Rhinoplasty at a lower cost from a med student?

Question

I definitely want a rhinoplasty, but I can not afford the high prices. However, I am from MA, and I am surrounded by some great med schools. I heard that med students at these schools perform rhinoplasty for a cheaper cost, but I still have no idea what they would cost. How much cheaper would a nose job performed at by a resident at a university cost? I called the program at Dartmouth, and they said they have state of the line equipment, therefore the surgery would cost MORE than a regular practice.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty prices vary greatly 
because the rhinoplasty procedure itself encompasses a wide range of 
techniques that can be performed to different extents.Therefore the cost
 range is pretty wide from $6000-$12,000. My recommendation is to first 
find qualified surgeons   that are board certified by the American Board
 of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology. Find one or
 two surgeons you trust, then compare prices between them. Factors that 
influence the price include:
1. Location - Will it be performed in a hospital with an overnight 
stay, an independent out- patient facility or a doctors office?
2. Type of Anesthesia -  IV sedation or General Anesthesia? Will a 
board certified anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist be used, or an 
RN?
    
 
3. Experience and training of your surgeon. The best 
trained (and longest) would be a surgeon board  certified by the 
American Board of Plastic Surgery, but also consider American Board of 
Otolaryngology trained surgeons
    
 4. Length and Complexity of 
Surgery - Tip Rhinoplasty only or complete rhinoplasty, open or closed 
technique, deviated septum repair,or breathing problems corrected, , how
 long, ?etc

Waleed Ezzat, MD, FACS · Answer

Short answer - no.  As faculty at a Medical School, I sometimes get asked this question.  Medical students are not MDs yet.  As such, they are not licensed to practice medicine independently.  Therefore, they will not have privileges to perform procedures.  Some programs will run resident clinics, in which the resident performs the procedure under the supervision of the attending surgeon - which is what you may be referring to.Truth be told, this is a procedure that has results that should last you the rest of your life.  If you try to cut corners on a cosmetic procedure, you are more likely to require a revision surgery - which usually costs more.  Thus, spending less now may lead to you spending more later.My advice:  Get the rhinoplasty done by a board-certified facial plastic or general plastic surgeon and find a surgeon you are comfortable with.  In the long-run, you'll be happy you did.Dr. E

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Frankly, I would advise against choosing your rhinoplasty specialist based on academic affiliation, or on the assumption that a supervised resident may produce a favorable outcome. The goal of rhinoplasty is to have a successful primary surgery that might lead to happiness or improved self-esteem. Since rhinoplasty is technically difficult, consider locating several rhinoplasty specialists near to you for consultation. If fees are an issue, it may be wise to save for a reputable rhinoplasty specialist.  "Bargain" rhinoplasty may lead to an undesirable result, and the possible need for revision surgery which is more costly, and less predictable. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear margaret1998 in Boston, Massachusetts:
Your homework has shown you that it is possible to get a rhinoplasty with a lower cost when done by trainees.  These would not be medical students.  They would be apprentices of surgeons or residents or fellows who must serve a period of training before they are fully certified as specialists.  That training may be anywhere from 5 to 8 years.  There are some risks involved.  Common sense tells you that a surgeon in training does not have the experience and technical facility as a surgeon who has been in practice for 25 or more years.  Are you willing to accept the possibility that the results may be less optimal than if it were done by a fully qualified surgeon?  You cannot expect the same service from a novice as compared to an expert.  However, if your budget is dictating the decision, then when you go for consultation ask if one of the professors or teachers who should have many years of experience, will be there overseeing the work of the surgeon in training.  That is the key.  If the surgeon in training has a professor looking over his shoulder, the prospects for success and your happiness increase significantly.  
  
Best wishes,
  
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Medical students are not physicians, so they are NOT allowed to perform surgery.  Residents ARE physicians, and they are allowed to perform surgery under supervision of their mentors.  Costs will differ depending on the area and the details of your surgery, so you will not be able to get exact information on that without an exam in person.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

First of all medical students are not allowed to perform a rhinoplasty procedure or any surgery whatsoever. Residents can perform surgery under direct supervision from an attending staff member in the University setting. Some university settings offer a discounted fee for elective cosmetic surgery. Make sure that the attending physician has extensive experience with rhinoplasty, since rhinoplasty is the most difficult procedure to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery. It's important to get it done right the first time, because a revision will cost you more in the long run. Look at your surgeon's before and after photo gallery which should be extensive, reflecting their dedication to the discipline of rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of the nose for breathing or appearance. Rhinoplasty is the most complex surgery of the face. Every nose is different. Every aesthetic goal is different. So every surgery is different. The nose takes longer than other parts of the body to heal and see your final result. There are no shortcuts and bargain deals are not worth it. Select your surgeon based on their expertise, open communication, and availability. You want to have a surgeon who will be there to take care of you as you heal. Safety comes first.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Medical students do not perform cosmetic surgery.  Plastic surgery residents in training programs operate under the supervision of their attending physicians.  Historically, these procedures were performed for a token fee. However, the hospitals now charge enough that there may be little difference from the fees charged by a community based, experienced, board certified plastic surgeon,

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

I have not heard about programs which would permit medical students to perform cosmetic procedures, however many medical schools  or fellowships in Plastic Surgery or Facial Plastic Surgery training programs permit rhinoplasty to be performed under supervision by residents or fellows. In some cases the fees can be substantially reduced. You may wish to contact the Aesthetic Resident Clinic at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for more specific information about the program. Private practices with Facial Plastic Fellows may offer another option for your consideration in this regard. Best of luck in your research.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

I have been in practice in MA for over 35 years.  I have never seen or heard of a medical student attempting this very complex procedure.  It is not uncommon for ENT or plastic surgery residents to do the procedure at a lower cost.  I would recommend that you see someone with experience.  You might have to save a bit longer, but you will probably be happier in the long run.

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