Joseph Lederman
Performed by Otolaryngologist or plastic surgeon, a rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure done to improve the appearance of an individual’s nose or face. Commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty can be performed for reconstructive purposes in order to correct injury, birth defects or other physical ailments. It can also be joined with other procedures to enhance results.
Able to be performed under a general or local anesthetic, incisions are normally made inside of the nose. Most surgeons typically separate the soft tissues of the nose and reshape the bone and cartilage. Typically, patients remain at home for a week after surgery. The extent of the surgery will make a remarkable cost difference. A minor surgical procedure or reduction will require less time and work.
For many nose job cases, the surgeon may take a small piece of the individuals own cartilage in order to strengthen the nose structure. If you seek to repair your nasal breathing, a procedure known as septoplasty can also be performed. This enables clearer and more sustainable passage for air and breathing. In rare cases, revision rhinoplasty may be required. If you have had a sup par nose job and severe injuries have occurred as a result, revision surgery is most likely needed.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is an operation of the nose to correct flawed outcomes from the previous surgery. An unsatisfactory performance normally occurs anywhere from five to twenty percent of the time. The two main reasons to carry out this second surgery are either for cosmetic or functional reasons. Rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure and if the proper research is done, any additional procedures will not be necessary.
Cost of Rhinoplasty and Reconstructive Surgeries
Varying from surgeon to surgeon and patient to patient, the cost of rhinoplasty also varies from the geographic location of the procedure. In most cases, the exact cost of the surgery can’t be predicted accurately and efficiently due to the differentiation in detail from case to case and until the surgeon performs a patient examination.
Most general cases can cost from $3,000 to $8,000. In the United States, there are a variety of fees, including: surgery, anesthesia and medical facility fees. The most expensive part of the surgery is the Doctor’s fee. The surgeons past training, experience and skill can add or decrease the cost.
Some of the cost of the surgery may be covered by your insurance if the procedure is related to specific health problems, such as poor breathing. Rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes will not be covered by various insurances and medical health professionals. In some cases, you may be able to ask your Doctor about monthly payments. This is referred to as patient financing.
Complications and Preventions
Although considered to be successful and safe, many complications can arise during a rhinoplasty or other plastic surgery procedures. Infections can occur and can lead to an abscess which requires more surgery to correct. Post operative bleeding is uncommon and sometimes can be resolved without any more surgery. Adhesions, which are scars that form across the nasal cavity are also rare but can occur without the proper care and treatment from your surgeon.
Choosing a surgeon who is board certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery is critical for a successful surgery. This board certification means the Doctor has met specific and rigid education and training. The more successful and qualified surgeons will demand more expensive costs, however this can ensure a smooth and correct process, techniques and recovery tactics for reconstructive nose surgeries. Make sure to ask your designated surgeon about his or her medical training and certifications prior to making the final choice.
[page updated December 2008]