Remarkably, Australians spend in excess of $1-billion a year on cosmetic treatments and rhinoplasty – or a nose job – is right up there as one of the most popular procedures. Naturally, patients want to know how much does rhinoplasty cost before they feel confident consulting with a professional, so today we are going to explore the factors that influence the cost of a nose job, and what you can expect to pay for your procedure.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape or repair the nose, can be performed for cosmetic reasons, reconstructive reasons or to improve the function of the nose. Furthermore, rhinoplasties are usually divided into two classes: open and closed.
With a closed rhinoplasty, your cosmetic doctor will make of the incisions on the inside of your nose. Closed procedures typically require a shorter healing period afterwards.
With an open rhinoplasty, your surgeon will cut into the tissue between your nostrils. Open rhinoplasty may leave a small scar that will fade over time.
Is A Nose Job The Answer For You?
The nose is a prominent feature of the face, and it’s possible to make very small surgical changes that have a big impact on the overall appearance of your face. While you might have an idea of what you would like, your surgeon will give you advice on what can be achieved realistically, looking at factors like your age, your skin type and your ethnicity.
Remember also that you would need to wait until your nose has reached its full size before you could consider working on it. For most people, this happens around the age of 15 or 16.
How Much Is A Nose Job In Australia?
The cost of a nose job is Australia is highly dependent on different factors, and your personal case. It’s difficult to give an accurate estimate because there is a large variance – all patients are different.
A word on overseas rhinoplasty though – it’s quite likely that you’ll encounter cheaper pricing structures if you look for quotes overseas, but be aware of the level of complications that can occur should you take this risk. Any medical costs that you accrue will need to be paid directly by you.
- The experience of your surgeon
- The area of speciality of your surgeon
- Actual reviews or recommendations from satisfied patients
Of course, you should consider a second opinion as part of your research. Having a comparative does give you a chance to make a more informed decision, and will give you more context to your procedure and what it entails.
The Cost Of Rhinoplasty In Australia
The Australasian Academy of Facial cosmetic Surgery says you can expect to pay in the region of $8000 and $20000 for your procedure. Let’s have a look at what constitutes the total amount:
- Between $5000 and $15000 of your total amount will go to your surgeon
- Around $1500 of your total will cover your hospital costs
- Approximately $1250 will be paid to the anaesthetist
Are There Any Other Costs?
You can also expect to pay around $100 to $500 for your preliminary consultation, and cover any medical tests that might need to be done. You will also need to cover any after-care costs (like bandages or pain medication).
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) recommends that the practitioner-patient relationship is fully transparent and that patients are kept informed of all the costs related to their procedures throughout.
RACS also advises that patients are informed and educated about all the treatment options that are available to them. If you have any questions, queries or concerns you should always raise them with your practitioner. This is called informed consent and it’s essential that you understand all aspects of your procedure to be able to give it.
An example of how this plays out: You may arrive at your surgeon’s office with an idea or a want, but after chatting with the team for 20 minutes, may find there is an alternative way to achieve your goal. You might not have considered it before, but your consultant may recommend an additional procedure on your chin – because you want to improve your profile. Your consultant should present you with both cost options, as well as a comparison of the risks involved in each.
Being able to have open and honest conversations at the beginning of your relationship is an important part of your rhinoplasty procedure. Part of this process also involved discussing the risks involved in your nose job.
Will Medicare Cover Your Rhinoplasty Cost?
The Medicare Benefits Schedule has a list of all medical services that the government subsidizes and depending on your reasons for having rhinoplasty, you might be entitled to some rebate. If your procedure is medically necessary, to address breathing obstructions, a congenital deformity or to treat you after a physical trauma, Medicare may offer you some cover.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty Cost?
Private health insurance will only cover a nose job if it is medically necessary. As is the case with elective cosmetic procedures, you would need to cover the cost of your nose job out of pocket.
Still have questions about rhinoplasty cost and what you can expect to pay for the procedure? As you can see, the price range is very broad and your total figure is dependent on your facial contours and needs. The most reliable way to investigate the cost of a nose job is to book a consultation. Please contact us for a convenient appointment. Call us at (02) 8599 7161
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.