How Much Does a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) Cost?

Thinking about a nose job? Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to improve breathing, rhinoplasty is a popular procedure that can reshape the nose and enhance facial harmony. But before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the different kinds of rhinoplasty, the costs, the recovery process, and potential risks. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a surgery done to change the shape of the nose. It is commonly performed for cosmetic reasons (to improve the appearance of the nose). A rhinoplasty is also done for medical reasons, for example, to improve breathing in patients with a deviated septum.

Types of Nose Jobs

Open Rhinoplasty

An open rhinoplasty is done by creating a Z-shaped incision (cut) between the nostrils on the underside of the nose. This surgical approach allows the surgeon to make precise changes to the shape of the nose. The small incision can leave behind a scar that usually fades with time.

Closed Rhinoplasty

A closed rhinoplasty is done by creating incisions inside the nose. The external skin of the nose is left untouched. However, due to limited visibility, the surgeon cannot be as accurate in changing the shape of the bone, cartilage, and other tissues. However, a closed surgical approach causes less swelling and is recommended for patients who need minor imperfections corrected.

Tip Plasty

Tip plasty focuses on reshaping the nasal tip. It is a less invasive procedure that does not involve the nasal bone. Recovery from tip plasty is faster compared to an open or closed rhinoplasty.

Cosmetic vs Functional Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is done to improve the external appearance of the nose. Functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve the function of the nose, e.g., airflow and breathing in patients with airway obstruction due to a deviated nasal septum.  

Septorhinoplasty

A septorhinoplasty is a reconstructive surgery to improve breathing and nasal function. During the procedure, the surgeon repositions the nasal septum to the middle of the nose. The nasal septum is the cartilage that separates the two nostrils. The procedure is also called deviated septum rhinoplasty. It is performed to make breathing easier in patients with airway obstruction due to a deviated nasal septum. However, this type of rhinoplasty does not change the external appearance of the nose. 

Revision Rhinoplasty

A revision rhinoplasty is done as a follow-up procedure after a primary rhinoplasty in patients with unsatisfactory results after the first procedure. It is performed to further correct cosmetic concerns or address functional problems from the original surgery. 

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

In contrast to surgical rhinoplasty, a liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical approach that is performed using fillers. A liquid rhinoplasty is recommended for correction of minor imperfections, such as asymmetry or indentations. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that does not require any incisions or stitches. However, the results are temporary and the filler injections need to be repeated periodically. 

How Much Does A Nose Job Cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty is $7,637 in the United States. Keep in mind that this is not the total cost and there may be additional costs such as anesthesia and operating room fees. Also, the cost of rhinoplasty varies greatly and depends on various factors.

Average Cost By Type of Rhinoplasty

• Surgical rhinoplasty: $5,000 to $10,000

• Non-surgical rhinoplasty: $500 to $1500

• Open rhinoplasty: $9,000

• Closed rhinoplasty: $7,000

• Septoplasty: $8,000

• Revision rhinoplasty: $11,000

• Tip plasty: $8,000

Note: Your plastic surgery office will give you a detailed quote before the procedure. 

Factors Influencing Pricing

• Geographical Location: In areas where the cost of living is higher, prices for plastic surgery, like all other services, also tend to be higher. 

• Surgeon Expertise: A board-certified plastic surgeon with specific expertise in rhinoplasties or improving facial features and facial harmony will often charge a higher surgeon’s fee.

• Celebrity Factor: If you get a rhinoplasty from a plastic surgeon who is well-known or works with celebrities, they will likely charge a higher price. 

• Procedure Complexity: Each patient is different, and if your procedure is more complex than usual, the cost of a rhinoplasty may be higher.

• Advanced Technology: Plastic surgery clinics that have invested in advanced technologies and techniques often charge more.

Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty?

When a nose job (rhinoplasty) is done for cosmetic reasons, it is not typically covered by the insurance provider.

When rhinoplasty is done to improve breathing function and the procedure is considered medically necessary, it may be covered by insurance.

Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financing Options

Plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes is considered elective and is rarely covered by insurance. You will have to pay for the procedureout of pocket. 

You can also consider CareCredit, a credit card that offers financing options for medical procedures, including cosmetic and plastic surgery. You may be able to spread the cost of your procedure over time through a deferred payment plan. Keep in mind, however, that credit cards like CareCredit charge interest on the outstanding balance. Look out for promotions and low interest rates and compare them to other credit cards.

Additionally, ask your plastic surgeon’s office if they offer any financing plans.

The Rhinoplasty Process

Pre-Operative Planning

After you identify the right surgeon for your rhinoplasty (ideally a board certified surgeon in plastic or cosmetic surgery), you will have a detailed consultation to see if you are a good candidate for a nose job. 

During the rhinoplasty consultation and pre-operative appointments, your surgeon will discuss surgical goals (appearance, breathing, or both). They will also obtain a medical and surgical history and a list of medications and allergies. 

Your plastic surgeon will perform a thorough physical examination where they will take photographs and measurements of your nose. They may show you before and after pictures of other patients who had the same procedure. 

If you and your surgeon decide to proceed with a nose job (rhinoplasty), they will discuss different types of rhinoplasties and their associated benefits and risks. Once you decide on the type of nose job based on the factors mentioned above, the surgeon will outline the surgical plan. 

You will undergo a presurgical evaluation. This may involve getting lab tests, imaging studies, and taking certain medications. You will be asked to stop smoking. You will also need to temporarily stop certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding risk.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least one night.

Surgical Procedure Steps

Rhinoplasty is performed in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or office-based surgical facility. Here is a brief overview of the rhinoplasty procedure steps:

1. Your surgical team will administer medicines to keep you comfortable. Rhinoplasty can be done with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. 

2. The plastic surgeon will make an incision in the columella (the cartilage below and between your nostrils) for an open rhinoplasty, or inside the nose for a closed rhinoplasty. 

3. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will then reshape the structures inside your nose, including bone, cartilage, and other tissues. For example, they may remove some bone or cartilage to reduce a dorsal hump. Or they may add cartilage taken from the septum for a cartilage graft.

4. If you have a deviated septum, your surgeon will straighten it to improve airflow and breathing.

5. At the conclusion of the procedure, your surgeon will close the incision.

6. You can see the results of your nose job when the gauze and splints are removed after a few days. 

Recovery Expectations

Most patients can go home on the same day of the procedure. Your surgeon may leave a splint and/or bandages inside your nose after your rhinoplasty to protect and support the newly repositioned structures. These will need to stay in place until your surgeon removes them about 7 days later.

Your nose will be swollen immediately after rhinoplasty surgery. Many people notice increased swelling for the first few days, after which the swelling begins to go down. There is usually significant improvement after a week.

Other side effects can include nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and sore throat. These are usually temporary.

How Long is Recovery After a Nose Job?

You can return to most activities after a week and all activities after 2 to 4 weeks. 

Recovery Tips

• Rest with your head raised above chest level to minimize swelling and lower the risk of bleeding.

• Keep your incision clean and dry. Avoid showering for one week or for as long as recommended by your surgeon.

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, including gym workouts, running, and lifting heavy weights. You may be able to resume light exercise after 2-4 weeks, but should avoid swimming for 6 weeks. Your surgeon will likely recommend avoiding contact sports for 4-6 months.

• Keep your glasses off during recovery. Eyeglasses resting on the bridge of the nose can interfere with the results of your rhinoplasty.

• Take precautions to avoid respiratory infections. It can be dangerous to blow your nose when you are recovering from a rhinoplasty.

• Take precautions when outdoors to protect your face and nose from the sun.

• Avoid bumping or rubbing your nose.

• Smoking can delay wound healing. Your surgeon will recommend stopping smoking before and after your rhinoplasty. This may be a good time to think about quitting for good.

• Do not wear makeup on your nose until your surgeon says it is ok.

• Keep all your follow-up appointments to achieve the best results.

Potential Risks

Rhinoplasty is a generally safe procedure, but it is not 100% safe. Possible complications of rhinoplasty (nose job) include:

• Risks associated with anesthesia 

• Chronic pain

• Numbness or changes in sensation

• Skin discoloration

• Prolonged swelling

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Breathing difficulties

• Nasal septal perforation (hole) - this is rare 

• Poor wound healing 

• Scarring

• Need for revision surgery

• Unsatisfactory results

Benefits

Rhinoplasty or nose job has both aesthetic and functional benefits, including improving the appearance of the nose and correcting breathing problems. 

Long-Term Results

It can take up to 12 months for your nasal structure to settle into the new shape and for you to appreciate your final rhinoplasty results. The initial swelling subsides in a few weeks, but you may have continued minor facial swelling for up to one year. Any visible scarring fades with time. Many patients who undergo rhinoplasty for functional issues see an improvement in their breathing issues in about 6 weeks. Keep in mind that everyone is different and your rhinoplasty experience may not be the same as others.

FAQ

What Qualifies You For A Rhinoplasty?

The following qualify you for undergoing rhinoplasty (nose job) for aesthetic reasons:

• You are in good general health.

• You have made an informed decision to improve the appearance of your nose for yourself and not for others or to fit some sort of ideal facial shape.

• Your facial maturation is complete.

• You don’t smoke.

• You have realistic expectations and a positive outlook for the procedure.

What Is The Best Age For A Nose Job?

The best age for rhinoplasty is usually 18 to 20 years old. Plastic surgeons recommend it earlier in girls than boys due to the earlier facial maturity in girls. Rhinoplasty patients can be of any age if they are in good general health. However, cosmetic surgery is not recommended in people under 18 years of age. 

What Is The Difference Between a Nose Job and a Rhinoplasty?

Nose job is the commonly used term and rhinoplasty is the medical term for surgery to improve the appearance of the nose or fix breathing problems.

How Painful Is A Rhinoplasty?

There may be some mild to moderate discomfort associated with rhinoplasty in the postoperative period. Most people rate their pain between 0 to 4 out of 10 in the days following cosmetic nose surgery or rhinoplasty treatment. Your doctor can prescribe painkillers to help keep you comfortable.

How Long Does A Nose Job Last?

A surgical rhinoplasty is a permanent facial plastic surgery. The results last a lifetime. You may need to undergo a second rhinoplasty surgery to address any remaining cosmetic concerns after your primary rhinoplasty (first nose job). Notably, a liquid rhinoplasty, which is a non-surgical nose job done using dermal fillers, lasts for 6 to 18 months, and repeat injections are needed to maintain the results.