Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Cost and Procedure Guide

Imagine waking up each morning, struggling to breathe deeply through your nose. Workouts might feel like an endurance test, not because of physical exhaustion, but because your nasal airways are severely compromised. If you’re living with nasal trauma, congenital abnormalities or complications from previous surgeries, reconstructive rhinoplasty can provide more than just an aesthetic improvement — it may provide a path back to normal breathing, better sleep and renewed self-confidence.¹

Nasal reconstruction can be a complex process. This guide covers details from the actual costs to the latest surgical procedures and a precise recovery timeline.

What Is Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?

Your nose has a complex structure, and fixing it requires surgical precision. Nasal reconstruction surgery, also called reconstructive rhinoplasty, aims to restore the form and function of your nose.¹

If you have severe functional issues caused by structural problems, you may be a candidate for reconstruction. Requirements can include:²

• Deformities of the nose
• Breathing or nasal difficulties or obstructions
• Good overall health
• Non-smoking status or willingness to quit
• Realistic expectations about outcomes

Standard vs. reconstructive rhinoplasty

• Standard rhinoplasty is performed for aesthetic enhancement or to improve nasal airflow, using techniques that modify existing nasal structures.³
• Reconstructive rhinoplasty is a surgical process that rebuilds missing or damaged parts of your nose.⁴ It often requires grafts from other body areas to achieve the desired result.¹

How Much Does Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Cost?

The national average cost* for nose reconstruction is $7,669 with a range of $6,074 to $13,955.⁵ The final cost can vary depending on several factors, such as where you live, the surgeon’s experience and the specific techniques used during the procedure.

Average cost of reconstructive rhinoplasty by state/district

Here’s the average cost* of nose reconstruction surgery for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁵

Does Insurance Cover Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?

Health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage, may cover reconstructive procedures for functional problems or significant defects. Because of the nature of reconstructive rhinoplasty procedures, your insurance may cover some or all of your surgery.⁶ Always consult with your plastic surgeon and your insurance company to verify specific coverage details, including pre-authorization requirements.

Some common medically necessary reasons for coverage include:

Birth differences

Reconstructive rhinoplasty, including septoplasty, may be considered medically necessary when used to correct birth abnormalities or deformities of the nasal septum — the wall that separates the two nostrils. For example, to repair a cleft palate.⁴

Post cancer treatment

After a MOHS procedure for skin cancer, insurance may provide coverage if reconstructive rhinoplasty is required to restore facial symmetry, improve vision obstructed by tissue deficits, enable normal eating, swallowing, or speech, or reduce the risk of infection from open wounds.⁷

Chronic sinusitis

When abnormalities such as septal deviation play a role in sinusitis, insurance may cover corrective rhinoplasty.⁴

Sleep apnea

If you have obstructive sleep apnea and are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy because of significant nasal obstruction, insurance may cover septoplasty or corrective rhinoplasty to enhance the effectiveness of CPAP or BiPAP therapy.⁴

Nasal valve collapse

When the nasal valve weakens and collapses inward, breathing through your nose can become a struggle. This narrowing happens when the supportive cartilage loses strength, often from previous surgery or aging, creating an obstruction. Rhinoplasty, including reconstruction, may be covered if it addresses these issues.⁸

Recurrent nose bleeds

Also called epistaxis, recurrent nose bleeds may be considered medically necessary treatment for a corrective nasal surgery if found to be related to a septal defect.⁴

Nasal trauma

Nasal trauma disrupts more than your appearance. It can also fundamentally affect how well you breathe. When a nasal injury causes airway obstruction, these procedures become medically necessary rather than cosmetic.⁴

Documentation for insurance coverage

Authorization procedures may vary depending on the insurance company or government provider, but here are some tips to consider to help you get started.

Primary medical documentation

Keeping detailed records may be helpful for timely approval decisions. Here are some of the things your insurance company may require:⁸

• Evidence that symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, such as nasal sprays or immunotherapy
• Notes from airflow or breathing assessments
• Description of significant nasal obstruction symptoms such as chronic rhinosinusitis or difficulty breathing
• Clinical examination notes and supporting photos showing nasal structure or obstruction
• Relevant medical history, including chronic nasal or sinus issues

How Does Reconstruction Rhinoplasty Work?

Nasal reconstruction surgery aims to restore the nose’s form and function after injury, to correct malformation, and repair unsatisfactory outcomes from prior surgeries.¹ It also helps repair defects and even rebuild nasal structure after cancer treatment, which may involve removing part or all of the nose.⁹ Full nasal reconstruction utilizes some or all of the following approaches or techniques, depending on the extent of the defect:¹

Closed vs. open rhinoplasty

A closed rhinoplasty approach may be appropriate for less complicated cases.¹⁰

With the closed approach, all incisions are made inside the nasal passages, and there is less chance of visible scarring. This technique may be less suitable for repairing significant deformities or rebuilding nasal structures.¹⁰

Open rhinoplasty gives your surgeon greater visibility, which allows them to make precise adjustments that are essential for complex cases where you need significant reshaping or surgical revision. The main drawbacks for this approach can be the potential side effects, including swelling, bruising and scarring.¹⁰

Revision rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most complex facial surgeries. Because it corrects complications from previous surgeries, including breathing difficulties, structural collapse or aesthetic concerns, it often requires a more comprehensive approach.³ The surgery may require obtaining cartilage from alternate sites like the ear or rib.⁹ Successful outcomes and your satisfaction may depend heavily on choosing a surgeon specifically skilled in revisions.

Septoplasty

Reconstructive septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct defects or deformities of the nasal septum, the partition between the nostrils, by altering, splinting, or removing obstructive tissue while maintaining or improving the nose’s function. The main reason for septoplasty is to relieve nasal airway obstruction caused by a deviated septum, though it may also be performed for recurrent nosebleeds, sinus issues related to septal deviation, access to other nasal regions, or after nasal trauma.⁴

Turbinate surgery

Turbinates, also known as nasal conchae, are tiny bones inside the nose, covered with a lining of mucosa (mucous membrane) that helps filter and humidify the air you breathe. These structures can swell due to allergies, infection or exposure to environmental irritants.¹¹

This procedure can involve minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency turbinate reduction, where a needle-like instrument is inserted into the turbinate to help reduce its size.¹¹

Nasal valve surgery

Your nasal valves are the narrowest spaces within each nostril. They play an essential role in regulating airflow into your nasal passages. Surgery may be necessary when the nasal valve collapses under pressure and impacts breathing quality. The surgery involves reshaping and strengthening this area using cartilage grafts. It can be done as a secondary rhinoplasty to correct issues from a previous surgery or to repair nasal trauma.¹²

The Surgical Process

Reconstructive rhinoplasty isn’t a single type of procedure but rather a surgical process that can vary in the procedures performed based on the complexity of each case. The techniques used typically depend on the particular defect, the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s level of expertise.¹ However, there are some general steps involved from preparation through recovery.

Preparation phase

Your surgical journey begins with a consultation. Your surgeon will carefully assess your nasal structure, along with any defects and plan reconstruction strategies.¹³

Modern presurgical planning may involve 3D imaging and modeling. These tools can help your surgeon visualize reconstruction for bespoke surgical planning and goal management.¹

Preparation can help ensure you’re healthy for surgery. It will include a detailed medical history and thorough physical examination.² In cases of sleep apnea, breathing tests (polysomnography) may help determine appropriateness and smoking cessation improves healing.³

Reconstruction procedure phase

Each procedure is different and designed to address your specific structural needs while restoring both function and confidence. Procedure steps may include:²

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used for patient comfort.
2. Incision placement: Inside the nostrils or across the bridge for better access.
3. Cartilage and bone grafts: This begins by taking tissue from your ear, nasal septum or rib in order to provide a foundation for the reconstruction.
4. Correction of functional issue: Some examples include septoplasty or valve repair
5. Closure: Here, incisions are used to close the surgical wound. Nasal splints, packing, or casting are applied to help during healing.

Recovery timeline and managing complications

Depending on the complexity of your case, you may experience swelling and bruising for two to three weeks. Prescription pain medication will help you manage discomfort and cold compresses help initially, but should be used intermittently. ²

Here is a breakdown of what you might expect:²

Week one. This period requires rest and limited activity.

Weeks two and three. You may see that swelling and bruising have decreased. You can usually return to work during this period.

Four to six weeks. You may plan to resume light exercise but avoid any contact sports.

Up to 12 months. Final results emerge as swelling goes down.

Reconstruct Your Confidence

Reconstructive rhinoplasty offers hope whether trauma, disease or birth anomalies are compromising your nasal function and appearance. This specialized surgical process goes beyond cosmetic enhancement to rebuild what was lost or never properly formed.

With a better understanding of how reconstruction rhinoplasty works, how much it costs, your insurance options and the recovery timeline, you may feel ready to make informed decisions about beginning your care.

Financing a Nose Job With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a nose job and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.