Patients considering open rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO, have access to a highly specialized surgical team at FacesFirst, a cosmetic surgery practice serving the greater Denver area for over 50 years. Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are both double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, bringing a combined 50-plus years of focused experience to every rhinoplasty consultation.
If you are ready to explore your options, call us today or contact us online to schedule your personal consultation.
Open Rhinoplasty in Littleton: What You Need to Know
Open rhinoplasty is a surgical approach to reshaping the nose in which a small incision is placed along the columella, the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. This technique allows Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno to work with full visibility of the underlying cartilage and bone, which may help achieve precise, nuanced refinements that patients in the Littleton area are seeking.
The open approach is commonly chosen when addressing concerns such as a prominent nasal hump, an asymmetrical tip, a wide nasal bridge, or structural irregularities that affect both appearance and breathing. Because the surgeons can directly visualize the anatomy, open rhinoplasty may offer greater control over complex changes compared to a closed technique.
At FacesFirst, every open rhinoplasty plan is developed around the individual patient’s facial proportions and goals. Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno’s dual board certifications in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology mean they are uniquely prepared to evaluate nasal structure from both an aesthetic and a functional perspective. Patients from Littleton, Greenwood Village, and surrounding communities can expect a thorough consultation process before any surgical planning begins. You are encouraged to review the before-and-after photo gallery at FacesFirst to explore examples of prior rhinoplasty outcomes. Individual results may vary.
Are You a Candidate for Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO, may be a suitable option for adults who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by the appearance or function of their nose. Ideal candidates have fully developed nasal structures, which typically occurs in the late teens or older. A personal consultation with Dr. Cote or Dr. Picerno is the most reliable way to determine whether this approach aligns with your anatomy and goals.
Patients who may benefit from open rhinoplasty often share one or more of the following characteristics:
- Concern about a nasal hump or dorsal irregularity along the bridge
- A nasal tip that appears wide, bulbous, drooping, or asymmetrical
- Nasal asymmetry resulting from genetics, injury, or a prior surgical procedure
- Breathing concerns related to structural abnormalities within the nose
- A desire for refined, balanced facial proportions in harmony with their other features
- Readiness to commit to the recommended recovery process and follow-up care
Patients from Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and nearby areas are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss their specific concerns and learn whether open rhinoplasty is the appropriate choice for their situation.
What to Expect at FacesFirst
The process for open rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO, begins with a thorough consultation at FacesFirst. During this appointment, Dr. Cote or Dr. Picerno will review your medical history, evaluate your nasal anatomy, and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail. This conversation typically includes a review of surgical options, expected outcomes, and any relevant considerations based on your individual health profile.
On the day of surgery, open rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting. The procedure may take two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the changes being made. Most patients return home the same day to begin recovery.
In the days and weeks following surgery, patients can generally expect some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within one to two weeks, though individual recovery timelines vary. A splint is typically worn for approximately one week to support and protect the reshaped nasal structure. Final results continue to refine over several months as residual swelling resolves. Individual results may vary.
A common concern among patients in the Littleton area is downtime. While recovery does require patience, most patients find the process manageable with proper preparation and guidance from the FacesFirst team.
Why Choose FacesFirst for Open Rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO?
FacesFirst has served patients in the Denver metro area for more than 50 years, and its reputation for precision in facial plastic surgery draws patients from Littleton, Greenwood Village, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Parker. The practice was founded on a commitment to compassionate, expert care, and that foundation continues to shape every patient experience today.
Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno are both double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, a distinction that sets FacesFirst apart in the Colorado cosmetic surgery market. Both physicians are affiliated with the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Cote has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons in Rhinoplasty for both 2023 and 2024. Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno were both named Top Doctors by Castle Connolly in 2023, 2024, and 2025. These recognitions reflect the high standards both surgeons maintain across every procedure they perform.
For patients exploring facial rejuvenation beyond rhinoplasty, FacesFirst also offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical services. You can learn more about complementary options such as blepharoplasty at FacesFirst or facelift procedures at FacesFirst to support your overall facial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty involves a small external incision along the columella, allowing the surgeon full visibility of the nasal structures. Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils with no external incision. The open approach may be preferred for more complex reshaping, as it offers greater surgical access. Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy and goals during a personal consultation.
How long is the recovery after open rhinoplasty?
Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks after open rhinoplasty, though individual recovery experiences vary. Swelling and bruising are common during the first week and gradually improve. A splint is typically worn for about one week. More visible swelling may persist for several weeks, and final nasal refinement can continue to develop over the course of six to twelve months. Your care team at FacesFirst will provide detailed post-operative guidance. Individual results may vary.
Do you serve patients from Greenwood Village and other nearby communities?
Yes. FacesFirst welcomes patients from Greenwood Village, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and other communities throughout the greater Denver metro area. Many patients traveling to our practice from these surrounding areas find our central Denver location convenient and accessible. Our team is happy to assist with scheduling and preparation to make your experience as smooth as possible from your first consultation through your follow-up care.
Where is FacesFirst located, and how can Littleton patients get there?
FacesFirst is a cosmetic surgery practice located in Denver, Colorado, and is easily accessible for patients coming from Littleton and the surrounding south metro communities. Our team can provide specific directions and parking information when you schedule your appointment. Patients from Littleton and Greenwood Village typically find the drive straightforward via major Denver metro routes. Contact us for details, and our staff will help coordinate your visit.
When will I see results after open rhinoplasty?
Initial changes to the nasal contour are visible once post-surgical swelling begins to resolve, typically within several weeks. However, the nose continues to refine and settle for up to twelve months following open rhinoplasty. Subtle improvements may continue beyond that point as the tissues fully heal. Most patients find that their results become noticeably clearer around the three-to-six-month mark. Individual results may vary, and your surgeon will discuss a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Can open rhinoplasty also address breathing concerns?
Open rhinoplasty may be used to address both cosmetic and functional nasal concerns in appropriate candidates. Because Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno are double board-certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery, they are well-positioned to evaluate structural factors that may contribute to breathing difficulty. A comprehensive consultation will help determine whether functional concerns can be incorporated into the surgical plan alongside any aesthetic goals you bring to your appointment.
Schedule Your Open Rhinoplasty Consultation in Littleton, CO
If you are considering open rhinoplasty in Littleton, CO, the board-certified surgical team at FacesFirst is ready to help you take the next step. Serving patients from Littleton, Greenwood Village, Centennial, and throughout the Denver metro area, FacesFirst combines decades of experience with a personalized approach to facial plastic surgery. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, Colorado. They have over 50 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.
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