Will Insurance Cover a Nasal Valve Collapse After Rhinoplasy?

Everyone's health insurance policy is different, however, in general, most health insurance plans do not cover any complications resulting from a cosmetic procedure. You have to read the fine print of your individual plan. It doesn't hurt to try and bill health insurance since they do cover these issues sometimes. However, there are very reasonable priced cosmetic insurance plans that can be purchased prior to your cosmetic procedure that cover complications resulting from the cosmetic procedure. Your plastic surgeon can give you information on these plans that are sold by a separate company. You can also ask your plastic surgeon if you are at increased risk of having a complication and thus worth the extra expense of obtaining the policy. Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Most insurance companies do not cover complications related to cosmetic surgery.  Read through your medial insurance booklet to identify exemptions and services not covered by your plan.  Nasal valve collapse is best treated with spreader grafts composed of nasal cartilage.  If there is insufficient nasal cartilage available for use, then ear cartilage is the preferred alternative.