Crooked nose, sinus issues and deviated septum - Covered by insurance? (photo)

Absolutely—we see this frequently. Nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing through the nose can stem from anatomic issues, inflammatory congestion, or a combination of both. Based on your photos, it appears you have significant anatomic narrowing of the nasal airway, which would likely benefit from straightening both the septum and the external nasal structure. A CT scan can help determine whether there is any underlying chronic sinus inflammation. This would clarify whether sinus surgery might be beneficial in conjunction with nasal airway surgery.
Regardless, surgery to correct a deviated septum and external nasal deviation is typically covered by insurance, as it addresses functional breathing issues. These procedures are most often performed by a facial plastic surgeon. Some patients choose to combine functional surgery with cosmetic refinements, which would involve an additional fee—but this is entirely optional!
If sinus surgery is indicated, some facial plastic surgeons are comfortable performing both components, while others may collaborate with a rhinologist or ENT colleague for the sinus portion.

A septoplasty and reduction of nasal fracture can be covered by insurance. However, if you want a full reshaping of the nose, that would require rhinoplasty, which is cosmetic. While making the nose straighter, the tip can be refined to make it smaller and less round. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert for consultation.

Hi,
It will depend on your surgeon, but if medically indicated then insurance will generally cover sinus surgery and septoplasty/rhinoplasty done to improve breathing - this is called functional septorhinoplasty. If you wish to make purely cosmetic changes to your nose, that will likey be separate. I recommend discussing further with your surgeon to learn their breakdown.

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question It would be the most appropriate option for you to have a detailed ENT examination and consult an ENT specialist. In terms of your breath quality, my recommendation for you to solve the deviation problem as soon as possible is septorhinoplasty operation.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Our practice is a third party free practice, which means that we do not accept payment from any insurance companies. That said, we do offer functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery, however, we do not charge an additional fee when patients require functional correction at the time of rhinoplasty. Additionally, some facilities participate with insurance, so you may be able to get your facility fees paid for. I would strongly suggest visiting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who are comfortable addressing your breathing issues, nasal appearance, and chronic sinusitis. It's always best to have functional and cosmetic issues addressed at the same surgery. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

You will need a rhinoplasty and septoplasty. These procedures are usually performed by plastic surgeons but an ENT surgeon may also do this. The deviated septum may be covered by insurance but the crooked nose may or may not be.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty to help straighten your crooked nose. Septoplasty and functional procedures can be performed at the same time to help improve breathing. Insurance generally covers septoplasty but not any cosmetic changes to your nose. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

In the setting of nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, particularly after trauma, insurance will often cover a septorhinoplasty to straighten the nose and septum and improve breathing. This can often be combined with any additional aesthetic changes you desire, but the purely aesthetic portions of the operation would not be covered.
With regards to your sinus surgery, you could have that either before or after your rhinoplasty. I would suggest having a consult with a plastic surgeon focused on rhinoplasty.

If you have a crooked nose even from a previous injury your insurance may well consider straightening the nose to be cosmetic. I would get your functional issues addressed first and then consider the cosmetic portion. Although it would be possible to do it all at once you would need to find a surgeon who is viable of dealing with both issues and then the finances become very tricky. You may have to pay a fair amount out if pocket

Based on these photos you seem to be a candidate for septorhinoplasty, a procedure that will address both your functional (breathing) issues as well as correct your crocked nose. It is unlikely that insurance would cover these expenses but you can definitely try. Good luck.