How Much Does Sinus Surgery Cost?
The average cost of sinus surgery is $4,175, but it can cost as much as $7,175, according to 47 reviews from RealSelf members who have had the procedure.
Also known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or sinuplasty, this procedure can reduce the severity of chronic sinusitis and frequency of sinus infections by removing blockages that often lead to pain and difficulty breathing.
Read on to see what fees you can anticipate, the variables that contribute to sinus surgery costs, whether health insurance covers it, and whether patients think it’s worth the money.
What does the cost include?
During your initial consultation with a surgeon, ask them for a personalized treatment plan and quote for the total cost, including the:
- consultation fee
- surgeon’s fee
- anesthesia fees
- facility fees
- supply fees
- testing and pathology lab fees
- follow-up visits
You'll also want to factor in the cost of any prescription or over-the-counter pain medication or saline nasal rinses for the recovery phase.
Which factors impact sinus surgery costs?
Beyond how much your insurance plan will cover, these factors will have the most impact on how much you pay for sinuplasty.
1. The type of sinus surgery you need.
The severity and complexity of your sinus issues—and the type of procedure you need to correct them—will be one of the biggest factors in your sinus surgery cost.
A few different procedures fall under the general umbrella of endoscopic sinus surgery, including:
- ethmoidectomy
- maxillary antrostomy
- septoplasty with turbinoplasty
- balloon sinus dilation (BSD), commonly called balloon sinuplasty
Sinus procedures can take between two and four hours, depending on their level of complexity. A more basic sinus surgery procedure, such as an ethmoidectomy or maxillary antrostomy, will typically cost less than more involved, time-consuming sinus surgeries, including those for the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. (Learn how these procedures are performed.)
During your consultation, your surgeon should explain which type of procedure is best for your condition, why, and how it will impact your cost.
2. Whether you’re combining it with other procedures.
Some people who get sinus surgery combine it with other procedures, such as a turbinate reduction or nasal valve reconstruction. While these additional procedures can improve airflow to make breathing easier, they will also increase your bill.
Others elect to get a rhinoplasty with sinus surgery, for both functional and cosmetic improvements. For example, RealSelf member SRecords123 paid $8,000 out of pocket for her combination rhinoplasty and sinus surgery with a facial plastic surgeon in Denver, Colorado.
Rhinoplasty isn’t covered by insurance, but insurance coverage can help offset the cost of a combination surgery by covering at least a portion of the anesthesia and facility fees for the sinuplasty.
3. Your plastic surgeon’s credentials and expertise.
Your surgeon’s qualifications and level of experience will heavily influence their surgeon’s fee.
A double board-certified ENT/facial plastic surgeon who specializes in sinus surgery will usually charge a higher surgeon's fee than a general surgeon who offers procedures like this one.
If you’ve been suffering from a lifetime of sinus pain and breathing issues and want a successful sinus surgery with long-lasting results, choosing a well-reviewed, board-certified surgeon who frequently performs this procedure can be worth the additional expense.
4. Where your surgery is performed.
The location of the surgical facility where this outpatient procedure is performed also factors into your cost.
You can expect to pay more for sinus surgery in major metro areas with a higher cost of living than more affordable cities. Prices can vary even between neighborhoods, so it can be worth your time to consult with more than one surgeon, so you can compare personalized treatment plans and price quotes.
Facility fees also come into play. You’ll pay less for a procedure that’s performed in a private surgery center than you will for a hospital operating room.
5. The type of anesthesia you get and who administers it.
Balloon sinus dilation (BSD) can be performed under local anesthesia, but all other types of sinus procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia.
You can expect fees for the anesthesia itself, related supplies, and the anesthesia provider.
An anesthesiologist (an MD) will charge a higher provider fee than a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Both are technically qualified to administer your anesthesia and monitor you during surgery, but some surgeons only work with anesthesiologists. Their extra level of training and expertise can also be worth the increased cost if you have an underlying condition, like diabetes.
Is sinus surgery worth the money?
A majority of people who have recently reviewed their sinus surgery say the results were worth the investment: it has an 86% Worth It Rating on RealSelf.
Those who say it was “Worth It” cited relief from a lifetime of sinus issues, related illness, and pain. One reviewer says the experience was “life changing,” allowing her to breathe and sleep better, without a need for antibiotics.
Those who rated it “Not Worth It” cited complications like empty nose syndrome or didn’t experience any relief from sinus pressure and infections. One reviewer who paid $15,000 for her procedure called it a “waste of time and money.”
Sinus surgery results can be very dependent on your surgeon’s technique. To help ensure your investment will be worth it, research carefully before you choose your doctor.
Is sinus surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover a significant portion of sinus surgery costs, as long as you have a documented history of sinus problems.
How much will be covered by health insurance depends on the details of your plan, but you can expect to still have some out-of-pocket costs, for copays and deductibles.
To have your insurance claim approved, you’ll also need to prove your medical history of sinusitis via a CT scan, medical exams, and prescription medications (such as antibiotics) that have helped manage your symptoms.
Can you finance sinus surgery?
Yes, financing options like CareCredit can help make the out-of-pocket costs of sinuplasty more affordable. During your consultation, ask your provider which options they accept.
They may also offer their own monthly payment plans, to help spread the cost out over time.