Rhinoplasty has been an invaluable procedure for our practice. Every day we help make our patients more confident in their appearances. However, it’s costing more and more, with fewer and fewer people getting the procedure. What could this mean for our industry? 

The Cost of Rhinoplasty

Over time, the average cost of rhinoplasty has increased. In 2005, the average cost that surgeons were charging for this procedure was right around $3,511 (based on data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Today, the cost of rhinoplasty has increased, ranging anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000, with the average lying around $5,300. There are more inexpensive, less invasive alternatives too. Non-surgical rhinoplasty costs about 10 times less than this, anywhere from $300 to about $1,800, depending on your situation. 

The Market for Rhinoplasty

With the growing costs of rhinoplasty, the market for this procedure, in general, has actually seen a decline in popularity. The number of nose jobs has decreased by 43% since the year 2000. Nearly 20 years ago, an estimated 400,000 Americans had this procedure done, compared to the 225,000 today. Back then, people felt that a nose job would help them secure a better, more successful future, but today, that’s not the case. 

Is Rhinoplasty Dying?

Contrary to this decrease in popularity, there is evidence that the rhinoplasty industry is still thriving. Total expenditure on rhinoplasty has risen over $74 million dollars from 2005 to 2017. This may come from an increased cost of the procedure, but also a surge in non-surgical rhinoplasty. Based on data from a private clinic, the demand for the non-surgical version of this procedure has increased by 29% over the past year. People are still looking to feel more confident about how they look, hence the still alive and well industry.

The Future

Despite the rising cost of rhinoplasty and the country’s waning interest, our industry continues to thrive and help people feel more confident in their looks. The increase of rhinoplasty’s cost has lead to developments that make it safer, less painful, and less invasive than ever before. Now, we will be able to make further developments, creating a better process and improving even more.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. For more than two decades, Dr Miller has dedicated his career to providing patients with customized surgical and non-surgical facial procedures.