Rhinoplasty / Septoplasty (Reshaping the nose)

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board will not routinely commission rhinoplasty or septoplasty (or combination) for cosmetic reasons.

Rhinoplasty or septoplasty (or combination) are only commissioned if one of the following criteria are satisfied:

1) Patient has a deviated septum (or other anatomical deformity) which is causing nasal obstruction which impacts on breathing

 OR

2) Patient is experiencing anatomical deformity as a result of trauma and/or cancer treatment.

Note: Surgical management (which may include rhinoplasty) of cleft lip and palate is routinely commissioned by NHS England.

Rationale behind the policy statement

Surgery on the nose (rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty) is generally regarded as a cosmetic procedure and thus is not routinely commissioned.

In the circumstance when a septal defect impacts on breathing or the patient has a mechanical deformity as a result of trauma or cancer treatment, such surgery may be permitted.

CASES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION

 On a case to case basis, patients might be eligible for surgical intervention, in consideration of their exceptionality. The requesting clinician must provide information to support the case for being considered an exception, by submitting an individual funding request.