Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is a surgery that reshapes the nose. People get it for cosmetic reasons—maybe they want to change the size or shape of their nose. But rhinoplasty can also fix breathing problems or correct damage from an injury.
So, how much does a nose job cost? The answer is: it depends. The price can vary a lot based on a few things, like how experienced your surgeon is, where you live, and how complicated the surgery is. You might expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000 or more.
This article breaks down all the factors that influence the cost of rhinoplasty, including surgeon’s fees, the facility fees, anesthesia, and even where you live. If you’re wondering about the cost of a nose job, read on.
Rhinoplasty Procedures: Types and Techniques
There are many different types of rhinoplasty procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. Here’s a brief look at some of the most common techniques.
Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty
Surgical rhinoplasty involves modifying the bone and cartilage in your nose to reshape it. The results are considered permanent. Surgical techniques include both open and closed approaches.
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty uses injectable fillers to temporarily adjust the shape of your nose. The results aren’t permanent, and you’ll need to repeat the treatments to maintain your new look. However, nonsurgical rhinoplasty tends to be less expensive than a surgical procedure.
Types of Surgical Rhinoplasty
- Open rhinoplasty. With this technique, the surgeon makes incisions to lift the skin and expose the bone and cartilage underneath. This approach allows for greater precision and more extensive reshaping.
- Closed rhinoplasty. With a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nose, which minimizes visible scarring. This approach is often used for less complex corrections.
- Revision rhinoplasty. This procedure corrects problems that occurred during a previous rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is often more complex and more expensive than a primary rhinoplasty.
- Tip plasty. A tip plasty focuses solely on reshaping the tip of your nose.
- Septoplasty. A septoplasty corrects a deviated septum to improve breathing. A septoplasty is often performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Rhinoplasty
The price of a nose job can vary widely. Here are some of the main things that affect the total cost:
Surgeon’s Fees and Expertise
Surgeons who are board-certified and have lots of experience usually charge more. That’s because their expertise can lower your chances of having problems and improve how your nose looks in the end. It’s usually better to focus on finding a good surgeon with experience rather than just picking the cheapest option.
Location and Facility Fees
If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, you’ll probably pay more for a nose job. Prices are different in different areas because it costs more to run a business in some places, and there’s more demand for cosmetic surgery in those areas. Facility fees cover the cost of the operating room and the staff. These fees can be very different depending on whether you go to a surgery center or a hospital.
Anesthesia Fees
You can have a nose job with local anesthesia and sedation, or with general anesthesia. General anesthesia usually costs more. The anesthesiologist’s fees are separate from what you pay the surgeon and the facility.
Complexity of the Procedure
If you need a more complicated procedure, like a revision rhinoplasty (a second nose job) or one that involves a lot of reconstruction, it will cost more. These procedures take more time, require more skill, and use more resources.
Pre- and Post-Operative Care
The total cost also includes consultation fees, tests you need before the surgery, and follow-up appointments afterward. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any medications and supplies you need to recover.
Average rhinoplasty costs in the United States
If you’re considering getting a nose job, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to set you back. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs you can expect to see in the U.S.
National average cost range
The cost of rhinoplasty can range quite a bit, from about $6,000 to $15,000. This is a pretty broad estimate, though, and the final price you pay can vary quite a bit depending on the specifics of your situation.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts the average base cost at around $7,600. Keep in mind that this number doesn’t include the costs of anesthesia, operating room fees, or other expenses related to the procedure.
Cost variations by procedure type
The type of rhinoplasty you need will also affect the price:
- Primary rhinoplasty: $6,000 – $15,000
- Revision rhinoplasty: $9,000 – $20,000
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty (with fillers): $600 – $1,500 per treatment
Regional cost differences
Where you live can also play a big role in the cost of your nose job. For example, you might find that the procedure costs more in Los Angeles than it does in Miami.
Insurance coverage and financing options
The cost of rhinoplasty can be significant, so it’s important to understand what you might expect to pay and how you might be able to manage those expenses.
Insurance coverage
In most cases, if you’re having a nose job to change the appearance of your nose, insurance will not pay for it. That’s because cosmetic procedures are rarely covered by insurance plans.
However, if you’re having rhinoplasty to correct a breathing problem or fix a deformity caused by an accident, your insurance company might pay for all or part of it. To get coverage for this type of functional rhinoplasty, you’ll likely need to document the medical necessity of the procedure.
Septoplasty is a surgery often performed to correct a deviated septum. Because this is a functional procedure, it’s often covered by health insurance plans.
Financing options
If you’re not able to get insurance coverage for your rhinoplasty, there are other ways to pay for it. Here are a few options:
- Medical credit cards: Companies like CareCredit offer credit cards specifically for medical procedures. These cards sometimes have special promotional periods where you don’t have to pay any interest.
- Payment plans: Some surgeons offer payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost of the procedure over time.
- Personal loans: You may be able to get a personal loan from a bank or credit union to cover the cost of your rhinoplasty.
Risks, Recovery, and Long-Term Considerations
Before you decide to undergo a rhinoplasty, it’s wise to consider the risks, recovery, and long-term effects of the surgery.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. These include infection, bleeding, and bad reactions to the anesthesia. With rhinoplasty, there’s also a chance of scarring, numbness, or asymmetry. Some people find it difficult to breathe through their nose after the surgery, and some may need to have revision surgery to correct or improve the results of the first procedure.
Recovery Process
Recovery time depends on the type of rhinoplasty performed. In general, expect swelling and bruising for several weeks after the surgery. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
Long-Term Results
Rhinoplasty results are generally long-lasting. Once the nose has fully healed, the new shape is usually permanent. However, it is important to note that the nose may continue to change slightly over time due to aging and other factors. You may wish to discuss your expectations with your surgeon.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, the final cost of a nose job depends on several things, including the surgeon’s expertise, where you live, how complicated the procedure is, and what kind of anesthesia you need. All of these things can affect the final bill.
When you’re considering rhinoplasty, it’s crucial to find a qualified and experienced surgeon. Look for board certification and a history of excellent results. Don’t be afraid to do your homework and talk to more than one surgeon. Discuss your goals, what you expect from the surgery, and any potential risks.
Remember that rhinoplasty can improve both how you look and how well you breathe, so it’s important to think about both the cosmetic and functional aspects of the surgery.
While cost is definitely something to consider, it shouldn’t be the only thing you base your decision on. Your health, safety, and satisfaction should be the top priorities when choosing a surgeon and deciding whether to undergo rhinoplasty.