This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan M.D., M.P.H
People undergo rhinoplasty for many different reasons. Some get a nose job for cosmetic reasons and, like having tattoos or other body modifications, that’s a completely valid personal choice. Typical cosmetic reasons include narrowing the nose, changing the shape, removing a bump, and increasing symmetry. There’s a reason they say, “it’s as plain as the nose on your face” so seek an experienced surgeon with an eye for detail.
On the other hand, thousands of people undergo rhinoplasty for medical reasons. Cleft lip/palate, nose injuries, and deviated septum are the most common medical reasons for the procedure. Whatever the reason, let’s discuss the cost.
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How Much Does Rhinoplasty (Nose job) Cost? $7,352
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure. According to Dr. Kaplan of Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery, a rhinoplasty costs $7,352 on average. Though depending on the type of rhinoplasty, the cost can range from $3,000 to $15,000. The American Society of Plastic surgeons have the average cost to be slightly lower. In 2017 the average price of a nose job according to the ASPS was $5,125, while in 2019 the average cost went up to $5,409. The cost of each procedure is subject to the individual differences and difficulties involved in each.
It’s also important to note that usually when people reference the price of a rhinoplasty, they’re only discussing the surgeon’s fee. There can be numerous other expenses related to the operation that are left out of that price altogether. They often don’t include surgical consultations, the cost of anesthesia, fees associated with the operating room and/or facility where the surgery takes place, postoperative care, or the cost of any prescription medications. Anesthesia can cost $800-$2,000 and the facility fees can range from $1,000-$3,000.
While it is an outpatient procedure, it often takes several hours for a patient to wake up after surgery and recover enough to leave the post-op area. The prescription medications required afterward will vary depending on the recommendations of the surgeon and the needs of the individual patient. The individual nature of medical procedures makes price harder to pin down.
Average Cost of Rhinoplasty Based on Type
There are three different major types of rhinoplasty or nose jobs as well. Each has its own price point. Dr. Kaplan mentions that a septoplasty, a rhinoplasty that includes breathing improvement, will be slightly more expensive at $8,932. There is also liquid rhinoplasty which is a non-surgical alternative to a normal nose job. Liquid rhinoplasty uses liquid to fill in contours within the nose, changing its shape. This procedure is far cheaper than the surgical kind, costing an average of $1,180.
- Normal rhinoplasty = $7,352
- Septoplasty = $8,932
- Liquid rhinoplasty = $1,180
Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty?
Many people seeking rhinoplasty are concerned about whether their medical insurance provider will cover the cost of the procedure. As with anything regarding medical insurance, the answer is complicated. Insurance companies won’t cover cosmetic surgery, so if you’re considering rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons, you’re out of luck. If you have a medical reason though, they might cover it.
Every provider has different criteria, however, if the surgery is considered medically necessary, there’s a good chance they’ll at least partially cover it. Find out what your provider deems medically necessary and what documentation they’d need. Many surgeons do provide payment plan options also.
Why are Nose Jobs So Expensive?
When looking into the price of a rhinoplasty it’s easy to get sticker shock. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just any purchase. This is a delicate medical procedure that requires years of medical training and practice to properly perform.
The price of rhinoplasty will fluctuate depending on several key variables. The first is whether the procedure is cosmetic or medical in nature. A nasal reconstruction to fix medical issues may take more time and raise the cost.
Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty also have different pricing. The level of complexity, skill and credentials of the surgeon, and the geographic area will all impact the cost of the procedure as well.
How Much is Rhinoplasty Outside of the U.S.?
When confronted with the cost of rhinoplasty in the U.S. many seek a nose job in another country. Rhinoplasty prices outside of the U.S. differ by country. Here are some of the most common places and average prices (USD) abroad:
- UK– $4,400
- Canada– $4,800
- Europe– $3,000
- UAE– $7,500
- Spain– $3,750
- Mexico– $2,900
- Hungary– $2,200
- Thailand– $625
- Brazil– $3,100
While prices overseas may be better, make sure to choose carefully and don’t let price be your main concern. Do your research, make sure the medical standards are high, the surgery center and doctor are properly accredited, and consult international plastic surgery experts like ISAPS or IPRAS.
How Much Does Post-Operative Care Cost?
Post-operative care after a rhinoplasty varies. It will depend on the circumstances, needs of the patient, and opinion of the surgeon. The most common pain medications prescribed post-op include Percocet which costs an average of $235.34 and Vicodin which costs $95.97 on average. Another common post-operative cost is the follow-up. They’ll want to monitor you’re healing and ensure everything is going as planned.
You can have as many as 7 or more follow-up appointments in the months following surgery depending on your surgeon’s recommendations. Office visits usually cost between $75-$250, however, most surgeons include the cost of the consultation and follow-up visits in their surgical price.
Bottom Line
Rhinoplasty is an intricate medical procedure with different factors that affect the time, difficulty, type, and cost of the procedure. Plastic surgeons don’t have a universal standard for pricing so there’s a lot of variation. While insurance won’t cover the surgery or follow-up unless it’s medically necessary, financing and payment plans are often available.
The best thing to do is discuss pricing with your doctor and insurance specifically to ensure that you have the right information for your circumstances. Before deciding on a surgeon, do plenty of research into the doctor and facility you’re considering to avoid any additional risks.
How We Verified This Information
At The Cost Guys we want to make sure every piece of information we give to our readers has been thoroughly vetted and reviewed by experts. After publication we have our info reviewed by board certified plastic surgeons. You can read more about our experts on our experts page.