Rhinoplasty Cost Guide: What You Need To Know in 2023

Are you looking to schedule a rhinoplasty procedure soon? You’re not alone – the global rhinoplasty market reached $5.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $10.9 billion by 2030. In particular, Gen Z and Millennials are embracing facial plastic surgery, and rhinoplasty is the most-requested facial cosmetic surgery among patients under 34. 

Regardless of why you’re getting rhinoplasty, it’s important to understand the costs associated with this procedure. The average cost of rhinoplasty in the United States is approximately $10,000 depending on factors like your location and the complexity of the surgery. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of rhinoplasty in 2023 and what to expect. 

What is Rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a nose job, and it is a plastic surgery procedure that changes the shape, size, and overall appearance of your nose. The exact procedure will vary slightly depending on the shape of your nose as well as the reason for your surgery. Rhinoplasty is always conducted using local or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made inside the nose or directly between the nostrils along the columella, so they won’t be visible after you’ve healed from the procedure. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will reshape the skin and cartilage on and around your nose. They may also reshape the bones in your nose. Additionally, your surgeon may take small amounts of cartilage from other parts of your body to achieve your desired nasal structure. 

There are many reasons why patients choose to have rhinoplasties. Many people think that they are purely cosmetic procedures, but they can also be done for medical reasons. Functional rhinoplasty is often done to fix a deviated septum and improve your breathing. The procedure is often necessary to correct damage from blunt-force trauma, remove cleft palates, and address nasal inflammation related to severe allergies. 

Many patients opt for rhinoplasties simply to feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance. Before a cosmetic rhinoplasty, you’ll have a consultation with your surgeon, who will develop a custom treatment plan to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

There are a variety of changes a surgeon can make to your nasal structure during an aesthetic procedure. For example, they may remove a bump on the bridge of the nose, straighten a crooked nose, change the shape and size of the nostrils, or narrow the bridge of the nose. 

Revision rhinoplasty is another common aesthetic procedure. This happens when the patient has already had rhinoplasty in the past and is unhappy with the results. These procedures are very complex and require a very delicate approach. 

Factors That Influence Rhinoplasty Costs

The cost of a rhinoplasty varies widely depending on your circumstances. Here are some of the factors that will affect the total amount you pay. 

Insurance

Some types of rhinoplasty are covered by insurance while others aren’t. A reconstructive surgery to correct an injury or serious health issue is likely to be at least partially covered by insurance, as the procedure is medically necessary. This means you’ll pay a lower out-of-pocket cost. However, cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery is usually not covered by insurance at all, which means you’ll need to pay your surgeon’s fee entirely on your own. 

Type of Surgery

Because everyone’s nose is different, some rhinoplasties are more challenging for the surgeon than others. Surgeries that are more complex end up costing more. 

Revision rhinoplasty or repeat surgery on the nose, is the most complex plastic surgery procedure that exists, and therefore comes with a higher price tag compared to a first time nose surgery (primary rhinoplasty). Often cartilage grafting taking cartilage from the nose (nasal septum), ear (concha), or rib is needed to reconstruct the strength and/or shape of the nose.

Not only does a complex procedure require more expertise and attention to detail, but it also takes more time to complete. This means you’ll be paying more for your surgeon’s time and the anesthesiologist’s time as well as more in operating fees. 

On the other hand, septoplasty, which straightens the septum in between your nostrils, is the most affordable type of rhinoplasty. 

Anesthesia

Another key factor to consider is the type of anesthesia used during rhinoplasty as well as the amount of time the patient spends “under”. Procedures that use general anesthesia will be more expensive than those that use local anesthesia with oral and intravenous sedation (conscious sedation). Additionally, anesthesia costs are usually calculated based on time, so a surgery that takes a long time will also come with a higher cost. 

Location

As with all medical services, the average cost of care will vary depending on where you are. A rhinoplasty surgeon in a high cost-of-living area like San Francisco, New York, or even Las Vegas will likely charge more than a surgeon in a small town or a rural area. This is not a reflection of the quality of care, but rather the costs of keeping a business up and running in these areas. 

Surgeon Experience and Reputation

Your surgeon’s background will also affect the overall cost of the procedure. A highly reputable surgeon who has decades of experience will charge more than their competitors with less experience. Dr Troell has almost thirty years of experience, has taught medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows techniques in rhinoplasty surgery. He’s contributed to medical textbooks and scientific papers regarding nasal surgery, and is a board examiner for two cosmetic surgery boards on rhinoplasty surgery.

It’s very important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with positive reviews from previous patients when scheduling your rhinoplasty. While you certainly do not need to work with a celebrity surgeon to see great results, it’s still crucial to make sure that your doctor has the credentials to get the job done safely and effectively. 

Average Cost of Rhinoplasty

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty in the United States is $5,483. However, the average rhinoplasty costs is about $10,000 per procedure or even higher depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s important to note that this figure only includes the cost of the surgery itself and not any additional anesthesia or facility fees, which we will touch on later. 

Before your surgery, you’ll have an in-person or virtual consultation with your surgeon. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the cost of your surgery and what to expect so that you can prepare. 

Rhinoplasty Costs by City

Total rhinoplasty costs vary widely by city and state. Here are average rhinoplasty costs in major US metro areas according to an analysis from RealSelf and Westlake Dermatology. The average cost across these 12 metro areas is $7,672.

• Los Angeles: $9,050

• New York: $8,550

• Las Vegas: $7,800

• Orange County: $6,800

• Seattle: $8,575

• Dallas: $7,800

• Boston: $7,675

• Washington D.C.: $7,225

• Denver: $7,800

• San Francisco: $8,150

• Chicago: $6,375

• Miami: $6,275

Additional Costs

The total cost of a rhinoplasty includes more than just surgery fees. Here are some additional costs to be aware of. 

Pre-Operative Appointments

You’ll need to have at least one plastic surgery consultation before the procedure. You may also be required to undergo a physical examination, blood work, and other medical tests before your appointment. These pre-operative appointments are typically not included in the cost of your surgery and come with separate fees.  

Anesthesia

You’ll also need to pay for anesthesia during the procedure. Anesthesia costs are calculated according to the length of your surgery, the complexity of the anesthetic, and your location. 

Operating Fees

Another cost you’ll need to be aware of before your surgery is operating fees. The surgery center or clinic that your surgeon works at will charge their own fees for the space in addition to surgery fees. 

Post-Operative Care

There are also many post-operative expenses to keep in mind, such as the cost of prescription medication and other necessary care items. You’ll also need to pay for follow-up appointments to make sure your nose is healing properly. Be sure to ask about these costs during your initial consultation with your surgeon to avoid any surprises. 

Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty? 

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t usually cover rhinoplasty procedures, as they are classified as cosmetic and elective surgeries. This means that patients should plan to pay for their procedure out of pocket. 

The exception to this rule is rhinoplasty for medical reasons. If you are having surgery to correct a deviated septum, repair a broken nose, or address other sinus issues, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Make sure to get in touch with your insurance company ahead of time to see if they will cover the cost or not.

Keep in mind that you will likely still have a co-pay due at the time of the appointment. Additionally, you’ll want to check your out-of-pocket maximum – depending on your plan, you may have to cover this amount yourself before insurance kicks in. Finally, check to make sure that your surgeon works with your insurance provider. Even if your surgeon takes insurance, they might have a limited number of carriers that they accept for treatment. 

Financing Options

The cost of surgery can be very daunting for many patients, especially since insurance doesn’t typically cover rhinoplasty performed for cosmetic reasons. Luckily, there are a few financing options out there to make surgery costs a bit more manageable. 

Start by asking your plastic surgery practice if they offer in-house financing options. Some surgeons give patients the option to pay in a few installments, rather than all at once. If you choose this option, keep in mind that you’ll still need to make a partial payment at the time of your surgery. 

If your surgeon does not offer payment plans, there are many third-party financing options that you can use to pay for your procedure. CareCredit is one of the most popular financing options for medical procedures, as it is designed specifically for healthcare. 

There are also many alternative financing solutions that are not healthcare-specific. Most surgeons allow patients to pay with credit cards, which could be a viable option if you already have a credit card with a low interest rate and a high credit limit. Getting a personal loan directly from your bank is another option worth considering. However, it’s important to note that both of these options can negatively impact your credit score if you don’t make regular payments. 

Risks of Choosing A Low-Cost Option

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it might feel tempting to go with the cheapest option, especially if you’re feeling some sticker shock about the cost of your rhinoplasty. However, choosing a low-cost plastic surgeon often comes with hidden downsides. 

When you pay for rhinoplasty, you’re not only paying for the surgeon’s time – you’re also paying for their skills and expertise. A surgeon with extensive education, decades of experience, and a great reputation is going to be expensive, but you’re also more likely to get the results you’re looking for. 

Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires a high level of precision as well as a comprehensive understanding of the nose and the facial features around it. When you work with a low-cost surgeon, you risk not being happy with the way your nose looks and feels after the procedure, as well as dealing with potentially dangerous complications . 

Think of your rhinoplasty as an investment in your appearance. You’re going to have this nose for the rest of your life, so you’ll need a surgeon you trust to get the job done right. Additionally, revision rhinoplasty is very expensive – it’s more cost-effective to work with a reputable, trustworthy surgeon from the beginning. 

How To Find A Reputable Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Rhinoplasty

Finding the right rhinoplasty surgeon is a tricky process, especially with so many facial plastic surgeons on the market today. While there are many places to find plastic surgeons online, it’s important to do your own research before committing to a doctor. The American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has a website listing all board certified surgeons. Dr Troell was board certified by them in 1996.

• The first step is to look for doctors that are fully accredited and board certified. You’ll also want to consider any awards, memberships, or ongoing education the surgeon has received to fully evaluate their expertise. This ensures that your surgeon has the appropriate level of training and experience to perform the surgery and that their practice complies with state and local laws. 

• Next, you’ll want to learn more about past patient experiences. Read online reviews and look at before and after photos to get an idea of the doctor’s skills. Be sure to read testimonials from a variety of perspectives, as everyone’s surgery experience is different. 

• Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with the doctor. Since rhinoplasty is a major procedure, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and with their office. During the consultation, be sure to ask questions about what to expect during the procedure, the facilities, the cost, and other areas of concern. You’ll also want to make sure you’re on the same page about what you want your nose to look like and what type of transformation is possible. 

The average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure isn’t cheap, but that’s a good thing. As a patient, you’re paying for the surgeon’s time and expertise, as well as anesthesia and other important care measures to make sure you have the best possible experience. 

Beauty By Design is the leading practice for rhinoplasty and cosmetic surgery in the Las Vegas area. Dr. Robert Troell is an industry-leading board-certified surgeon with decades of experience. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our rhinoplasty services.