la_angel

As an LA native born and raised from the medical field, not only have I undergone several procedures myself but also have many, many friends and family that have also. I know all too well how pricey a rhinoplasty is.

The Cost
In Beverly Hills most of the so called "name" doctors charge anywhere from $15k to $22k for their surgeon fee. Add in the O.R. and anesthesia and you are looking at spending around $32k for a primary rhinoplasty.

But it gets much more complicated (and more costly) for revision operations. You would be surprised how many people have to undergo several different surgeries to achieve the desired results. Nasal surgery is the most complicated cosmetic procedure there is. Because there is a functional element (breathing) often after the first procedure there is the need to for revisions involving cartilage grafts from your ears and/or ribs.

Total Number of Operations
In the case of Michael Jackson, after his primary rhinoplasty, a conservative estimate would place his total number of nasal operations at a minimum of 20. I estimate this number to be closer to 35 to 40, but let's go with 20 to be conservative.

First Series of Operations
Even his first surgery, which was probably an open rhinoplasty to correct the deviated septum and narrow the nasal domes, was more complicated than normal. When the nasal domes are extremely wide, it can be near impossible to narrow them.

His subsequent rhinoplasties it appears further streamlined the bridge and narrowed the tip in a series of operations over the period of a decade. Although we can blame the patient, we also need to blame the surgeon for giving in to the patient's requests. The doctor knew the risks and should not have continued destroying the tissue. Multiple operations result often result in nerve damage and less blood flow to the nose.

Rebuilding the Nose
Again to be conservative, let's say only 10 more operations were for rebuilding. I suspect is is much higher than this. Just to rebuild one nostril of mine which was partially collapsed took several surgeries, so I can only imagine how many MJ needed to rebuild his entire nose. This probably involved a combination of cartilage grafts and even the possibility of an artificial teflon nasal implant.

The Price
With an average price of $45,000 per surgery for the more complicated revision rhinoplasty operations involving reconstructive work, in inflation adjusted dollars I speculate Jackson spent close to $900,000 or more, assuming he only underwent 20 operations. However as mentioned, I would not be surprised if he underwent anywhere from 35 or more operations over the years.

Dr_D

I concur on your analysis. However you also must take into account various post-op medical care needed for recovery. This can include, but is not limited to, prescription antibiotics and pain relievers, ultrasound treatments for scar minimization, special sleeping apparatuses to prevent damage during healing, and other various expenses.

versace

The problem with artificial nasal implants is that eventually the wear through the delicate skin on the tip of the nose. This may happen 5 years later or it may take 20, but it is a universally accepted outcome and risk with them.

When Michael was in court during the trial and had medical tape over the tip of his nose I imagine one possibility was that his nasal implant had worn though the skin. Once this occurs repair can be extremely difficult since the capillaries delivering blood to the area have been largely destroyed, therefore new skin does not grow.

Attached Images

jackson-nose-falling.jpg (11.2 KB, 6 views)

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ryan28

He probably spent even more than that. You know all those doctors looked at him like a frigging blank check and I'm sure they inflated the prices they charged him. Plus knowing MJ he probably hired private nurses and what not to be at his beck and call after each surgery. This meant he probably spent millions alone on nose jobs.

x_stacy

I would be shocked if he only had 20 nose jobs. From what I understand a lot of people have 5 or 6 so looking at him over the years I would think at least 40 or 50 minimum.

la_angel

Have you seen the "This Is It" movie? It was interesting seeing his nose on IMAX to say the least!

DUFF

Who cares? Whatever the case he has passed now so RIP and now is not the time to mock him.