Cool Springs Plastic Surgery
Cool Springs Plastic Surgery
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you’re at least 16 (girls) or 17 (boys) years old, in good general health, have realistic expectations, and want to improve the appearance or function of your nose. Common reasons include reshaping a dorsal hump, refining the tip, correcting asymmetry, or improving breathing. Dr. Moore and Dr. Sarosiek at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN evaluate facial anatomy, nasal structure, and aesthetic goals during consultation.
Closed rhinoplasty makes all incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars — best suited for minor refinements. Open rhinoplasty includes a small incision across the columella (between the nostrils), allowing the surgeon greater visibility and access for more complex changes. The columellar scar typically heals nearly invisibly. Your CSPS surgeon will recommend the approach based on your specific anatomy and the changes needed.
Most rhinoplasty patients return to non-physical work in 1-2 weeks once the splint is removed and visible bruising fades. Light exercise resumes around 3-4 weeks, and full activity around 6 weeks. Initial swelling resolves in the first month, but subtle refinement of the nasal tip continues for up to 12-18 months as final results emerge. CSPS provides detailed recovery instructions and follow-up appointments at our Brentwood TN center.
Rhinoplasty can either improve or, in rare cases, complicate breathing — depending on technique and surgical goals. Functional rhinoplasty is specifically designed to improve breathing by addressing issues like a deviated septum, internal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates. Cosmetic rhinoplasty performed by a skilled surgeon should preserve or enhance breathing function. At CSPS, Dr. Moore and Dr. Sarosiek evaluate both aesthetic and functional concerns to ensure breathing isn’t compromised.
You’ll see immediate changes once the splint is removed at 1 week, but final results take time to emerge. Most swelling resolves within 3 months, but subtle tip refinement continues for 12-18 months as deeper swelling resolves. Patience is essential with rhinoplasty — the nose is one of the slowest-healing facial features. CSPS provides regular follow-up appointments throughout the first year to monitor your healing progress.
Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible external scars — all incisions are inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty includes a small incision across the columella that typically heals nearly invisibly within several months. Most patients are unable to see the columellar scar at conversational distance once fully healed. CSPS surgeons use precise closure techniques and provide scar care guidance to optimize healing.
Yes, septoplasty (correction of a deviated septum) is often performed at the same time as cosmetic rhinoplasty — combined, this is called septorhinoplasty. Correcting the septum can improve breathing and address nasal asymmetry. Some septoplasty procedures may be covered by insurance if performed for medical reasons, though cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered. Dr. Moore and Dr. Sarosiek discuss both cosmetic and functional concerns during your CSPS consultation.
Rhinoplasty is typically performed once facial growth is complete — generally around age 16 for girls and age 17 for boys. There’s no upper age limit; healthy adults of any age can be good candidates. CSPS evaluates each patient’s facial development, overall health, and motivations during consultation. Younger patients also benefit from psychological readiness — being mentally prepared for the recovery process and realistic about expected results.
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to change the shape of the nose, can alter the nose in a variety of ways to achieve a patient’s aesthetic and functional goal. Because noses vary from face to face, depending on your facial proportions, ethnic background, skin type and other variables, it is important that you have a thorough and realistic expectation of your goals.
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At the time of your consultation, you will meet with your chosen board-certified surgeon who will talk with you about your goals and the best way to achieve your desired outcomes. Our goal is to make sure every one of your questions is answered and you feel comfortable with your knowledge of the procedure. In your initial consultation, your surgeon ill evaluate your health, discuss your medical history and carefully examine and assess your nose features. You will see “before and after” photographs of prior patients with similar noses. The doctor will then review your goals and make recommendations based on his evaluation. The techniques used in rhinoplasty will be described in detail, and informational materials will be provided. Photos will be taken of your nose to document your results.
Be sure to inquire if there are additional facial procedures that would enhance the effect of your nose surgery. This procedure is often performed in combination with chin or cheek implants, balancing the proportions of a patient’s facial features.
We have three Patient Care Coordinators who work closely with you through your entire time in our practice, serving as your resource for any questions or concerns you have along the way. After your time talking to the surgeon, your Patient Coordinator will provide you with a detailed, written estimate of surgical fees for your procedure when you have your initial consultation at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery in Nashville, Tennessee. She will assist you in selecting a date for your surgery, convenient for your schedule. Your Patient Care Coordinator will also inform you about all payment options available in our office. Information regarding “Payment Options” are detailed under the “About” tab at the top of our web page.
To learn more about rhinoplasty and what we can do for you, please contact us today for a consultation.
Dr. S. listened to what I wanted and was very open and honest about goals and expectations. Deb (nurse) was excellent. She was honest, friendly and informative.
– Anonymous
It is imperative that you do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or products containing these medicines for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Moreover, do not wear any eye makeup for two days before surgery.
Please shower the morning of your procedure, but do not apply deodorant, creams, lotions, powders or oil to your skin. Please do not wear jewelry or makeup, and do not bring valuables with you to surgery.
Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. It lasts roughly one to two hours, unless performed with another procedure. Incisions are typically hidden under or inside the nose.
Most rhinoplasty patients are active within two days. Rest on the first day, keeping your head elevated. Your nose and head will ache, and your face will feel puffy at first. The doctor will prescribe medication to help alleviate these irritations. After about three days, the swelling and bruising around your eyes will begin to diminish. For about a week, you will wear a small splint over your nose to protect and stabilize it. Your swelling should be virtually gone in about three weeks. Cold compresses can help reduce your swelling. Residual swelling resolves slowly in up to a year.
A small amount of bleeding is common during the first few days after surgery. You will also experience some stuffiness that may last a few weeks. Do not blow your nose during the first week, when your tissues are healing. Within seven days, your dressings, splints and sutures will be removed and you can return to normal activities. Strenuous activities (running, bumping or rubbing your nose) should be avoided for three weeks.
Pain medication will be prescribed. Report any pain not readily relieved by the medication. Here is some advice regarding post-operative care:
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Risks of complications are quite low but do exist. Possible problems include infection and bleeding.
Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. If you have problems with breathing, rhinoplasty is sometimes covered by insurance. If insurance does not cover your procedure and it is considered a cosmetic surgery, it may not be submitted later to insurance companies. In some instances, if you attempt to secure insurance reimbursement for cosmetic procedures, your insurance company may view it as fraud.
Your Patient Coordinator will provide you with a detailed, written estimate of fees for your procedure when you have your initial consultation at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery. Your “Estimate of Surgical Fees” will include: implants, surgeon’s fee, operating room and the anesthesiologist’s fee.
