ. You can help avoid the necessity for a revision rhinoplasty by choosing a qualified surgeon to handle your procedure the first time. (Revision rhinoplasty costs are higher than a primary procedure because of its more complex nature.) In fact, you should consider choosing a surgeon from a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice for the highest skill level. Even if you don’t feel that your surgery rises to the level of reconstruction, the experience will give your surgeon all the skills needed to shape your nose as you like – or as close as realistically possible to that ideal.
- Surgeon’s experience: Experienced surgeons tend to charge a higher fee, but you’ll find that having experience on your side helps ensure a predictably successful outcome. Experience has been identified as the best predictor of a happy result from rhinoplasty. Having had years of experience allows your surgeon to perform surgery on a wide variety of different noses with different corrections needed. Put that experience to work for you by choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon with 10+ years of experience.
- Geographic costs: It is no secret that things cost more in and around New York City. The local cost of living (high office rent, overhead and administrative costs, etc.) in a big metro area translates to a higher cost for your rhinoplasty. That does not mean, however, that this extra cost is always worthwhile or that the best rhinoplasty surgeons only come from Manhattan. Looking outside Manhattan or Brooklyn, and even outside NY all together, to nearby Bergen County in northern NJ, could give you the best of both worlds: an experienced surgeon with a lower rhinoplasty cost in comparison to NYC.
- Insurance coverage: If your surgery is not just a nasal reshaping, but also involves correcting a functional/breathing problem, then insurance may help pay for the functional repair part of your rhinoplasty. This, of course, will save you money overall. Choose a surgeon who is accommodating enough to send any needed records to your insurance company to help them make their coverage determination. If you have insurance coverage and a functional nasal problem, verify coverage with your company, see if your surgeon must be “in network” and also check to see if your chosen surgeon will accept the insurance.
- Anesthesia: Some surgeons may offer sedation rather than general anesthesia as a way to save you money on your overall rhinoplasty costs. Base the anesthesia choice on what the surgeon feels is best for your outcome, not for saving money. General anesthesia allows for greater blood pressure control, which is just one reason surgeons prefer it in many cases. If your Westchester, NY, surgeon frames it as a cost issue, see another surgeon. Anesthesia should ideally be administered and monitored throughout the procedure by an MD anesthesiologist. This leaves your plastic surgeon free to concentrate completely on your nasal surgery.
- Surgery center vs. hospital operating room: Surgical centers are in wide use and, when accredited, are just as safe (for properly chosen procedures) as the hospital version. These centers also save you money over the hospital OR. You should, however, always ensure that your chosen rhinoplasty surgeon does have hospital privileges at a nearby, well known hospital, such as the well respected Hackensack University Medical Center in Bergen County, NJ, where my partners and I have privileges. Hospital privileges provide extra vetting of the surgeon’s skills, even if your surgery will not take place there.
- Artistic chops: For a successful rhinoplasty, you must be certain of your plastic surgeon’s sense of aesthetics. Your surgeon should be able to reshape a variety of noses well so that the outcome is in harmony with the patient’s other features. This skill is what helps you to end up with a naturally attractive nose after rhinoplasty. Look at your surgeon’s photo books and discuss facial balance to get an idea of what they think is a “great look.” If you see the same shape of nose on everyone in his/her book—and that is not what you’re seeking…find another surgeon.
- Dedication: Look for a plastic surgeon who shows an interest in you and your needs. Your Westchester, NY, rhinoplasty surgeon must not only be skilled, but also be dedicated to your cause. If a highly credentialed surgeon seems unwilling to explain surgical strategy to you or seems uninterested in you and your needs, find another surgeon. You need a skilled surgeon who shows deep involvement in your outcome. This is a surgeon who won’t be happy unless you are happy with your results. Although this kind of surgeon may take a little longer to find, it is well worth the wait in the end.
Avoiding Rhinoplasty Disappointment
There’s one important cost to avoid when you’re considering rhinoplasty: revision. The need for a revision, because of an unsatisfactory result from your primary rhinoplasty, is simply too big of a price to pay. Revisions are very commonly needed with some surgeons and very rarely needed with others.
It’s ok to focus on costs involved with rhinoplasty, but remember to consider all the costs, not just the monetary price. Choose the surgeon who can and will help you achieve your desired outcome–a successful rhinoplasty that you are happy with. A great Westchester, NY rhinoplasty surgeon will help you avoid disappointment and avoid ever having to repeat your rhinoplasty– that’s worth much more than saving a few dollars upfront.
Speaking of Saving Money…
At Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Bergen County, NJ (just 40 mins from Westchester, NY), we offer a personalized consultation for those considering rhinoplasty. We would be happy to meet with you and answer your questions to determine if you’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty. At that point, we can absolutely determine your rhinoplasty cost and help you start working toward getting the rhinoplasty results you want and deserve. Schedule your appointment with us today!
