Can I Get a Nose Job for Free if I Have Been Referred to by a Doctor for my Nose?

asked 3 months ago by MILL in Oakville, ON
Latest answer by Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Question viewed 209 times
Tags: broken nose, free, reconstructive

I recently broke my nose and had to get surgery to fix it but my cartilage needs to be reconstructed so I have been referred to a cosmetic surgeon. Am I able to get a free nose job if I have already been referred to one? Will he shave down parts of my nose I dislike?

10 answers to Can I Get a Nose Job for Free if I Have Been Referred to by a Doctor for my Nose?

Nothing is free

Alas there is no free ride. There are definite changes that are made to the nose for a reconstructive procedure and ones for a cosmetic procedure. Sometimes the differentiation is a very fine line. For example, if the nose is crooked and the septum is deviated then the only way to correct the nasal shape is to straighten the septum. By straightening the septum your breathing may be improved.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

A free rhinoplasty is virtually unheard of.

Hi MILL; Unless your surgeon is your father or uncle, it is not likely that you are going to have a "free" operation. If you broke your nose, you certainly need to have it fixed, and the most important chore you have now is to find a surgeon who is very experienced and can deliver satisfaction to you. I am not sure what you mean by "free nose job." Perhaps you are referring to a third partying paying, such as an insurance company. Without... more

Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Insurance does not cover cosmetic portion of nasal surgery

Insurance will cover the reconstructive part of your surgery - that related to your fracture - but will not cover the cosmetic component. Your surgeon will charge for this as will the facility and the anesthesiologist - this is not done gratis and for many reasons.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgery

Your insurance will pay a portion of your nasal surgery for the reconstruction from trauma. You should understand that they will not pay for all of this portion, and you should check with your insurance documents regarding your deductible and co-pay. The cosmetic portion, to "shave down parts....I dislike" will not be covered. You will pay for this portion along with the deductible and co-pay out of your pocket.

Ricardo Izquierdo, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.FaceAndBodyChicago.com

Free nose surgery

I do not think you should expect the surgery to be performed for free. When a surgeon does cosmetic work along with reconstructive work on a nose surgery, you should expect to pay for the cosmetic portion out of your own pocket.

Julio Garcia, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Nose job for free

If your nose have been damaged as a result of accident or injury insurance coverage is often avilable to help with the cost of rhinoplasty. The process should start with a predetermination from your insurance carrier so you can be certina just what will be covered, and to what extent. Just getting a referral is only the beginning. Also, as the insurance companies always say, determination of covered benefits is not a guarantee of payment. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Is Not Covered By Insurance

Insuracnce will cover those portions of nose surgery that pertain to structures causing breathing problems. But when it comes to any changes of the external nose to alter its shape, that is a cosmetic procedure and you will be responsible for the cost of performing that part of the surgery. A prior history of a repaired nasal fracture does not mean that any subsequent nose surgery will be similarly covered.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

Rhinoplasty Cost

There are many factors with regard to rhinoplasty and cost. If it is trauma-related, sometimes insurance will cover a portion of the procedure. Consult with a board-certified surgeon to discuss the issue. With rhinoplasty, multiple opinions are particularly useful.

Jeff Scott, MD
Everett Plastic Surgeon

You will be responsible for services rendered

I am assuming that you mean will you insurance cover the costs of the procedure. Insurance in general will cover some of the costs, however they will not generally cover cosmetic portions of the procedure. You need to check with you insurance carrier prior to the surgery to see if it would be covered. It is unlikely that they would cover the removal of the nasal bump. Make appointments for consultations with multiple surgeons. Look at lots of before and after photos.... more

Gregory Pippin, MD
New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.pippinmd.com

Nasal reconstruction due to fracture

When you are stating "free" surgery I am assuming you are inquiring if insurance will cover the expenses. This depends on your insurance policy and whether the proposed procedure codes will be covered. Your surgeons office may preauthorize the procedure if necessary to confirm coverage. If your fracture was caused by an act of violence perpetrated upon you then some victims advocacy groups will pay for reconstructive work as well. Best regards!