If I get a nose job is it possible to pass it off as for a medical reason rather than cosmetic, and would doctors support this?

Question

I am 21 and have always wanted a nose job to straighten out the large bump in it. This is entirely for cosmetic reasons, but my parents are incredibly unsupportive and I know they would openly make fun/ point out the fact I had a nose job. I have talked to them about the reasons why I want to get it (extremely ashamed about my appearance causing me to be very shy) and they just shrug it off or tell me to 'get over it'. Is there a medical reason for removing a bump I could say it was for?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You are asking a surgeon to lie for you.  If a surgeon will lie to your insurance company, that would not be a surgeon I would trust. At 21, you are an adult and are free to make your own decisions and do not need parental consent to undergo plastic surgery, even though it would be nice to have their support.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, Although performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty and billing insurance for medical reasons is fraud and a crime for a surgeon, I don't believe that's what you're asking. You need the support of your parents, both financially and emotionally.  You wouldn't be a good candidate then. Any result you get will be analyzed and potentially critiqued negatively by your parents, and you in turn will become unhappy with the result. You should wait until home circumstances change.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The only parts of a rhinoplasty that insurance will cover are functional ones... Like breathing. Any doctor who lies about this is committing fraud and is risking losing their license.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

At the age of consent, you can choose to have a rhinoplasty if you wish.  This is your decision, and even if your parents don't support it, you can still opt for it.  This sounds like a purely cosmetic procedure so you would need to pay out of pocket.  If you really wish to proceed, begin disiplined saving for it so you can cover the cost.  Asking a doctor to try and get a cosmetic procedure covered by insurance is insurance fraud and can result in the doctor losing his/her license.  Good luck

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is important to have another conversation with  your parents to tell them how this significantly affects  your esteem and self confidence, so that they can reconsider their decision. A psychologist and/or psychiatrist may be able to help intervene between you and your parents. There is no medical necessity for taking off a dorsal hump, since it is considered cosmetic. Patients must pay for this portion of the surgery themselves.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

A cosmetic rhinoplasty can be combined with a septoplasty to address functional concerns with breathing. However, there is no medical reason for removing the bump by itself.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and Dr Nazarian appears to have hit the nail right on the head but try to get your parents to go with you to see a surgeon and perhaps the surgeon can explain how important it is for your self esteemDr Corbin

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

In insurance billing, one must adhere to strict guidelines as to the medical problem and the surgery needed to correct it.  That said many, not all rhinoplasty patients have a functional problem with the airway being blocked to some degree. It has to be be documentted that there exists a functional airway problem with septum, turbinates, polyps or valve problems. In any event any portion of the surgery that is cosmetic is not billed to the insurance company but paid by  and listed on the insurance form as being already paid.The functional portion can be billed, if you have a predetermination from your insurance company as a separate procedure.If a total cosmetic procedure is done and billed as 100% functional surgery, both you and the surgeon can be charged with insurance fraud.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Most insurance policies will contribute to the cost of correcting functional nasal problems but will not cover the expense of cosmetic changes.

If I get a nose job is it possible to pass it off as for a medical reason rather than cosmetic, and would doctors support this?

Answers (9)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is there a way to fix the tip of my nose that sticks upward? (Photo)

I'm 15, will my nose hump go away? (photos)

My nose cast fell off a day after rhinoplasty. Should I be worried about my nose shape?

Masturbation and sex after rhinoplasty?

Can wearing glasses shortly after rhinoplasty cause permanent damage?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS