Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure to reshape your nose. People choose to undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, like improving the appearance of their nose, or for functional reasons, like correcting breathing problems or birth defects.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to understand the different types of procedures available, what the typical rhinoplasty cost looks like, whether insurance might cover any of the expenses, and what to expect during recovery.
Understanding the factors that affect the cost of rhinoplasty, and knowing your procedural options, will help you make a well-informed decision about whether this surgery is right for you.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. People may choose to undergo rhinoplasty for either cosmetic or functional reasons.
Surgical vs. nonsurgical rhinoplasty
With surgical rhinoplasty, a plastic surgeon alters the underlying bone and cartilage to achieve the desired nasal shape. The results are permanent, but there’s a longer recovery period than with nonsurgical rhinoplasty.
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty, sometimes called liquid rhinoplasty, uses injectable fillers to temporarily reshape the nose. This approach is less invasive, with minimal downtime, but the effects aren’t permanent. You’ll need to repeat the injections every so often to maintain the results.
Reasons for considering rhinoplasty
People consider rhinoplasty to improve the size, shape, or symmetry of their nose. Some people also seek rhinoplasty to correct breathing problems that stem from a deviated septum or other type of nasal obstruction.
Types of rhinoplasty procedures
Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure, and there are several different types, each designed to address specific concerns. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common:
- Primary rhinoplasty: This refers to the first nose-shaping surgery a person undergoes.
- Revision rhinoplasty: If a previous rhinoplasty didn’t achieve the desired results, or if complications arose, a revision rhinoplasty can correct those issues. Revision procedures tend to be more complex and, therefore, more costly than primary rhinoplasties.
- Septoplasty: This procedure corrects a deviated septum, improving breathing. It’s often combined with rhinoplasty to address both functional and aesthetic concerns.
- Tip plasty: If you’re primarily concerned with the shape of your nasal tip, a tip plasty can address issues like a bulbous or drooping tip. It’s generally less invasive than a full rhinoplasty.
- Alarplasty: addresses the size and shape of the nostrils, averaging around $2,925.
- Open vs. closed rhinoplasty: This refers to the surgical technique used. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella (the tissue between your nostrils) to provide greater access to the nasal structures. Closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is performed through incisions inside the nose, leaving no visible external scars.
What factors affect the cost of rhinoplasty?
Several things affect the price of a nose job, so it’s difficult to estimate the cost without a consultation. These factors include:
- Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise: As with any medical procedure, more experienced, board-certified surgeons usually charge more for their services.
- Type of Rhinoplasty Procedure: Revision rhinoplasty (correcting a previous surgery) is usually more complex and therefore more expensive than a first-time (primary) rhinoplasty.
- Geographic Location: The cost of living in your city and state will influence the price.
- Anesthesia Fees: General anesthesia typically costs more than local anesthesia with sedation.
- Facility Fees: The cost of using the operating room and recovery facilities are factored into the overall price.
- Complexity of the Case: Extensive reshaping or reconstruction will naturally increase the amount of time (and therefore cost) associated with the surgery.
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
The price of rhinoplasty is determined by several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise and geographic location, the type of anesthesia used, and the complexity of the procedure.
In general, you can expect rhinoplasty to cost somewhere between $3,000 and $17,500 in the U.S.
Here’s a more detailed look at the average cost of different types of nose jobs:
- Primary rhinoplasty in California: $8,000 to $10,000
- Revision rhinoplasty in California: $10,000 to $12,000
- Septoplasty: $3,000 to $11,000
- Liquid rhinoplasty: $500 to $2,500 per session (the national average for a non-surgical nose job is $1,456)
Here’s a breakdown of average costs by procedure type, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
- Alarplasty: $2,925
- Closed rhinoplasty: $7,350
- Ethnic nose job: $7,868
- Open rhinoplasty: $9,153
- Revision rhinoplasty: $11,533
- Septoplasty: $8,328
- Tip-plasty: $8,212
Will insurance pay for my rhinoplasty?
Generally, insurance won’t cover a rhinoplasty if it’s purely for cosmetic reasons. But you may be able to get coverage if the procedure is medically necessary to correct a breathing problem or fix a nasal obstruction.
Many people get a septoplasty to help them breathe better. Septoplasty is often covered by insurance.
The best way to know for sure is to talk to your insurance provider and your surgeon. They can tell you what documentation you need to prove that the procedure is medically necessary. If that’s the case, insurance may pay for part of the cost.
Nose job recovery: What to expect
What you can expect during recovery depends on whether you have surgical or liquid rhinoplasty.
Surgical rhinoplasty recovery
With a surgical procedure, expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few weeks. It’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and keep your head elevated as much as possible to keep swelling to a minimum.
Liquid rhinoplasty recovery
Compared to surgery, a liquid rhinoplasty is easy. You won’t need much downtime after the procedure. You may notice some mild swelling or bruising, but that should clear up quickly.
General recovery tips
Whether you have surgical or liquid rhinoplasty, here are some things you can do to speed healing and reduce pain and discomfort:
- Take medications as prescribed by your surgeon.
- Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping.
- Use ice packs to bring down swelling.
- Eat healthy, whole foods and drink plenty of water.
To Conclude
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure, and the cost can vary quite a bit. So can your recovery experience.
If you’re thinking about getting a nose job, the best thing to do is talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can give you a more accurate idea of how much the procedure will cost and what to expect in your individual case.
By understanding the different kinds of rhinoplasty, what your insurance may or may not cover, and what financing options are available, you can make a well-informed decision about whether this surgery is right for you.