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How To Know When Nose Surgery Is Medically Necessary

By: Austin-Weston

9/23/2020

How To Know When Nose Surgery Is Medically Necessary  Reston

When most people think of rhinoplasty surgery, the first thing that comes to mind is altering the cosmetic traits of the nose and enhancing the overall look of the face. For many patients, however, nose surgery is actually a life-changing procedure that improves nasal function and offers relief from a variety of frustrating symptoms. The award-winning team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the complex techniques involved in both medical and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Learn more about nose surgery in Reston, VA here, including what signs and symptoms may mean your procedure can be considered medically necessary and why that matters.

What does rhinoplasty do?

The primary purpose of each rhinoplasty procedure will depend on the patient's specific concerns, the severity of their symptoms, and other factors. For many men and women, rhinoplasty is performed simply to enhance their cosmetic appearance by altering the size, shape, or other characteristics of the nose. In other cases, rhinoplasty provides a solution to correct obstructed breathing. Oftentimes, patients actually achieve both cosmetic and functional benefits in a single rhinoplasty procedure. Some of the most common cosmetic concerns that can be improved or corrected during rhinoplasty include:

  • Bump in bridge of nose
  • Nose is too wide or too narrow
  • Nostrils are too large or too small
  • Elongated nasal tip
  • Upturned nasal tip
  • Asymmetric or crooked nose

Does a nose job help you breathe better?

In addition to the cosmetic concerns above, there are a variety of functional and medical problems that can be addressed during nasal surgery. In many cases, cosmetic rhinoplasty can provide secondary functional benefits, such as improved breathing, when the nostril size or airway is altered. However, many patients seek a nose job for chronic medical and functional issues first. Common signs, symptoms, and conditions that may mean your rhinoplasty can be considered medically necessary include:

  • Deviated septum
  • Obstructed breathing
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Snoring/sleep apnea
  • Trauma
  • Congenital deformity
  • Cleft palate

What is a medically necessary rhinoplasty?

Medically necessary nose surgery is typically performed to enhance nasal function, including improving a patient's ability to breathe more freely and comfortably. One nasal surgery that is commonly considered medically necessary is septoplasty, which straightens the nose to correct a deviated septum.

When a nasal surgery is classified as medically necessary, patients may receive partial or full coverage for their procedure. This decision is, ultimately, made by the insurance company, but the knowledgeable team at Austin-Weston will help guide you through the process of applying for insurance coverage, submitting the necessary paperwork, and understanding your benefits.

How is rhinoplasty performed?

The surgical approach for rhinoplasty is custom tailored to meet the needs, goals, and case of each patient. Most often, rhinoplasty is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and takes about 2 – 3 hours. Depending on the complexity of the case, your surgeon may choose to use either an open or closed approach. During open rhinoplasty, an external incision is made on the underside of the nose, just between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to visibly access the structures of the nose. In less complex cases, when only moderate improvements are needed, closed rhinoplasty may be performed. This involves incisions within the nose, meaning there is no resultant scar and a slightly less extensive recovery period. However, even with open rhinoplasty, patients typically recover quickly with an exceedingly minimal amount of scarring.

During your initial consultation at Austin-Weston, your experienced surgeon will thoroughly evaluate and discuss your concerns and recommend a personalized surgical plan that can best help you achieve your ideal result.

Get the gorgeous nose you've always wanted and improve your ability to breathe freely with rhinoplasty in Northern Virginia

The results of rhinoplasty can have a profound impact on the patient's appearance and overall quality of life. From a more attractive facial contour to the ability to breathe freely, the benefits of nose surgery are virtually endless. If you are ready to learn more about how rhinoplasty or septoplasty in Northern Virginia can benefit you, call the friendly team at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your private in-office or online consultation with one of our sought-after plastic surgeons. Don't let your nose cause you another minute of physical or emotional trauma; call us to discover the life-changing benefits of rhinoplasty today!

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