How Can You Pay for Rhinoplasty?

If you’re interested in getting a nose job but are worried about how you’re going to pay for it, you’re not alone. Although nose surgeries performed for functional reasons (e.g., to restore proper breathing) may be covered by insurance, procedures performed for cosmetic reasons are not, and this leaves many people wondering how they’re going to come up with the money.

In some cases, people simply save up for the procedure over a period of two or three years. But if you need more time, you may need to come up with another solution to finance your rhinoplasty procedure. Luckily, there are a number of options out there, from credit cards and bank loans to healthcare-specific financing programs. Read on to learn more.

Ways to Pay for Your Rhinoplasty

Here are some of the many ways people pay for plastic surgery.

Credit Card. Scores of people use credit cards to pay for their cosmetic surgeries. If you have a credit card with a low interest rate, this may be a good option. Some people are even able to earn airline miles, cash back or other benefits by financing their nose jobs with credit cards. However, for others, paying for a procedure such as rhinoplasty on their credit card may use up most or all of their credit line, which can actually lower your credit score. If you do decide to use a credit card, try and pay off the balance before the low introductory rate ends.

Bank Loan. Another option is to apply for a loan from a bank or credit union. Both frequently offer fixed (and therefore predictable) rates. By consistently paying off a bank loan on time, you can increase your credit score.

Home Equity Line. If you have a home equity line, this may be a good option, because you’ll be able to write off the interest. However, if interest rates go up, you may find yourself in a bind, so make sure to do some research on interest rates before you decide to go this route.

Medical Loan. Some patients choose to apply for an unsecured medical loan. This may come in the form of a personal loan or a credit card through a surgeon or a broker. Unsecured medical loans are sometimes the right way to go for people with low credit scores, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to secure another form of financing. However, the interest rates associated with this type of loan are often very high.

Doctor Financing. Some surgeons will work with you to set up a payment plan, without the involvement of a third party. Doctor financing can often be secured with zero interest, but may require you to pay for your rhinoplasty procedure before you actually have it. This option should not be the sole determinant of who performs your rhinoplasty, as not all surgeons offer financing and the best surgeon for your nosejob should be chosen based on his skill and expertise.

Healthcare-specific Financing. There are a number of financing programs designed specifically for people who need to finance a cosmetic surgical procedure such as rhinoplasty. Programs such as CareCredit often give you a decision just minutes after you apply online. These programs sometimes offer low- or zero-interest plans for an introductory period, after which the interest rate is often still very low. Because they are limited to healthcare expenditures, these programs can be useful for people who tend to put too many purchases on their credit card. As is the case with credit cards and other forms of financing, missing a payment may cause your interest rate to skyrocket. So before you choose this option, make sure you’ll be able to pay on time.

Don’t Rely Solely on Cost

If you are considering having a nose job, you will obviously need to consider the cost, but this should not be the primary factor in your decision. First and foremost, you need to do everything you can to ensure that you receive a good result.

It’s better to wait a year or two and get great results than to go with an unqualified surgeon and risk a lifetime of regret. Choosing a discount surgeon may even end up costing you more in the long run, as you may need to have a revisional procedure to correct mistakes made in the original procedure. This will cost even more than the original procedure, and may further compromise the integrity of your skin and nasal structures. So, if the surgeon you’d like to perform your rhinoplasty charges more, just accept it.

Choosing a Rhinoplasty Specialist

But how to identify a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon?

There are a number of steps you can take.

The most important thing you can do to ensure a positive result is to choose a board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty. Refer to the website of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) to find a surgeon in your area.

Also make sure to read testimonials from patients of the surgeons you are considering. In addition, look at before and after pictures of patients who look similar to you. This will allow you to make sure that the surgeon shares your sense of aesthetics. Your surgeon should have a track record of good rhinoplasty results, including with complex cases and revision rhinoplasty procedures. The surgeon should perform rhinoplasty on a regular basis, using state-of-the-art equipment.

Rhinoplasty Cost

If you are considering rhinoplasty, then cost is likely an important factor in your decision. As with many other complex facial and cosmetic surgeries, there is not one set cost for a nose job. Each rhinoplasty is as unique as the individual seeking the procedure. As such, the price of your rhinoplasty will also be unique and based upon a variety of factors. When you work with our doctor, a cost for your surgery will be provided to you during your initial consultation, after Dr. Rizk has reviewed your medical history, examined your nasal anatomy, and gained an understanding of your specific goals for the surgery.

3 Main Costs of a Nose Job

In general, there are three main fees that comprise the cost of a nose job: the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesia fee, and the operating facility fee. These fees each vary based upon geographic region and tend to be higher in big cities such as New York and Los Angeles. The surgeon’s fee will be based upon the type of rhinoplasty being performed and the extent of revisions required. If you are undergoing revision rhinoplasty (a nose surgery performed to correct or improve the original rhinoplasty), the cost will almost always be higher than a primary rhinoplasty. Fees will also vary based upon the approach of the rhinoplasty (open vs. closed), the areas of the nose that are targeted for revision, grafts, implants, and nostril work. For example, nasal tip revisions tend to be more expensive due to their complexity.

ABC Nightline’s Lead Story- Interviewing Dr. Sam Rizk and his patient about teen rhinoplasty

Many patients wonder if their medical insurance company will cover their rhinoplasty. Insurance companies do not typically cover the cost of a cosmetic rhinoplasty; however, if the procedure is being performed to correct a diagnosed functional problem, such as a deviated septum, your insurance company may cover a portion of the cost. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or turbinates, a deviated septum, or a similar nasal problem, you should contact your insurance company to determine if your nose surgery will be covered. Many insurance companies require pre-authorization for any type of surgery, so it is important to contact them before setting a surgical date.You should also consider the costs that will not be included in the fee for your rhinoplasty. These include medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics, supplies to aid your recovery, and pre-operative tests and exams. You will also need to dedicate some time to your recovery period, during which you will not be working. You may be able to ask your employer for time off after your operation if provided for in your sick leave policy or use vacation days.

When looking for the best rhinoplasty surgeon for your nose surgery, you should not cut corners in terms of cost. In today’s rough economy, some medical practices have resorted to supplementing their revenue by providing cosmetic surgeries at a lower cost than competitors. In some cases, doctors are even performing complex surgeries after taking only a short course on the offered surgery. When considering a surgery as complex as rhinoplasty, you should only work with board certified surgeon who specializes in nose surgeries. Without the years of training and experience that it requires to perform a successful rhinoplasty, the results are not likely to be satisfactory.To learn more about the cost of your rhinoplasty, please call us to set up an initial consultation. If you live in the New York or New Jersey area, you will find our office conveniently located. Our central Manhattan location allows for easy access from NJ by car or public transportation.

To learn more about choosing a surgeon, as well as methods of paying for rhinoplasty and other factors, contact my office today.