Is the tension nose deformity covered by insurance?

Hello.
Great question. Nasal procedures related to difficulty in breathing are usually covered by insurance. However, I will suggest contacting your insurance provider for further details. 

Tension nose refers to a cosmetic issue. If you are having problems breathing your surgeon can assess the functional aspects as well, such as a deviated septum. Surgery for a breathing issue would be covered by most insurance but not the cosmetic issue

Thank you for your question. With regards to nasal obstruction, there are a number of factors that could be contributing to you having difficulty breathing through your nose. Insurance companies will typically cover any procedure that is directed at improving the airflow through your nose, this is considered a medically necessary procedure. Any procedure that is directed towards improving the appearance of your nose but will not necessarily improve your breathing will be considered cosmetic.  Sometimes it is a combination of these two possibilities.  It is best to find a board-certified specialist with extensive experience in rhinoplasty and get a detailed in-office exam. This will clearly delineate what areas would be medically necessary, and what areas would be cosmetic corrections.Good Luck!Dr. E

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Insurance can cover a septoplasty when a patient has a deviated septum with breathing problems.  This can typically cover approximately half of the total cost of a rhinoplasty with septoplasty.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

The tension nose is a cosmetic deformity not covered under medical insurance. If there is a deviated septum present blocking airflow on the inside of the nose, then a septoplasty can be performed for medical necessity. Preauthorization must also occur with your insurance. Expect to pay for the cosmetic rhinoplasty yourself. Both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery can be performed simultaneously under one anesthesia with one recovery period.