Rhinoplasty Costs Explained

A rhinoplasty procedure can be life changing with respect to your appearance and/or the way you breathe. Preparing for this change is thrilling, but considering the financial costs is equally important. The total cost for a rhinoplasty is divided into three main categories: (1) surgeon’s cost, (2) anesthesia fee and (3) facility fee.

Below, you will find a breakdown of the principle costs of a rhinoplasty surgery, with supplemental information about insurance coverage, miscellaneous costs and tips for financing a rhinoplasty. These costs may not apply if you have functional issues with your nose that need to be repaired like valve collapse or a broken nose, in which case your insurance should cover some or all of the expense.

The largest percentage of rhinoplasty costs stems from the surgeon’s fee. This is the payment your rhinoplasty surgeon charges for performing the surgery. These costs vary. The amount of the fee depends on variables like geographic location, surgeon’s expertise and whether the surgeon is high in demand.

During your consultation, be sure to inquire about this fee, but do not select your plastic surgeon based solely on cost. Your doctor should have “before and after” examples of his previous rhinoplasty patients on his website, in addition to board certifications and fellowships. In many ways, choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon is much like conducting a job interview. You need to be confident that your surgeon has the appropriate credentials and experience.

Anesthesia fees need to be calculated into the total rhinoplasty.  The amount of the fee depends on three factors: (1) the anesthesia provider, (2) the time of the procedure, and (3) whether you will receive local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically more costly, since it requires more time and effort for the anesthesiologist.

On average, anesthesia costs range between $800 and $2,000 per case.

Facility fees are the final cost that makes up a rhinoplasty fee. Depending upon your plastic surgeon, your rhinoplasty may be performed at two places: (1) a hospital, (2) the office or (3) an off-site surgery center.

Typically, the facility fees for a rhinoplasty performed in a hospital are more expensive than one performed in a surgical facility. Dr. Bennett understands that minimizing costs are of an utmost priority for his patients, which is why he performs rhinoplasty procedures at the fully accredited state-of-the-art East Side Manhattan ambulatory facility.

The total facility fee for either location takes into account not only operating and recovery room expenses, but also fees allocated to surgical tools, surgical staff, nurses and miscellaneous equipment and supplies.

Facilities fees can cost between $1000 and $3,000. As a good rule of thumb, remember that the longer the procedure, the more costly the fees.

Miscellaneous expenses should be considered when planning surgery. Many surgery centers require a pre-surgical physical examination to be performed and may require labs or other testing depending on your health. Medications and dressings for after surgery should be considered. If you live far away from the surgery center you may need to stay in a local hotel overnight. Be aware of time lost from work and look to schedule the surgery on a date that will minimize lost income. Preparing is the best way to make sure that you don’t have any financial surprises.

Although rhinoplasty is commonly sought for cosmetic reasons, often times, this surgery may be necessary to correct breathing and functional problems. The surgery can also be performed in conjunction with other nasal surgeries such as turbinate reduction, valve repair, nasal fracture repair, and sinus surgery. Dr. Bennett’s office staff will check your benefits and inform you in detail what your insurance will cover so there are nor surprises for anyone. Insurance policies change frequently as insurance has become mainly for profit. In 2017, record increases of insurance payments went to increase stock shareholder dividends and insurance executive pay. Our staff will make sure you receive the benefits you deserve. We take care of all of the paperwork and appeals with insurance companies that we are allowed.

Our office will let you know whether your plastic surgeon is an in-network or out-of-network doctor under your policy. It is generally helpful to discuss your insurance policy with your plastic surgeon. Dr. Bennett’s office staff take care to review each patient’s policy with them and explain whether the procedure may be partially or fully covered by health insurance.

Due to the high cost of rhinoplasty procedures that are not covered insurance, many surgeons offer a financing plan. Most financing plans require a patient to make a down payment that consists of a percentage of the procedure. After the procedure, the patient pays for the procedure over time via a monthly installment plan.

Not all plastic surgeons offer a financing plan, so do your research ahead of time to decide whether it is a viable option. If not, you may also seek assistance through various financial institutions via a short-term loan. Dr. Bennett does not believe in financing for elective surgery and will work with patients to help find a solution to pay for surgery without financial hardship.

Regardless of which financing method you choose, remember that your doctor’s office or financial institution expect payment in full. Failure to pay for your rhinoplasty procedure can result in damage to your credit score and your ability to borrow in the future.

For many, cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery may seem frightening and excessively expensive. Rhinoplasty also means dedicating a great deal of time in caring for your new nose after the procedure. You will be required to take a week off from work, get plenty of bed rest, and carefully clean and maintain your nose during the healing process. For many, this seems like an inconvenience in one’s everyday routine.

Understanding the benefits of the procedure can help ease these worries. A successful rhinoplasty often leads to a heightened sense of comfort and confidence with yourself and others, leading to success at work and in your personal life.

Further, when weighing the post-operative care and costs against the benefits of a new nose, remember that although a rhinoplasty is a procedure that may cause a minor disturbance in your life for 1-2 weeks, the dramatic changes to your self-esteem and respiratory improvements can last a lifetime.