Nasal surgeries are all the rage these days.
But what is this procedure all about? Here’s everything you need to know about nasal surgery, including costs, benefits, and more.
What Is Nasal Surgery?
Nasal surgery, technically referred to as a rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure performed to change the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasties may be performed for both cosmetic reasons and medical reasons.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2020, with more than 350,000 procedures performed throughout the year.
How Much Does Nasal Surgery Cost?
The cost of nasal surgery varies based on the specific procedure performed, the experience of the surgeon, and the geographic location of the office. In 2020, the average cost of a nose job was $5,483 across the US.
However, this figure does not factor in additional costs, including but not limited to anesthesia fees, facility costs, medical tests, and prescription medications as well as location. As a result, the total cost for nasal surgery tends to range between $ 8500 and $ 20,000.
Your insurance plan may cover a portion of the total cost of nasal surgery if there is a functional or medical component to the procedure. For example, if you have a deviated septum and have trouble breathing, you may be able to receive insurance coverage for the surgery if the deviated septum can be proven on a CT scan.
You may also be able to receive insurance coverage for the surgery if you have a history of nasal fractures.
However, if you’re looking to get nasal surgery for purely cosmetic reasons because you don’t like the size or shape of your nose, then your insurance plan is unlikely to cover the cost of this procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Nasal Surgery?
There are both cosmetic and health benefits of nasal surgery. Here are some examples of potential cosmetic benefits:
- Increase or decrease the size of the nose
- Reshape the nostrils
- Reduce the nasal tip
- Reduce the bridge of the nose or reshape the nasal septum
- Straighten the nose
- Provide better balance and harmony to the face
- Improve your facial aesthetic
Nasal surgery also has some potential health benefits depending on the individual:
- Improve breathing capabilities
- Improve sinus infections or other sinus problems
- Reduce snoring and sleep apnea by opening the nasal passages and aiding airflow
- Reduce nasal congestion and stuffiness
- Improve sleep
- Increase exercise
- Repair a broken nose, nasal polyps, nasal obstruction, or address chronic sinusitis
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After Nasal Surgery?
Nasal surgery is a serious surgical procedure that can be quite intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.
Dr. Applebaum is here to guide you through every step of the process — before, during, and after:
Before Nasal Surgery
Before nasal surgery, you will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. Here are some of the different components of your rhinoplasty consultation:
Medical History
Your doctor will go over your medical history to make sure that you’re a good candidate for nasal surgery. You’re a good candidate for nasal surgery if your facial growth is complete, you’re physically healthy, and you don’t smoke.
Make sure to discuss any medical conditions and medications with your doctor during your consultation. Also, make sure to discuss any medical motivations for seeking a rhinoplasty.
Physical Exam
Your doctor will then conduct a physical examination of your nose and other facial features. Specifically, your doctor will look at the thickness of your skin and the strength of the cartilage in your nose. Your doctor may also choose to run blood tests before nasal surgery to make sure that you’re in good health.
Discuss Expectations
Next, your doctor will go over your expectations and motivations for seeking nasal surgery. Be clear about your expectations and insecurities so that your doctor can tell you whether or not nasal surgery is the right solution.
In some cases, other cosmetic procedures may be a better solution. For example, if you have a small chin that makes your nose look bigger, your doctor may recommend a chin augmentation to balance the profile of the face.
Take Photographs
Finally, your doctor will take photographs of your nose from many different angles. Your doctor can use these photos to show you what your nose could look like. Your doctor may also use these photos for before-and-after assessments.
During Nasal Surgery
During nasal surgery, you will either receive local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Some nasal surgeries can be performed entirely internally, leaving no scar.
However, other nasal surgeries are performed by making a small incision at the base of your nose between your nostrils.
Your doctor will readjust your bone and cartilage during the procedure to achieve the goals discussed during the initial consultation.
After Nasal Surgery
Most nasal surgeries take place in an outpatient setting, which means that you should be able to go home the same day as the procedure.
When you go home, your nose will likely be splinted with internal dressings that should remain in place. Also, make sure you follow the postoperative instructions provided to you by your doctor.
Some common postoperative nasal surgery instructions include:
- Avoiding strenuous activity while your nasal cavity heals
- Elevating your head to prevent nosebleeds
- Taking prescribed medications, including pain medications and antibiotics
- Eating a healthy diet with lots of protein and calories
- Staying hydrated with fluids
How Can I Find a Surgeon for Nasal Surgery?
The results and recovery of nasal surgery largely depend on your surgeon’s experience.
So how can you find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform nasal surgery that will improve your quality of life?
The best place to look is through a professional organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. From there, be sure to check reviews of any potential candidates as well as patient results.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon for your nasal surgery to resolve issues like nasal blockages, difficulty breathing, or pressure in your sinus cavities, look no further than Dr. Applebaum.
Dr. Applebaum has been a board-certified plastic surgeon since 1994. With decades of experience, Dr. Applebaum performs a wide array of plastic surgery procedures and specializes in aesthetic facial surgery, including nasal surgery, while aiming to create beautiful and natural results with as few visible scars as possible.
Reach out to Dr. Applebaum today for an in-person consultation at either his Beverly Hills Office or his Sun Valley Idaho Office. Dr. Applebaum also offers virtual consultations for non-local patients.
Sources:
Top 5 Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures | ASPS