Rhinoplasty in Brentwood, TN: The Complete Guide to Nose Reshaping Surgery

Key Points

• Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve appearance, breathing function, or both 
• Common corrections include dorsal humps, bulbous tips, wide nostrils, asymmetry, and crookedness 
• The goal is a nose that fits your face, not a one-size-fits-all result 
• Functional rhinoplasty can correct breathing problems like a deviated septum 
• Most patients return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, with final results at 12 months 
• Results are permanent, making surgeon selection the most important decision you'll make 
• A board-certified facial plastic surgeon brings specialized expertise to this technically demanding procedure 
  

Your nose sits at the center of your face. It's the first thing you see in photos, the feature you can't hide with makeup or a new hairstyle, and for many people, the source of a lifetime of self-consciousness. Maybe you've disliked your profile since middle school. Maybe an old injury left your nose crooked. Or maybe you simply can't breathe well and want to fix the function along with the form. 

Whatever brought you here, rhinoplasty is one of the most transformative procedures in facial plastic surgery. It's also one of the most technically demanding, which means your choice of surgeon matters more for this procedure than almost any other. 

At Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Ashley Guthrie performs rhinoplasty with a focus on natural results that fit your unique face. This guide covers everything you need to know: what rhinoplasty can correct, who makes a good candidate, what recovery really looks like, and how to choose the right surgeon. 

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is surgery that reshapes the structure of the nose. That structure includes bone in the upper portion, cartilage in the middle and lower portions, and the skin that drapes over everything. 

During rhinoplasty, Dr. Guthrie carefully modifies these underlying structures to change the size, shape, or proportions of your nose. Because the nose is also your airway, rhinoplasty can address breathing problems at the same time. 

There are two main surgical approaches: 

Open rhinoplasty: A small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue between your nostrils), allowing full visibility of the nasal structures. This approach is preferred for more complex reshaping. The tiny scar fades to nearly invisible. 

Closed rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar. This approach works well for more limited corrections. 

Dr. Guthrie will recommend the approach that best fits your anatomy and goals during your consultation. 

What Can Rhinoplasty Correct?

Rhinoplasty is highly customizable. Common concerns it addresses include: 

Dorsal hump: The bump on the bridge of the nose that's especially visible in profile. This is one of the most requested corrections. 

Bulbous or drooping tip: A rounded, wide, or downward-pointing nasal tip can be refined and supported for better definition. 

Wide nose or flared nostrils: The nasal bones or nostril base can be narrowed for better proportion with your face. 

Crooked nose: Whether from genetics or an old injury, a deviated nose can be straightened. 

Asymmetry: No nose is perfectly symmetric, but noticeable irregularities can be improved. 

Nose that's too large or too small: Overall size can be reduced or, in some cases, built up for better facial balance. 

Breathing problems: A deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or enlarged turbinates can be corrected during the same surgery. This is called functional rhinoplasty, and when combined with cosmetic changes, you address form and function in one procedure with one recovery. 

The Goal: A Nose That Fits Your Face

Here's what separates excellent rhinoplasty from mediocre rhinoplasty: the best result is not a "perfect" nose. It's a nose that looks like it belongs on your face. 

Dr. Guthrie evaluates your nose in the context of your entire facial structure: your chin projection, cheekbones, brow position, and overall proportions. A nose that looks beautiful on one person can look wrong on another. Her goal is harmony and balance, preserving the character of your face while refining what bothers you. 

This is also why she never takes a one-size-fits-all approach. Your ethnic features, skin thickness, cartilage strength, and personal preferences all shape the surgical plan. The end result should have people saying you look great, not asking what you had done. 

In some cases, facial balance is best achieved by addressing more than the nose. A weak chin, for example, can make a nose appear larger than it is. Dr. Guthrie may discuss whether facial implants like a chin implant would enhance your overall result. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You're likely a good candidate if you: 

• Are bothered by the appearance of your nose or have breathing difficulties 
• Have finished facial growth (typically age 15 to 16 for girls, 16 to 17 for boys) 
• Are in good overall health 
• Are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery 
• Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve 
• Are pursuing this for yourself, not to please someone else 

Age is rarely a barrier on the upper end. Adults from their 20s through their 60s and beyond pursue rhinoplasty successfully. What matters is your health and your goals. 

What to Expect: The Rhinoplasty Process

The Consultation 

Your consultation is where the plan takes shape. Dr. Guthrie will examine your nose inside and out, evaluate your breathing, assess your skin quality and cartilage, and discuss exactly what bothers you. She'll explain what's achievable for your anatomy and walk you through her recommended approach. You'll also review before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns. 

The Surgery 

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on complexity. It's an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. You'll wear a small external splint on your nose for about a week to protect and support the new structure as it begins healing. 

Recovery Timeline 

Week 1: Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes peak in the first few days, then start improving. Most patients describe congestion and pressure rather than significant pain. The splint is removed around day 7, which is a big milestone. 

Week 2: Most visible bruising has faded. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social settings. Your nose will still be swollen, but most people won't notice. 

Weeks 3 to 6: You can gradually resume exercise. Swelling continues improving. You'll start seeing your new shape emerge, though the tip remains swollen longest. 

Months 3 to 12: Subtle refinement continues as residual swelling resolves, especially in the tip. Final results are visible around the one-year mark. 

Patience is genuinely important with rhinoplasty. The nose you see at one month is not your final result. The nose you see at twelve months is. 

Rhinoplasty After Injury or Previous Surgery

Post-traumatic rhinoplasty: Old fractures and injuries can leave the nose crooked, with breathing problems that worsen over time. Rhinoplasty can restore both the appearance and the airway. 

Revision rhinoplasty: If you had a nose job elsewhere and are unhappy with the result, revision surgery may be possible. Revision cases are more complex because scar tissue and altered anatomy make the surgery technically harder, which makes surgeon expertise even more critical. 

Why Your Choice of Surgeon Matters Most 

Rhinoplasty is widely considered the most technically demanding procedure in facial plastic surgery. Millimeters matter. The nose must look good, function well, and hold its shape for decades as tissues heal and settle. 

This is why choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is so important. Dr. Guthrie: 

• Specializes exclusively in procedures of the face, head, and neck 
• Has deep training in nasal anatomy, including the airway 
• Understands how the nose relates to overall facial proportions 
• Takes a conservative, structure-preserving approach that produces results that last 
• Addresses breathing function alongside aesthetics 

Rhinoplasty results are permanent. Invest the time to choose a surgeon whose results you love. Browse Dr. Guthrie's surgical gallery and ask to see rhinoplasty patients with noses similar to yours during your consultation. 

Combining Rhinoplasty with Other Procedures 

Some patients combine rhinoplasty with other facial procedures for overall harmony: 

• A chin implant to balance the profile 
• Blepharoplasty to refresh tired-looking eyes 
• Fat transfer to restore volume in the cheeks or under-eye area 

Explore all your options in our complete guide to facial plastic surgery. 

FAQs About Rhinoplasty

FAQs About Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery

Ready to Love Your Profile?

Your nose shouldn't be the thing you notice first in every photo or the reason you struggle to breathe at night. Rhinoplasty offers a permanent solution, and in the hands of a skilled facial plastic surgeon, the result is a nose that looks like it was always meant to be yours. 

At Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Ashley Guthrie combines surgical precision with an artistic understanding of facial harmony to deliver rhinoplasty results that are natural, balanced, and built to last. 



Ready to take the first step? Call (615) 880-9500 or visit drashleyguthrie.com to schedule your consultation today. 

Clinic Ph: (615) 880-9500 | 1001 Health Park Drive, Suite 420, Brentwood, TN 37027 

Disclaimer:  The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.