Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a "nose job", is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. Used to reconstruct or repair the nose, rhinoplasty is performed on individuals who wish to change their appearance, either in subtle or dramatic form, or for those who require plastic surgery in order to repair damage suffered in an accident.

As is the case with any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery, there are specific risks of infection and/or complications. Rhinoplasty, however, typically requires only small incisions and can either be performed under a local or general anesthetic. The ultimate decision to undergo plastic surgery involves a number of factors, including the patient's desire, the physician's recommendation and the complexity of the surgery.

Understandably, many patients are concerned about their decision to have plastic surgery. In addition, they may have a lot of questions surrounding the procedure itself. During the initial surgical consultation, the patient will likely be invited to view either printed or computerized images of how plastic surgery may change their appearance.

One of the greatest hurdles in undergoing plastic surgery is the cost involved. Depending on the patient's reason for requesting any type of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, insurance policies may or may not cover the cost associated with the surgery. If plastic surgery is performed in order to correct injuries resulting from an accident, insurance companies may be more likely to agree. Depending on the insurance company, a second opinion by a qualified physician may help to prove the need for surgery. However, if plastic surgery is requested as an elected procedure, patients may end up footing the bill.

For patients who will be accepting the financial responsibility for rhinoplasty, or any other type of plastic surgery, many hospitals offer a convenient payment plan. Patients will often be directed to the billing office in order to review the hospital's policy on payment. In almost every case, the patient will be required to sign an agreement accepting full financial responsibility for the services. Because the cost of surgery, the hospital stay and medications can add up quickly, many physicians will urge plastic surgery candidates to carefully consider their decision before proceeding. If a payment plan is reached and hardships later arise causing the patient to miss payments, the hospital may retain their right to file a civil lawsuit in order to collect a judgement for the remaining balance due.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice and/or recommendations. An individual who is interested in any form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, should consult their physician for more information.