Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) FAQs – Portland
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Below are answers to the most common rhinoplasty and septoplasty questions from patients in Portland.
How much does rhinoplasty cost in Portland?
The cost of rhinoplasty depends on surgical complexity, operating room time, anesthesia, and surgeon expertise. Functional components may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic portions are patient-paid.
- Primary Rhinoplasty: $11,600 (Surgeon & Operating Room)
- Revision / Complex Rhinoplasty: $13,800 (Surgeon & Operating Room)
When is rhinoplasty medically necessary?
Rhinoplasty is considered medically necessary when performed to correct breathing problems caused by a deviated septum, nasal obstruction, trauma, or nasal valve collapse. In these cases, insurance may cover the functional portion of surgery.
Rhinoplasty Before and Afters
Is functional rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Yes. When rhinoplasty includes septoplasty or nasal airway correction, insurance may cover the medically necessary portion after evaluation and preauthorization.
Can septoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty be done together?
Yes. Septoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty can be safely performed during the same surgery under one anesthesia and one recovery period. This combined approach is commonly called functional rhinoplasty.
What is the recovery time after rhinoplasty?
Most patients return to work within 7–10 days. Visible bruising and swelling typically last 10–14 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks.
Will my nose be broken during rhinoplasty?
Osteotomies (controlled nasal bone repositioning) are often required after dorsal hump removal to narrow the nasal bridge and close the open roof deformity. This is a standard and necessary step in many rhinoplasty procedures.
How is a bulbous nasal tip corrected?
A bulbous nasal tip is refined using cartilage reshaping and suture techniques. Mild cases may require conservative cartilage removal, while more pronounced tips need structural suturing for definition.
What is a hanging columella and how is it corrected?
A hanging columella is excess skin or cartilage between the nostrils. It can be corrected with a closed rhinoplasty approach and may be performed alone or as part of a full nose job.
Where is the surgery performed?
Surgery is performed in our fully accredited outpatient surgical center in Seattle Washington.
How painful is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is associated with minimal pain. No nasal packing is used. Patients experience mild congestion, pressure, and temporary nasal obstruction during the first week.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia administered by board-certified physician anesthesiologists for patient comfort and safety.
What is a septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a functional surgery that corrects a deviated septum to improve airflow. It does not change the external appearance of the nose.
How do surgeons straighten a crooked nose?
Straightening a crooked nose involves nasal bone osteotomies, cartilage grafts, and suture techniques. The goal is improvement, not perfection.
Do you perform open or closed rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty is performed with all incisions inside the nose. This avoids visible scarring while allowing advanced structural corrections.
Do you perform non-surgical rhinoplasty?
No. Non-surgical rhinoplasty using fillers is temporary and carries significant risks. Surgical rhinoplasty provides permanent, predictable results.
How experienced are your rhinoplasty surgeons?
Our surgeons have over 26 years of experience performing rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and revision nose surgery.
