The idiom ‘keep your nose clean’ could not be more meaningful than for those unfortunate individuals who literally have problems with their basic olfactory functions. Symptoms like the inability to breathe properly, facial pain, nose bleeding, sleep apnea, snoring, and recurring sinus infection all account for a physical defect in the septum – the bone and the cartilage that divides both nostrils. The technical definition for this deformity is called ‘deviated septum.’
Deviated septum is either congenital (present at birth) or a result of an acute trauma (injury). According to the American Rhinologic Society, septoplasty operations yield a 90 percent complete recovery from nasal blockage. In fact, it is considered the third most common ENT (ear, nose, and throat) procedure nationwide.
It is important to take note, however, that septoplasty’s success is largely determined by the cautiousness of the patient after the operation than the complexity of the treatment itself. Standard post-operative lifestyle adjustments include avoidance of contact sports (e.g. boxing, wrestling, etc), smoking, and drinking.
It is also crucial for patients to remain indoors for a couple of days and avoid exposure from the unfiltered outdoor air that may trigger some sinus infection. While this procedure is relatively easy, it is also very prone to complications. Most importantly, septoplasty is not cheap. Keeping one’s nose clean after this type of operation will be (literally) a lot harder.
Overall Price Range
So how much exactly does septoplasty cost? In order to determine the average figure, one must differentiate whether or not the prospective patient would use his or her valid health insurance coverage. Suffice to say, there is a vast difference between an insured deviated septum surgery cost and an out of pocket expense. Here is the broadest estimate for both categories presented by the Real Self:
- With health insurance: $100 + copay +10 to 50 percent coinsurance
- National average out-of-pocket: $6,000 to $14,500
Apart from the cost of the procedure, it may also be more prudent to account for the other things that belong in the overall expenses. These are the following supplementary items needed for a smoother recovery process:
- Cold compress for pain relief: $3 to $20
- Table top air humidifier: $25 to $100
- Air cooler with ionizer: $95
Top 10 Least Expensive Areas
Considering that a deviated nasal septum surgery costs relatively high, some patients may have better luck in reducing medical expenses simply by living in particular areas in the country. Amino has highlighted several locations that are generally cheaper than the national average out-of-pocket estimate. Here are the following areas worth noting:
- $5,152: Memphis (Tennessee)
- $3,470: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater (Florida)
- $6,043: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach (Florida)
- $6,059: Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land (Texas)
- $6,312: Austin and Round Rock (Texas)
- $6369: Birmingham and Hoover (Alabama)
- $6,410: Baltimore, Columbia, and Towson (Maryland)
- $6,436: Providence and Warwick (Massachusetts)
- $6,554: Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford (Florida)
- $6,648: Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)
Top 10 Most Expensive Areas
While the procedure for fixing nasal defects may be low in some areas of the United States, there are also locations that charge more than the lowest national median cost. Due to a number of factors (e.g. urbanization, health care availability, etc), some of these areas have a very expensive deviated nasal septum surgery cost:
- $12,633: San Diego and Carlsbad (California)
- $12,542: San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward (California)
- $12,108: Raleigh (North Carolina)
- $11,727: Grand Rapids and Wyoming (Michigan)
- $11,592: San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara (California)
- $11,208: Hartford, West Hartford, and East Hartford (Connecticut)
- $10,721: Detroit, Warren, and Dearborn (Michigan)
- $10,629: Portland and Hillsboro (Oregon)
- $10,234: Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim (California)
- $10,069: Indianapolis, Carmel, and Anderson (Indiana)
Septoplasty Costs Abroad
There is no question that the usual deviated septum surgery cost is relatively expensive, especially if one has to consider paying it straight out of the pocket. Although acquiring the corrective procedure abroad seems like a viable option, it is important to account for the world standard quality in choosing a health center or provider abroad. Internationally acknowledged certificates verify the quality status of every hospital or clinic worldwide. For ensuring distinction in the field of septoplasty, one should look at the following accreditations:
- Joint Commission International (JCI)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Technical Inspection Association (TUV SUD)
- European Society of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS).
United Kingdom
The average price range for septoplasty in the United Kingdom is anywhere between $2,064 and $9,100. British medical services are relatively cheaper in comparison but are quite on par with competitive Western standards.
In terms of finding the best hospital in London for septoplasty, the most globally recommended institution is the Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital. However, one can also choose the city’s best physicians in the ENT specialty. These are the top 5 doctors mentioned by Rated Meds:
- Eduardo Cervoni
- Colm Madden
- Andrew Birzaglis
- Roger Gray
- Valerie Lund
Poland
It may be challenging to look at Europe as an ideal place for economical world standard surgeries, but Poland proves to be the best option abroad for reducing the cost of septoplasty operations. The projected national cost is anywhere between $970 and $4,000. In choosing an ideal health center, there are only two best-recommended hospitals specializing in septoplasty:
- KCM Clinic (ISO, TUV SUD)
- Coramed Medical Center (ESPRAS)
Turkey
Another key destination for cheaper septoplasty abroad is Turkey, usually charging a national average cost of $650 to $3,900. Compared to the national average cost in the United States, Turkish healthcare system is undoubtedly cheaper. In order to ensure excellent quality health care, one should take note of the following institutions that has a number of international accreditations:
- Florence Nightingale Istanbul (JCI, ISO, TUV SUD)
- Acibadem Maslak Hospital (JCI, ISO)
- Medical Park Antalya Hospital (JCI)
- Medical Park Goztepe Hospital (JCI)
- Ersoy Hospital (ISO)
India
If one has to choose the cheapest quality health care service, India hosts a number of internationally accredited hospitals. By comparison, this country is replete with the most economical septoplasty costs, ranging from $439 to $1,290. These are the following health care providers in the country worth remembering:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (JCI)
- Apollo Hospital Chennai (JCI)
- Apollo Hospitals Bangalore (JCI)
- Fortis Mohali Hospital (JCI)
- Moolchand Medcity (JCI)