When it comes to rhinoplasties, the reason for getting one can fall into one of two major categories: medical and cosmetic. Some people get a rhinoplasty for medical reasons; these can include breathing issues, snoring, and sleep apnea. Others get a rhinoplasty to improve the appearance of their nose.
Cosmetic rhinoplasties
Many rhinoplasties are cosmetic. That means that there is no medical necessity for the surgery; instead, it’s done to change the shape or size of the nose. When it comes to cosmetic rhinoplasty, there are several different parts of the nose that can be shaped, including the bone, bridge, and cartilage.
When is a rhinoplasty medically necessary?
A rhinoplasty is not just about changing the nose’s appearance. It can be done for medical reasons as well. Most often, this is to remedy breathing issues. Irregularities in the nose’s shape such as a deviated septum due to accidents or those present at birth can result in difficulty breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea.
Can you have a rhinoplasty done for both medical and cosmetic reasons?
Yes, you can. Often, people need a rhinoplasty done for medical reasons and choose to also have cosmetic work done at the same time. These can usually be done in one procedure. Of course, talk to your doctor to determine if you’re a good candidate to get both done at the same time.
Does insurance cover medical rhinoplasties?
This will vary based on the insurance company, but many will cover a rhinoplasty at least in part (or the cost will go towards the deductible, depending on the plan) when it can be proven that the procedure is medically necessary. If any parts of the rhinoplasty are cosmetic, those will not be covered.
If you suspect that your breathing issues may be due to structural abnormalities in your nose, getting evaluated is important. Dr. Edmund Fisher is both an ENT and a plastic surgeon, so he is uniquely qualified to identify issues, help you come up with a treatment plan, and perform your surgery. Whether you are looking for both a cosmetic and medical rhinoplasty or just one. You can check out some examples of Dr. Fisher’s work here.
