Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,005 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,057 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Is It Possible to Have a Septorhinoplasty Done and Insurance Cover It 100%? (photo)

asked 4 months ago by VKtoriaG in Dallas, TX
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 118 times
Tags: crooked, coverage, insurance, septorhinoplasty, trauma

I have had 4 traumatic experiences with my nose. I am almost 20 years old and after my recent accident happening almost 3 weeks ago, I've been told I have a severe deviated septum and an obvious hump that in bigger than before. My nose is also crooked because when looking me straight in the face, it curves to the right. I was wondering if insurance would be able to cover 100% of the procedure if I had the septoplasty combined with the rhinoplasty. Is that possible?

7 answers to Is It Possible to Have a Septorhinoplasty Done and Insurance Cover It 100%? (photo)

+5

Septorhinoplaty and insurance coverage

Hello VKtoriaG: This is a tricky question; in my experience, the septoplasty is often covered because of airway concerns; and some "straightening" would probably occur as result of addressing the previous trauma via "rhinoplasty"; a lot of this would depend on the individual insurance company: how they would view this. Despite the trauma and the fact that these were accidents, they might still view the rhinoplasty as strictly... more
Jerry Lugger, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+3

100% Insurance Coverage for Septorhinoplasty

If the cosmetic and functional problems are all secondary to your trauma some insurance companies will pay for the operation. They are also more likely to cover the operation if cosmetic changes will improve nasal breathing. The staff in your surgeon's office can help you contact the insurance company for authorization and and an estimate of benefits.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for septorhinoplasty

Medical insurance does not pay for cosmetic changes to the nose or any elective cosmetic surgery. Medically related conditions, such as a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, or valve collapse causing obstructive nasal issues may be submitted to insurance. Medical insurance may also participate for a broken nose. When medical procedures are performed, insurance co-pays and deductibles have to be taken into account, so patients should be prepared to pay some portion of the... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Some insurance companies will cover septorhinoplasty to improve breathing

Some insurance companies will cover septorhinoplasty to improve breathing. Every insurance company differs, however. Often the request to perform surgery will be denied and you'll be told septorhinoplasty is a "cosmetic" procedure. Often this will be approved on appeal. However, only maneuvers that are done to improve your breathing will be covered. This might include straightening of the nose but will not cover removing a bump from the bridge or changing the appearance of the... more
Stephen Weber, MD

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.lonetreefacial.com

+1

Septal surgery and insurance

Insurance may or may not cover your problem. Usually with a history of trauma, insurance will cover the septal work and even the bony work if it is well documented. As for a doctor accepting your insurance as full payment, that is something to discuss with the doctor.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible to have rhinoplasty 100% covered by insurance?

I am afraid this is wishful thinking. Every area and company is different but in our area and even written into my own personal and family policy it specifically states that any surgery to change the appearance of the nose regardless of the cause (trauma, fracture) is not covered. Only surgery to correct medical function is covered. You may think this includes fixing the hump but they don't. Your septoplasty will likely be covered and you will have to pay in addition for your... more
Michael L. Schwartz, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

+1

Maybe!

That depends on your insurance and your doctor's findings. Insurance will usually cover (after deductible and co-pay) surgery to restore form (shape) and function (breathing) after a fracture. Many companies will deny coverage on the first go round, so be prepared to argue your case with the insurance company. Insurance will not cover cosmetic surgery.
J. Charles Finn, MD

Raleigh-Durham Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question