Reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty/septoplasty): surgical management to address cosmetic appearance or associated respiratory impairment

Threshold

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 Funding Consideration

IFR form to be completed if the patient does not meet the criteria for Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty or combination.