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How Much Does a Nose Job Cost With Insurance?

The nose is one of the most noticeable features of the face that plays an important role in overall personal satisfaction with one’s appearance, confidence, and self-esteem.

Though there’s no such thing as the perfect nose, many people find it challenging to ignore imperfections that detract from their physical appearance.

 

Despite the ample supply of beauty products and regimens available, not everyone is happy with using them to alter their noses’ appearance to complement their other facial features. Nor are these methods practical or effective for optimal results.

Fortunately, rhinoplasty is an inexpensive cosmetic procedure widely popular among men and women. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures across the country, with over 352,555 rhinoplasty procedures performed on men and women every year. The procedure makes it possible for individuals unhappy with the size or shape of their noses to change their appearance.

One of the biggest concerns for potential rhinoplasty candidates involves cost. Not everyone has health insurance, and those who do often wonder if they can use their coverage for a nose job. Like other cosmetic procedures, medical and health insurances rarely provide coverage for elective surgeries like rhinoplasties.

But there are considerations for procedures that are medically beneficial to the patient. Though your initial interest in getting a nose job may be to correct cosmetic issues, you may be able to use your insurance if the procedure is essential to improve your nose’s function or a related underlying health condition.

Common Cosmetic Reasons for Rhinoplastynose job costs

Rhinoplasty is typically an inexpensive procedure that millions of people enjoy every year. The safest and most effective way to reshape or redesign the nose is with cosmetic surgery.

Below are the most common reasons why rhinoplasties are so popular among adults of all ages.

  • Removes bumps, indentations, and dips in the profile of the nose to make it smoother.
  • Widens the bridge of the nose to reduce or eliminate a bulbous tip.
  • Widens the nostrils to give the nose a more balanced look that better complements the face.
  • Smooths and straightens the nose to correct a bent or crooked appearance.
  • Alters the shape and size of the nose/nostrils to enhance facial features.

It’s not common knowledge that some of these cosmetic issues and others don’t just negatively impact the appearance of the nose. They are also associated with many common medical conditions and health problems, such as nosebleeds, sleep apnea, snoring, loud and mouth breathing, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve collapse, cleft palate, nasal polyps, cartilage damage, and fractures.

Factors That Affect Nose Job Costs With Insurance

The nose is vital to your appearance, but its functional importance can’t be overlooked. Medical and health issues are common when there are structural issues or deformities that impair its function and health. Below are the most common medical issues corrected by rhinoplasty that typically qualify for insurance coverage.

  • Deviated septum
  • Old injuries that cause structural deformities that affect breathing or respiratory health
  • Birth defects
  • Defects that cause severe or persistent allergies symptoms, sinus infections, and other upper respiratory ailments

Most people have defects in their noses, but usually, they are not noticeable enough to disrupt their ability to breathe comfortably. However, structural or anatomical deficiencies that cause blockages or obstructions of the airway can make breathing uncomfortable, painful, and challenging. These concerns often require rhinoplasty or a nose job to modify the shape and structure of the nose to alleviate breathing issues.

nose job costsAnyone having the procedure strictly for cosmetic purposes should expect to pay several thousand dollars. Estimates place the average price at just over $5,000 without insurance. Regardless of insurance status, individual nose job costs vary widely and hinge on the following factors:

  • Many rhinoplasty surgeons do not accept health insurance. Patients may need to pay for their procedures upfront and apply for reimbursement from their insurer if it’s a covered benefit. Many surgeons offer consultations for potential patients to learn individual procedure costs.
  • Costs are higher in some areas of the country than in others. Candidates should research location costs to help narrow down the most cost-effective rhinoplasty surgeon for their needs.
  • There are also facility-related expenses to consider when contemplating a nose job, such as medical tests, anesthesia and prescription medications, and surgeon fees.
  • The amount of work required to modify the appearance of the nose matters. Some people only need minor adjustments; others may require more extensive or invasive work. Minor or small nose jobs are generally less expensive than more procedures that require more work.
  • Purpose of the procedure. Rhinoplasties are generally classified as cosmetic procedures and are not usually covered. But, if nasal anatomical abnormalities or irregularities compromise your health, your insurer may authorize complete or partial coverage for the procedure.
  • If you plan to use your insurance to help offset any out-of-pocket expenses, you’ll need to contact your insurer to inquire about your benefits. But first, you’ll need to know if your nose job is strictly for cosmetic reasons or involves surgical revisions to any interior surfaces or structures. If your procedure involves interior nasal remodeling, it’s likely to qualify as a functional or medical rhinoplasty.
  • It’s vital for anyone contemplating a nose job to evaluate all options, regardless of cost. Patients have the best results with a credible, trustworthy, and reliable board-certified nose job surgeon.

Because there are many reasons why nose jobs are more expensive for some than others, the only way to learn individual costs is to schedule a consultation.

Contact Dr. Hershcovitch, M.D., a Burbank area board-certified surgeon specializing in rhinoplasties, at (818) 206-2539.