Open Rhinoplasty Cost and Procedure Guide

Rhinoplasty has long been one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries, but with advancements in techniques, you have more choices than ever. Maybe you’ve caught yourself wondering in the mirror, done some light research or even bookmarked a few before-and-after photos.

If rhinoplasty is on your mind, this guide will walk you through what to expect — from how much it might cost depending on where you live to how it compares with other methods and what recovery could look like. By the end, you’ll be equipped to ask questions and confidently decide what may be best for you.

What Is Open Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside your nostrils plus one small cut across your columella, which is the strip of tissue between your nostrils. This gives your surgeon access to the underlying bone and cartilage.¹

Why does this exposure matter? Complete visibility means your surgeon can make precise adjustments to even the deepest nasal structures. This is why open rhinoplasty is the preferred method for correcting severe irregularities, rebuilding damaged tissue and achieving symmetry that wouldn’t be possible if working without that access.²

Open vs. closed rhinoplasty

For a complete nose job, you have two main surgical options, each with distinct advantages:

• Open rhinoplasty provides complete visibility for complex work but leaves a small columellar scar that usually becomes nearly invisible over time. Recovery takes longer, but you get superior results for major changes.¹
• Closed rhinoplasty hides all incisions inside your nose, eliminating external scarring. You’ll heal faster and experience less swelling than with an open rhinoplasty. However, your surgeon works through limited access, making this technique best for minor adjustments like smoothing bumps or correcting the nasal tip.¹

How Much Does Open Rhinoplasty Cost?

The national average cost* for an open rhinoplasty is $9,153, ranging from $3,004 to $15,450.³ Open rhinoplasty costs can vary widely depending on where you live and who performs your surgery.

Calculate the cost of an open rhinoplasty near you*

Average cost of rhinoplasty by state/district

Here’s the average cost* of open rhinoplasty for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:³

Does Insurance Cover Open Rhinoplasty?

Your insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid) might cover some of the costs if you have medical reasons for the surgery. Be sure to get everything in writing from your surgeon about medical necessity. You’ll want to submit this documentation to your insurance before scheduling surgery. Here’s what typically qualifies:⁴

• Patients with nasal injuries from trauma or accidents
• Patients with nasal deformities that affect the nose's function
• Patients with nasal dysfunction such as breathing difficulties or airway obstruction

Candidates for Open Rhinoplasty

You might be a good candidate if you need significant structural changes. Your surgeon might recommend open rhinoplasty if you:⁵

• Are having your first nose surgery with simple correction
• Need significant changes to your nasal structure
• Have severe nasal asymmetry
• Have previous nasal trauma or injury

How Open Rhinoplasty Works

Your consultation sets the stage for everything else. Come prepared with questions about your surgeon’s experience with complex cases. Ask to see before-and-after photos of similar procedures.

During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your nose inside and out. They might use imaging software to show you potential results. Be honest about your goals and concerns.

Preparation

Preparation can help make a difference in your experience. In addition to specific pre-op instructions from your surgeon’s office, preparation may include these steps:⁶

1. Discontinue blood thinners, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
2. Stop other medications and supplements as directed. Your surgeon will provide a complete list of medications to avoid.
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as nicotine restricts blood flow and hinders healing.
4. Prepare your recovery area. Stock up on soft foods, and fill any necessary prescriptions.
5. Arrange for someone to assist you. You’ll need a ride home and someone to stay with you overnight.
6. On the day of surgery, arrive with a clean face and wear comfortable and accessible clothing.

Procedure

The procedure will vary based on your surgical plan. However, the following steps are commonly a part of open rhinoplasty:⁷

• You’ll receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. However, you’ll still need an IV for the administration of medications and fluids.
• During the procedure, your surgeon makes the columellar incision and lifts the skin. They will use specialized tools and techniques to reshape bones and cartilage according to your surgical plan.
• Sutures will be placed inside the nostril and along the columellar incision. A splint or cast will be placed to secure nasal packing and stabilize the surgical area.
• The whole process typically takes two to four hours.⁴ You’ll wake up with splints and packing to support your new nose shape.

Recovery timeline

Your recovery happens in stages. Here’s what to typically expect:⁸

• Week 1. Rest with your head elevated. Expect bruising and swelling. Your splints come off.
• Weeks 2 to 4. Return to light activities. Swelling decreases noticeably. Most bruising fades.
• Months 1 to 3. Resume normal activities. See your new nose shape emerging.
• Months 6 to 12. Final results appear as residual swelling resolves completely.

Alternative Types of Nose Jobs

Depending on your goals, you may not need a surgical rhinoplasty. Beyond the two main approaches, specialized techniques like alarplasty and non-surgical options offer targeted solutions for specific concerns.⁹

Let’s quickly compare open and closed rhinoplasty to less invasive techniques that use dermal filler or tissue excision to focus on specific issues like smoothing out imperfections, refining your profile and reducing nostril size.⁵

Related Tags

Cosmetic Cosmetic Procedure Cost Nose Jobs/Rhinoplasty Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Pamela Cagle

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