How Much Does Septoplasty Cost?

Last Updated on January 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, or other nasal/sinus symptoms due to a crooked septum, septoplasty may help. But how much does septoplasty cost? Here’s an overview of typical septoplasty costs and what impacts the price.

A septoplasty straightens the septum, the wall between the nostrils, to improve breathing and sinus drainage. It’s an outpatient surgery done under general anesthesia taking 1-2 hours. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks.

How Much Does Septoplasty Cost?

The average cost of septoplasty in the U.S. ranges from $3,000 to $22,000 depending on your location, surgeon fees, and hospital charges. Most insurance plans cover a portion, but you’ll likely have out-of-pocket costs.

According to RealSelf, the cost of a septoplasty ranges from $3,000 to $22,000, with an average cost of $7,475 according to 716 reviews from RealSelf community members. The price can vary based on the location of the procedure and the severity of the deviated nasal septum.

Doctoralizadeh.com writes that the average cost of a septoplasty surgery is about $5,000, but this price may vary depending on the extent of the correction required and the location where the surgery is performed. Many health insurance plans cover this procedure.

Elite Facial Plastic Surgery talks about smaller prices. It says that septoplasty typically costs around $3,000 to $6,000. This cost often does not include the operating room or prescriptions. The actual cost can be determined through a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

On MDsave, the cost of a nasal septum surgery (septoplasty) ranges from $4,083 to $8,497.

According to eMedicineHealth, the cost of a septoplasty ranges from $5,152 to $12,633. The actual cost can be influenced by factors such as insurance coverage, the location of the procedure, and its complexity.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Septoplasty Surgery

Several factors affect the total price tag for septoplasty:

• Surgeon’s fees – Plastic surgeons or ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors) perform septoplasty. Their fees often range from $1,000 to $4,000.
• Anesthesia fees – An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia during surgery, costing $500 to $1,000.
• Hospital or facility charges – If done in a hospital, fees are $1,000 to $3,000. Ambulatory surgery center charges are $500 to $1,500.
• Geography – Costs are higher in big cities and on the coasts. Septoplasty may cost less in smaller towns.

Your total bill also includes pre-op consultations, medical tests, supplies, aftercare, and pain meds. Uncomplicated cases start around $3,000, while complex surgeries can cost up to $10,000.

What Does Insurance Cover for Septoplasty?

Most health insurance policies cover septoplasty, but copays and deductibles apply.

• Medicare covers 80% of approved amounts after you meet the deductible. You pay the remaining 20%.
• Medicaid covers septoplasty if deemed medically necessary. Copays range from $0-$3.
• Private insurance also covers medically needed septoplasty. Copays are usually 10-50% of the total bill after you pay your deductible, up to your out-of-pocket max.

Out-of-Pocket Costs to Expect

With insurance, your out-of-pocket costs may include:

• Deductible – $500 to $2,000 you pay before coverage kicks in.
• Copays – Set dollar amount per visit, such as $25 for the pre-op visit.
• Coinsurance – Percentage you pay, like 20% of surgery charges.
• Pre-op exam and tests – Consult, imaging, labs cost $200 to $500 if not covered.

Without insurance, you’ll pay the full surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility charges. Shop around, as prices can vary dramatically.

Choosing the Best Surgeon and Facility

Find an experienced ENT or plastic surgeon with a focus on nasal/sinus surgery. While small cost differences exist between hospitals and surgery centers, choose based on quality.

Hospitals have higher overhead but provide coordinated care. Ambulatory centers offer convenience and cost-savings but have less on-site staff for emergencies.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a tooth extraction, nose piercing, or facelift.

Paying for Septoplasty Surgery

If facing large out-of-pocket costs, consider these options:

• Payment plans – Many surgeons and hospitals offer no-interest financing.
• Health savings account – HSA funds can help cover deductibles and copays tax-free.
• Bundled pricing – Ask your surgeon for an all-inclusive package rate for added cost predictability.
• Medical credit cards – Can be used to pay for healthcare costs over time.
• Crowdfunding – Sites like GoFundMe allow you to raise money for medical treatment.

Estimate Your Septoplasty Costs

Get an accurate price estimate by:

• Checking with your health insurance to learn coverage details.
• Consulting with surgery centers and hospitals on their specific fees.
• Speaking with potential surgeons to get a breakdown of total costs.
• Using online cost calculators to estimate your out-of-pocket responsibility.

Is Septoplasty Worth the Cost for a Deviated Septum?

Patients report septoplasty provides significant improvements in nasal breathing, congestion, sinus infections, headaches, and quality of life. The benefits often outweigh the temporary discomfort and recovery time.

Discuss your symptoms in depth with an ENT to see if septoplasty is right for you. The upfront investment pays off for many patients over the long run.

Remaining Cost-Conscious

Septoplasty costs can be daunting, but don’t let the price deter you from seeking treatment. Get multiple estimates, utilize insurance coverage, look for financial assistance, and consider payment plans. With proper planning, septoplasty can be affordable.

Weigh the benefits versus the costs to make the best choice for your health and budget. An improved airway and sinus function enhances overall well-being for many septoplasty patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is septoplasty worth it for deviated septum?

Septoplasty is usually worth it for those with a severely deviated septum causing significant symptoms. It improves breathing, chronic congestion, sinus infections, sleep disorders, and headaches in most patients. The benefits tend to outweigh the short-term discomfort and recovery period. Discuss your individual case with an ENT specialist to see if septoplasty is likely to help.

How to get a free nose job with a deviated septum?

It’s very difficult to get a completely free nose job or rhinoplasty surgery. With a deviated septum, septoplasty is usually covered since it’s medically necessary. However, it’s considered cosmetic if done solely for appearance. Some options to reduce rhinoplasty costs include:

• Use insurance coverage for the septoplasty portion
• Ask your surgeon about applying the septoplasty fees toward a rhinoplasty
• See if your rhinoplasty surgeon offers free revisions
• Consider payment plans or financing options
• Apply for financial assistance programs

But overall, you’ll likely have to pay out-of-pocket if cosmetic changes are the main goal. A free nose job is very rare.

How do I know if I qualify for deviated septum surgery?

You may qualify for septoplasty surgery if a deviated septum causes:

• Chronic nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through your nose
• Frequent sinus infections, colds, or nasal discharge
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Nosebleeds
• Facial pain or headaches
• Noisy breathing during sleep

Consult with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor to have your nasal passages professionally evaluated. They’ll assess if a crooked septum is impacting your breathing and recommend the next steps. Septoplasty is generally covered by insurance when medically necessary to improve nasal/sinus function.