Many patients who present for rhinoplasty surgery have a history of nasal trauma. This may result in a crooked nose or lead to the development of a dorsal hump in the weeks or months following the injury. In others their may be loss of the nasal support due to fractureing and/or loss of septal cartilage. This may result in a "boxer's nose" appearance known as a saddle nose where the dorsum becomes flattened and broad. Frequently the nasal airway is affected by the injury and the patient will complain of nasal obstruction.

If the injury has occurred in New Zealand on or after 1974 and where there is documentative evidence in the form of an ACC number, the correction of the post traumatic deformity and/or functional nasal problems is usually fully covered by the ACC. Surgery is undertaken privately at the St George's or Southern Cross Hospitals and can usually be performed within 4 months of a consultation, once ACC funding approval is obtained. If the patient has medical insurance then most insurance companies will cover the procedure in conjunction with ACC and surgery can  be undertaken immediately should the patient desire.

Where a septal deformity causing nasal obstruction has occurred as a result of trauma then the full costs of septoplasty surgery is similarly covered. Patients can undergo cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time and considerably reduce the costs of their rhinoplasty surgery.

 Where patients suffer from nasal obstruction due to a septal deformity, insurance companies will generally cover the cost of this part of the surgery, reducing the overall cost of surgery to the patient by 30-50%  Where both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are necessary to correct nasal obstruction (septorhinoplasty) frequently all or the majority of costs are covered by the patient's insurance. 

I will discuss this with you at your consultation and will give you guidance regarding whether it is fair and appropriate to involve your insurer or ACC.