Will insurance cover revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

This would be my fourth rhinoplasty. I would not be able to go to a doctor who is the best of the best unless insurance could possibly cover most of the surgery. Is this possible? I was in the running to be on a TV show that helps fix surgeries like this but unfortunately did not make the cut. I would need my breathing corrected and would like the appearance to look better but I know that I cannot expect perfection. I just need to know where to start???

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is not likely that insurance will cover most of your expenses, if any, based on our experience. However, the most important thing for you would be to find an expert nose surgeon who will finally  produce desired correction. You had too many surgeries to allow yourself another adventure. Good luck.

Jay Calvert, MD, FACS · Answer

Insurance will cover much of the functional aspects of the rhinoplasty if you go to the in-network providers listed on your insurance.  However, insurance typically does not cover the bulk of a procedure that has a significant cosmetic component to it.  I would think the best thing to do is to see a provider in your network who is a SPECIALIST in revision rhinoplasty.

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

If you have issues breathing through your nose (a functional problem), your insurance may pay for that part of the surgery.  However, it may only be a portion of the overall cost as you may need a cosmetic surgery as well.  Although cost is an important aspect of any service, I think finding a well qualified surgeon who understands your goals might be even more important, especially since the next surgery will be your fourth one.  Good luck!

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

Insurance can cover a portion of surgery if there are functional issues. It will likely only cover a small portion of the overall cost and it will also depend on if the surgeon is contracted with your insurance company and your benefits. I would suggest meeting with a few surgeons to just get an idea of what to expect. Best of luck

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many issues on the inside of the nose that can cause breathing difficulties, which include a deviated nasal septum, turbinate hypertrophy, valve collapse, vestibular stenosis, allergies, and chronic sinusitis. Each one of those issues are treated differently with either medications or surgery. Medical necessity must be documented at the time of the examination and consultation in order to bill a medical insurance for a functional problem. It's also important to try medical management first before  undergoing surgical intervention for breathing. Functional nasal surgery for breathing will not change the shape of the nose. A revision rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, and patients must pay for that component themselves. The cosmetic component of the surgery usually takes much longer period of time than the actual functional component. Do not expect medical insurance to cover most of the surgery. For more information  about the differences between functional and cosmetic nasal surgery, please see  the link and the video below

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You can get revision rhinoplasty performed under insurance for the parts that are functional; for you this would include for example placing alar batten grafts to correct your supra-alar pinching.

David Alessi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The part of the surgery to improve your nasal airway should be covered.  Any cosmetic improvements won't be covered.  Seek out a surgeon well-versed in revisions.  Board-certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic surgery should be sought out.  Best wishes.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm sorry your problems continue. Insurance typically will contribute the cost of correcting functional problems but rarely will cover all or most of the surgery. The answer does depend on your particular policy. Patents frequently ask us similar questions so my staff will assist them in pre-op communication with their insurance company to try to clarify their insurance benefits.

Will insurance cover revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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