As a plastic surgeon with years of experience, I have encountered many patients who are interested in getting a nose job but are concerned about the cost. One common question that I often hear is, 'Will insurance cover my rhinoplasty if I have a deviated septum?' The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors. In this article, I will provide you with the truth about insurance coverage for rhinoplasty and septoplasty.
Understanding Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
Before we dive into insurance coverage, let's first understand what rhinoplasty and septoplasty are. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the nose.On the other hand, septoplasty is a procedure that corrects a deviated septum, which is the structure found inside the middle part of the nose. While rhinoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, septoplasty is considered a medical necessity. A deviated septum can cause significant breathing problems and other complications, making it necessary to correct it through surgery.
Insurance Coverage for Rhinoplasty
Now, let's address the main question - will insurance cover your rhinoplasty? The answer is both yes and no. Insurance will cover rhinoplasty if there is a documented nasal fracture that has caused significant distortion of the nose. This means that if your nose has been injured due to an accident or trauma, insurance may cover the cost of your rhinoplasty. Additionally, insurance may also cover rhinoplasty if it is done to improve breathing.For example, if you have a deviated septum that is causing difficulty breathing, insurance may cover the cost of your rhinoplasty. However, this will only cover the functional aspect of the procedure, not the cosmetic aspect.
Insurance Coverage for Septoplasty
As mentioned earlier, septoplasty is considered a medical necessity and is covered by insurance. This is because a deviated septum can cause significant breathing problems and other complications. If a medical professional deems that surgery is necessary to alleviate these problems, insurance providers are more likely to cover the procedure. Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals, also covers septoplasty to treat septal deviation.However, this is only applicable if the crooked septum blocks the nasal airways and causes difficulty breathing. In this case, surgery to correct the nasal septal deviation is considered a medical need and is covered by Medicaid.
What About Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Unfortunately, any cosmetic surgery solely done to improve the appearance of the nose will not be covered by insurance, whether it is private or Medicaid. This means that if you are looking to get a nose job solely for aesthetic purposes, you will have to pay for it out of pocket. It's important to note that even if you have a deviated septum, insurance will not cover the cosmetic aspect of your rhinoplasty. For example, if you have nasal congestion caused by a deflected nasal septum, you may only be able to have septoplasty covered by insurance.Rhinoplasty is the only way to change the appearance of the nose.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, insurance coverage for rhinoplasty and septoplasty depends on several factors. If your nose has been injured due to an accident or trauma, insurance may cover the cost of your rhinoplasty. Additionally, if you have a deviated septum that is causing difficulty breathing, insurance may cover the functional aspect of your rhinoplasty. However, any cosmetic surgery solely done to improve the appearance of the nose will not be covered by insurance. As a plastic surgeon, I always advise my patients to consult with their insurance provider before undergoing any procedure.It's also essential to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about the cost and coverage of your surgery before making any decisions. I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of insurance coverage for rhinoplasty and septoplasty.
