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Is It Ok to Add Something You Want Done in Your Rhinoplasty in Your Pre Op Appointment the Day Before the Surgery?

asked 6 months ago by jennee84
Latest answer by Anita Patel, MD
Question viewed 198 times
Tags: dorsal hump, combination, pre-op

Since I last saw my plastic surgeon I realize not only do I want my dorsal hump removed, but also some tip work done. I have yet to talk to him about it, but I am seeing him the day before the surgery in a pre op appointment. Will it be a big deal to tell him I want to change my tip a day before the surgery? Also the whole surgery it's being covered by my insurance, so will the doctor have to resubmit the surgery plan to the insurance company if I want to add something to the surgery?

12 answers to Is It Ok to Add Something You Want Done in Your Rhinoplasty in Your Pre Op Appointment the Day Before the Surgery?

Adding Another Procedure the Day Before Rhinopasty

Sometimes it is necessary to change the surgical plan for a rhinoplasty when the patient is seen the day before surgery; for example when the patient is from another state or country. I prefer that the patient have more time to consider the proposed modifications. It is unlikely the tip work will impact the insurance payment, which will not cover the cosmetic procedures. You may have additional personal financial responsibility.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Schedule a 2nd consult sooner rather than later

If you want to change your planned surgery, it is better to schedule a 2nd consult as early as you can to go over what you want to add. Do not wait until the last minute to inform your surgeon you want to add to what you already discussed. If what you want to add has a medical indication, your surgeon needs time to request pre-authorization. This can take days to weeks. If it is not considered medically necessary, then you will need to pay a cosmetic fee, not only for the surgeons fee,... more

Anita Patel, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.anitapatelmd.com

Before rhinoplasty, always best for you and your doctor to think ahead

You should contact your rhinoplasty surgeon immediately and make arrangements for another follow-up consultation. It is very important that you both agree on the plan. An excellent time to have another computer imaging session, so that you can see the predicted result that the doctor believes will fulfill your wishes. Regarding the insurance issue, obviously, you will have to contact your insurance company and check with the doctor's business manager to find out... more

Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yes cosmetic work usually can be altered/added at the last minute

The insurance company needs to be notified about the procedure before it takes place. Otherwise you might be responsible for the uncovered portion of that surgery. Usually the cosmetic part is not covered. You should speak to you surgeon about changes prior the pre-op appointment. One day could not be enough to get some answers from your insurance company. Your plastic surgeon can probably accommodate the cosmetic changes but it may mean more time (and money)

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

More extensive rhinoplasty than originally planned

Adding to the originally planned procedure, should you and your PS agree that it is reasonable, will require more time in the operating room, it may not be covered by the insurance company because they might deem it to be cosmetic (thus added out of pocket cost to you) and will require added informed consent from you. You may have to have your procedure rescheduled.

Andrew Pichler, MD
Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

facedr.com

Health insurance and cosmetic surgery

You need to notify your surgeon as soon as possible that you have decided to make a change in the surgery. This will allow adequate time to plan for the surgery, make adjustments in the operating room schedule in case you need more or less operating room time etc. You say the whole surgery is covered by insurance but health insurance does not cover dorsal hump removal unless it is the result of documented trauma. They only cover reconstruction for documented trauma and structural... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Talk to your surgeon

I would strongly recommend you reconsult with your surgeon. He must plan for your nasal surgery. It is unlikely that insurance will cover the cosmetic portion of your surgery. Your surgeon's office will need time to check your eligibility and benefits with your insurance company. Warmest regards. Dr. Pippin

Gregory Pippin, MD
New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.pippinmd.com

Is It Ok to Add Something You Want Done in Your Rhinoplasty in Your Pre Op Appointment the Day Before the Surgery?

I don't see why not. Any experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon shouldn't have an issue with you discussing having more or less done during your Rhinoplasty. In fact, any prospective Rhinoplasty patient should discuss all their options before the surgery IMHO.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Change in plan for rhinoplasty

It's always better to discuss your goals well before surgery. Call the office and tell them your concerns and see if the surgeon can see you sooner. Don't expect the insurance to cover any cosmetic changes you want in the tip. That would be cosmetic and your responsibility. Insurance pays for things that are medically necessary.

Ronald Schuster, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Pre-op

The sooner you make your wishes known the better. Your doctor will need to schedule more time. As for the insurance issue, I can't answer that. that depends on how the approval was obtained

David A. Bray, Sr., MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Preop Rhinoplasty Concerns

It would be best for you to discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible. There are multiple factors that go into an operation and most surgeons go into surgery with a plan that is carefully thought out beforehand after extensive discussion with you. From what you describe, you would need more operating time which means that the surgeon needs to block out more time in his/her schedule, the operating room, the anesthesiologist's schedule, etc. Additionally, you... more

Kimberly Lee, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pre-op changes

I think is fine to discuss with your surgeon any changes you want in your nose. Insurance may not cover aesthetic changes in your nasal tip. Also, if more time is needed in the operating room, scheduling could possibly be a problem. Still, to go through a procedure without fully discussing your desires and goals with your surgeon would in my opinion be a mistake. Best wishes to you.