Cosmetic Rhinoplasty cost in Tunisia

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is also known as a “nose job” in the average person’s language. The procedure involves altering the form and shape of the nostrils, bridge, nasal tip, and/or other structures. But, this surgery is not just meant for beautification, it is also indicated in patients that require improvement in their breathing (such as, in a deviated nasal septum- the bridge of the nose). Hence, rhinoplasty can be classified either as an aesthetic and/or functional surgical procedure. While functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve breathing through the nose, cosmetic rhinoplasty is done to change the shape of the nose. It is also performed to improve breathing through the nose (functional rhinoplasty). In healthy individuals with realistic expectations, it is usually intended to:

• Enhance the facial features and the proportion of the nose to the face

• Favorable nose size

• Unobstructed nasal passages and ease of breathing

Among Africa countries, Tunisia occupies the top position for offering effective cosmetic surgery because it has over 80 high-tech private clinics equipped with state-of-art technologies. These establishments are catered to, by an elite group of highly qualified surgeons who practice internationally. Yet all this costs half what it might in the other countries of Europe. In terms of medical expertise, it has a high standard of healthcare and an excellent reputation for cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic and plastic surgeons are regulated by the Tunisian Ministry of Health and the private clinics provide state-of-the-art equipment as well as English-speaking staff.

The cost of rhinoplasty in a private hospital in Tunisia is around 2000 dollars. 

Certain companies offer all-inclusive cosmetic surgery packages in Tunisia which makes the process even easier for a non-resident patient. Although the above-mentioned price varies upon the preferred procedure. Plastic surgery together with a week's recovery or holiday in a hotel will cost up to 60% less than just the surgical cost in Europe. The cost of nose surgery in Tunisia is very economical and one can save up to 65% of the cost compared to the UK prices.  

The lower cost of rhinoplasty procedure in Tunisia, when compared to other countries, is due to reasons such as the cost of living in Tunisia which is affordable, the currency exchange rate is extremely useful as the Sterling Pound is worth 3.8 times the Tunisian dinar. There are tax laws and drug support for health care that encourage investments in constructing clinics, in training medical workers and medical equipment.

It is essential to consider all the expenses incurred during the procedure since unexpected costs are something that everyone wishes to avoid. Three key elements contributing to the total cost or price of the treatment include:

• Surgeon’s fees

• Anesthesia fees

• Hospital facility and its fees

The total cost of the surgical procedure will also be dependent on the varying indications for rhinoplasty, the patient-specific requirements, and the characteristics of the individual. Some individuals might need a slight tweak while others might need major work based on their preferences such as less scarring or a drastic reconstruction. 

Hence, to know the precise cost of the surgery, it is important to visit a surgeon first. He or she will examine your case and give you the final quote based on:

1. The nature of the procedure

The procedure of rhinoplasty requires immense attention to detail and involves handling very delicate internal structures. The surgeon shapes the cartilage, nasal bones, and the skin to create the desired changes. Although this may seem less serious when compared to other systemic surgeries (like a snip and suture type of procedure), it is extremely difficult to maintain the optimal functionality of the nose while making it appear to look good as per the face. Therefore, the procedure itself can significantly affect the cost of the surgery. Additionally, The open and closed rhinoplasty approaches have different prices, with the closed approach being generally costlier than the open approach. The final price of a rhinoplasty procedure is difficult to determine before the exact type of operation has been decided.

This depends on several factors such as:

·   Whether the rhinoplasty is primary or revision.

·   The complexity of the particular procedure.

·   Whether ear or rib grafts are necessary.

·   Whether special materials are needed.

·   Whether the rhinoplasty is to be done with another procedure to increase the dimensions of the chin, that is, the chin augmentation procedure.

2. Surgeon’s fees

A surgeon’s fee can vary depending on the repute and specialty of the doctor since the surgeon’s demand is also to be factored into the total cost of the procedure, it is only natural that skillful surgeons are found to be in high demand, highly sought after and therefore, one would have to spend higher to seek their services. Once a surgeon has established himself as a cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon in a specific city, and has hundreds of satisfied clients throughout the world, his fees will be a little higher than surgeons who are just starting in their careers.

3. Clinic’s fees

The total cost involved in surgery depends on the number and kind of facilities that a clinic or hospital has. A few of the factors include:

• Advanced nature of the facilities

• Number of patients that can be accommodated there

• The repute of the clinic or hospital

• Aftercare services

• Financing facilities

• Location - The location of the clinic will also determine the cost of the procedure. If a facility is in the heart of the city then the price of surgery can vary accordingly.

Rhinoplasty is usually meant to be one of the complicated facial cosmetic surgeries. However, because of the advances in technology and surgeons’ extensive experience, the procedure features a very high success rate of between 85% and 90%. The outcome of rhinoplasty surgery is noticed within 2 months after the removal of the plaster. The final changes can only be appreciated after nearly one year.

During rhinoplasty, the patient will be given local or general anesthesia to make sure that he/she is comfortable and does not feel any pain during the surgery. The procedure may be performed inside the nose or through an incision at the base of the nose. Changing the shape of the nasal bones or cartilage can be done in several ways, depending on how much needs to be added or removed, available materials, and the patient’s nose’s structure.

If the nose needs to be augmented because of a request to increase its size, prosthetic implants or cartilage from the nasal septum or ear is used. Once the surgeon is done altering the shape of the nose and correcting any defect, they will place the nose’s skin and tissue back, then close the incisions with stitches.

There are two major techniques of rhinoplasty surgery:

• Open rhinoplasty: the plastic doctor makes a small and irregular incision to the columella. This is the fleshy end of the septum.

• Closed rhinoplasty: the surgeon performs each incision within the nose, where no cut is formed on the external surface of the nose.

• Other methods: If you are unable to undergo rhinoplasty, you can opt for its minimally invasive or non-invasive alternatives, such as filler injections or botox. Both filler injections and botox are non-invasive and need only a really short visit together with your doctor. It works by injecting the filler substance into your nose to vary its shape. Many people choose these methods because they are not as painful as rhinoplasty, require little to no downtime, and no incision or stitches are involved.

• Revision rhinoplasty - Revision rhinoplasty is done for any patient who has previously undergone rhinoplasty one or more times and desires improvement in the appearance and often the function of the nose.

Dr. Chaibi Amir is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and holds more than fifteen years of experience in the field.  He graduated from Milwaukee Medical School in the USA, and also did his specialization in cosmetic surgery from the United States of America. He has also done many courses in the hair transplant field, which makes him one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Tunisia. 

Dr. Sinda Haddad is a Marsa-based Plastic Surgeon and holds around fifteen years of experience in the field. She has been an integral member of the “Make a Child Smile” action launched by the Rotary Club El Menzah. She completed her Ph.D. degree from the Faculty of Medicine in Tunis in 2000 and started her residency in the Maxillofacial and Aesthetic Surgery Department of the Hospital of Tunis Charles Nicolle.