Your Opinion on Rhinoplasty and Breast Augmentation Costs?

Question

The surgery costs seem reasonable but would like an outside opinion. I had 3 consultations for rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Two doctors gave me printed estimates, but the first doctor's receptionist said she couldn't print out the quote for me, and didn't want to show the breakdown.Rhinoplasty and breast augmentation costs:1st doctor - $8,900 in total for both surgeries at the same time at his clinic2nd doctor - $7,070 bothsurgeon fee: $3600 saline implants: $875anesthesia: $1000  operating room fee: $1540 lab fee: $30 bra: $253rd dr.- about $12,000 seperate surgeriessurgeon fee: $3500saline implants: $1675anesthesia: $400operating room fee: $900rhinoplasty: $5600The 1st doctor said they'd price match. How often does that occur and does it offend other doctors when a patient does that?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Pricing varies depending on the surgeon and the city in which they're located. It's best to check out websites of surgeons as a price list may be on their site. Each surgeon has their own pricing policies. It seems unusual that the first quote wasn't broken down. It should be possible to do this.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

While price is always a consideration, it is more important to check the surgeons' qualifications, board status and experience.  Rhinoplasty is a complex operation and you have to choose someone who is skilled over a good price.

	The surgeries can be performed at the same sitting.  You do not need two different surgeries, and thus 2 different recovery periods and additional costs.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

As the other doctors pointed out, you have detailed the prices but what about the surgeons?  What about the anesthesiologist?  Price is not everything or the only thing when it comes to plastic surgery.  It is far more expensive to have to redo a bad breast cheap or nose job than to have paid a little more at the front end and not have any issues.  This is not to mention the heartache you would go thru.
You need to look at the surgeons, board certified, the type of anesthesia, whether they are board certified, the before and afters and the general sense you get from the practice.  Lastly you look at the cost.  You are not shopping for car or home furniture.  This is you and your body.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

When it comes to plastic surgery. You should not let the price be the deciding factor. Don't forget you are going to look at your nose the rest of your life. If you have a great result you would be the happiest person. You could also be miserable if the results aren't good.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Although you are providing alot of information, there are still alot of factors that you have not provided that can make a significant difference in the price. For example, board certified anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, or surgeon providing anesthesia. Anatomic saline implants or smooth round? It is not quite fair to compare without knowing the exact details.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

IThe prices of Breast Augmentation, Lift, or full mommy make overs as well as revisions can vary widely from city to city. For example, a breast augmentation can cost 3-4 times in LA and New York what it costs in Montana. In looking at the a price quote for breast augmentation, you should consider many variables. Same goes for Rhinoplasty costs.1. The Surgeon's Fee. This can vary widely depending on the experience and results and thus demand for that surgeon. This also sometimes depends on technique. For example, a sub-muscular placement of an implant is much faster and thus takes less work for the surgeon than a sub-fascial placement of the implant that takes twice as long.2. The Implant. The breast implant price depends on using a saline, memory gel, or highly cohesive (gummybear) implants. Usually saline implants cost about $1,000 for a pair, memory gel $2,000, and highly cohesive $3,000. If fat is used instead of an implant, then usually a fat harvest charge is used instead of implant fee as liposuction supplies are used and the fat purified in a variety of methods. The size of the implant does not matter, only the type of implant. If a dermal matrix is needed then there is an additional charge (usually about $1,000). In revisions, often the same implant can be used which saves on the implant costs. If a breast lift alone is performed, then obviously there is no implant cost.3. Anesthesia. This can vary as well. If a board certified anesthesiologist is used then the price is higher. If a CRNA (nurse anesthetist) then the price is lower. It is even lower when a doctor just uses a non-certified anesthetist nurse, or just a medical assistant to push the anesthetic drugs (yes, this actually does happen).4. Facility Fee. This can vary if the surgeon is using a certified surgery center or hospital vs. his non-certified office.These four components make the total price, so it is best to break these down so the patient knows exactly what she is getting.Realself has an average cost for each city.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The fees seem reasonable depending on the area that you live. The most important consideration is that find a surgeon that is skilled, experienced and understands your needs. However, it is also vital that you have a skilled anesthesiologist, medical staff, and operating environment. 

	 

	Ideally the surgeries should be separated to limit surgical complexities related to sterility.

	 

	If you approach a surgeon that fits your needs with your budgetary concerns in the proper manner, they may show compassion for you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The average price for a rhinoplasty is approximately $6,000 but can range anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Since the rhinoplasty is the much more difficult procedure, make sure that your rhinoplasty surgeon has performed thousands of rhinoplasties and is very comfortable with all of the nuances regarding a three-dimensional structure of the nose, breathing, and can give the patient a very natural result.

Robert B. Pollack, MD · Answer

The first doctor refusing to print out a price quote is strange. This should be a normal part of any consultation. It sounds like there are some red flags going off in your mind too. I would steer clear of that doctor. For the other two you need to see who you feel most comfortable with and make sure you are satisfied with examples of their before and after photos. I would also make sure both have appropriate training for these surgeries. You can be assured they are qualified if they are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society of Asethetic Plastic Surgery. Both require their members to be board certified in Plastic Surgery.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

First of all, I would avoid the doctor whose staff wouldn't give you a printed quote. Second as Dr. Placik explained, there are many things to clarify like where the surgery will be done and who will be giving anesthesia.  You should also carefully reviews each doctor's photos of breasts and noses - there have to be differences in what you se as no 2 doctors are the same!
Finally, from a risk standpoint, I would not do your surgeries together because rhinoplasties are not "sterile" procedures and if you get an implant infection, it will result in implant removal, scar tisssue, future implant replacement and maybe a permamently damaged result.

Your Opinion on Rhinoplasty and Breast Augmentation Costs?

Answers (10)