Women and men considering rhinoplasty are often willing to make certain concessions (including traveling out of the country) to find lower-cost options. If ever there is a time to heed the age-old adage, “you get what you pay for,” it’s when you’re considering elective cosmetic surgery of any type. Risking your health, not to mention disappointing results, is just not worth shopping for a lower cost.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why the idea that you get what you pay for is especially important when considering plastic surgery in general and rhinoplasty specifically. Rhinoplasty is among the most technically challenging procedures performed by plastic surgeons. I’ve performed more than 2,000 rhinoplasty procedures at my Chicago practice, and cost often comes up during consultations. A patient’s budget always needs to be considered, but it should not be the primary factor in choosing a surgeon.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Rhinoplasty
The cost of rhinoplasty varies not only from practice to practice but also based on the specific needs of each patient. I create customized surgical plans for patients after their consultation and a thorough physical exam. With that in mind, there are several factors involved in the price of cosmetic nose surgery.
These factors include:
Location of procedure—The price of a procedure includes the type of facility in which it is performed. For example, surgery performed in a hospital setting will have a different cost than one performed in an independent outpatient surgical clinic or one that’s done in a doctor’s office.
Type of anesthesia—Rhinoplasty can be performed using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Using a general anesthetic requires the participation of a board-certified anesthesiologist during the surgery. A local anesthetic combined with oral sedation may only involve a nurse anesthetist or registered nurse. These choices should be based on patient safety concerns and not on which is the less costly option.
Experience and training of surgeon—It’s best to consider only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Surgeons who aren’t certified perform rhinoplasty and other elective plastic surgery procedures but have much less specialized training. I often perform revision rhinoplasty for patients who chose a less-qualified physician to perform their surgeries. A board-certified plastic surgeon may charge more for rhinoplasty, but you can be confident that the results will match or exceed your expectations in most cases.
Length and Complexity of Surgery—The techniques used during rhinoplasty surgery vary depending on the goals and needs of the patient. Tip rhinoplasty, for example, is less complex than a more comprehensive surgery. Addressing breathing issues during nose surgery can also add to the length and complexity of rhinoplasty.
Even though it’s natural to want to shop around to save money, I strongly encourage patients to concentrate on the credentials of a surgeon, his or her experience, and what previous patients have to say about their experiences. It’s also helpful to view before-and-after photos that showcase the results achieved by facial plastic surgeons. If you’re considering rhinoplasty in Chicago, you can contact our office using the online form or call us at (312) 788-2560 to schedule an appointment.
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