Patients for a rhinoplasty procedure usually take years before finally deciding to go for it. There are several factors involved in the decision-making process, and much of these revolve around average rhinoplasty cost and the procedure itself; that is, the surgery part of the treatment.

If you’re considering getting a nose job, here are a few essential facts to know about it:

1. Average rhinoplasty cost

The average rhinoplasty cost is around $5,000 but this excludes the anesthesia/anesthesiologist, medical facility/operating room expenses, and other fees. Factors that will affect the actual cost of your particular rhinoplasty procedure include the type of procedure involved (open or closed rhinoplasty), the extent of surgery necessary to correct your concern or achieve your desired result, and the type of anesthesia used.

The average rhinoplasty cost specific to your needs and goals could range between $5,400 and $15,000. Some patients have even paid up to $25,000 for a rhinoplasty procedure.

2. Anesthesia for rhinoplasty

A lot of people think that rhinoplasty is a minor surgery since it is an out-patient procedure and the nose isn’t exactly a major organ. However, rhinoplasty is arguably the most difficult cosmetic surgery to perform because the surgeon will be working on an integral part of your face (and one that helps you breathe) and with minimal or limited surgical space to work with. Incisions are often done inside the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or underside of the nose (open rhinoplasty). That said, rhinoplasty is considered a major surgery.

In relation to this, there are two general types of anesthesia used for a rhinoplasty procedure: local anesthesia with sedation, and general anesthesia. What’s the difference? Their difference mainly lies in their effects on the patient. With local anesthesia (with sedation), the anesthesia is “localized,” meaning it is administered on the surgery area and its numbing effect is on the surgical area alone. “With sedation” means the patient is given a sedative to make them groggy but not fully asleep.

General anesthesia, on the other hand, affects the entire body, and the patient will be asleep and unconscious throughout the procedure. A breathing tube will be inserted to assist the patient’s breathing while they are unconscious.

Given the facts above, patients can expect to pay more if they choose to be given general anesthesia, which could increase their average rhinoplasty cost by about $200 to $500. However, this still depends on the medical facility and the anesthesiologist.

3. Not all patients are good candidates for rhinoplasty

An important detail all patients must know about rhinoplasty is that not everyone is eligible for the cosmetic procedure. This is why an initial consultation is necessary because it’s the time to discuss the procedure with a plastic surgeon and determine if the patient is a good fit for rhinoplasty.

During consultation, your surgeon will perform a thorough physical examination to determine your state of health. A thorough evaluation of your nasal features will likewise be undertaken. Your medical history will be discussed as well. This is to identify medical history and/or conditions that could affect your healing and recovery process, and also if you have a medical condition that could put you at risk for any type of surgery such as hemophilia.

Consult a licensed and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon

Do you have more questions regarding anesthesia for rhinoplasty or the procedure itself? Do you have concerns about the appearance of your nose or perhaps you have issues with its functions? Please feel free to call Capital Facial Plastic Surgery at (240) 630-8175 to schedule a consultation with licensed and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Adam E. Singleton, MD. Capital Facial Plastic Surgery serves the residents of Chevy Chase, MD, and Washington, D.C.