Newsweek has recognized double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cote as the top doctor for rhinoplasty at FacesFirst. This honor signifies his 20+ years of experience and expertise in performing top-of-the-line rhinoplasty procedures. Utilizing specialized techniques helps him improve each of his patients’ lives. This award is a testament to Dr. Cote’s dedication to his Denver, Colorado patients.

Feel Confident About Your Nose

The nose is a central point on your face, and it plays a major role in how you look. Your nose can be one of the first things people notice. What kind of impression do you want to make? A confident, effortless, and unique one. At FacesFirst in Denver, we want to help you achieve exactly that: walk into a room feeling and looking amazing. A rhinoplasty is a procedure that can address these concerns.

At FacesFirst, we are facial plastic surgery specialists. We are experts in sensitive surgeries, such as rhinoplasty, otherwise known as “nasal surgery” or a “nose job.” Trust your face with the most qualified hands available. At FacesFirst, we prioritize creating beautiful and natural-looking results that are harmonious with your facial features for each nose surgery patient seeking rhinoplasty in Denver.

GALLERY

before & after photos

Our before and after gallery is a visual testament to the remarkable transformations our clients achieved. We encourage you to explore the full gallery to witness the incredible changes and gain inspiration for your own journey.

VIEW MORE

*actual patient by FacesFirst Dr. Cote

A Skilled Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Meet Dr. Christopher Cote, who has been a leader in the field of rhinoplasty for years. He has become the “go-to” board-certified plastic surgeon for both finesse rhinoplasty and the most challenging revision rhinoplasty and reconstruction cases.

For more than ten years, he has been teaching about rhinoplasty procedures and training surgical residents at Johns Hopkins University, the Army’s Walter Reed Medical Center, and the Navy’s Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. This experience allows him to handle the most complex cases with ease and create the most beautiful noses. His modern structural techniques lead to lasting results and he is a true specialist in revision rhinoplasty as well.

 

Qualifications

Dr. Cote has been recognized nationwide as one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Colorado. He shows his dedication through each procedure and provides personalized patient care with each surgery.

Dr. Cote’s career began when he was in the United States Army, where he performed facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 12 years. While at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr. Cote was the Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery and trained other surgeons on facial reconstruction using 3D printing. Dr. Cote is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Cote specializes in both rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Many surgeons do not perform revision rhinoplasty, but this is one of Dr. Cote’s strengths, with individuals traveling worldwide to Denver, CO, for his expert care.

Why Choose FacesFirst in Denver?

Your nose is not simply a fixture on your face, but a functioning organ that is an integral part of your respiratory system. It warms, cleanses, and humidifies the air you breathe. Therefore, the surgeon who can change the shape of your nose should also understand the function of your nose. For example, if you desire to make your nose smaller and more fitting to your face, you want to be sure that your breathing passages remain open and nasal obstruction is not created.

Dr. Cote has more than 20 years of experience (many of these being in Denver). The double board-certified plastic surgeons at FacesFirst in Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado are experienced in complex nasal airway reconstruction rhinoplasty surgery as well as detailed aesthetic plastic surgery.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery, also referred to as “nose reshaping,” “nose job surgery,” or simply “nasal surgery,” is a facial plastic surgery procedure that allows us to change the form or function of your nose. The nose is a central point on the face that plays a major role in how you look but it is also a sensory organ that does more than just help you breathe. A rhinoplasty procedure is designed to improve the appearance of the nose and improve its function.

Rhinoplasty can address many issues, including:

  • The shape, angle, and size of the nose
  • Structural issues that restrict breathing
  • Birth defects

Often, patients will choose surgical rhinoplasty to change the projection of their nose, reduce the size or change the shape of their nostrils, remove a dorsal hump or bump on the bridge of the nose, or change the shape or size of their nasal tip. During your surgery, the nasal cartilage and bones can be shaved down, the nasal tip can be lifted, and the overall appearance of the nose will be improved.

The overall goal of a rhinoplasty is to create a balance between the nose and your other facial features. This allows for the most natural-looking result possible. At the same time, nose surgery can improve your breathing through a functional rhinoplasty approach.

Aesthetics and Function

The shape of your nose affects the function of your nose. It is possible to achieve a well-proportioned nose that works efficiently by carefully reconstructing the nasal bone and tissues. For example, some people have a crooked nose as a result of an injury and would like it straightened so they can breathe better and look more natural. Rhinoplasty will not only improve the appearance of your nose but also fix the septal deviation responsible for your difficulty breathing.

With the application of the latest techniques in plastic surgery, the doctors at FacesFirst can help you achieve the look you want, and our attention to the function of your nose allows you to achieve clear nasal breathing as well as facial harmony.

Reasons to Choose Rhinoplasty

Patients choose rhinoplasty for a number of reasons. At FacesFirst, our patients commonly choose this surgical procedure due to:

  • Twisted or crooked shape
  • A nasal hump on the bridge of the nose
  • A wide or droopy nasal tip
  • Pinched or narrow shape
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Nasal blockage or sinus trouble

Often, patients with breathing issues due to a deviated septum or similar problem are referred to us by their ENT specialist. You may experience chronic congestion that is not improved with allergy treatments or decongestants, leading your doctor to suggest septoplasty, turbinoplasty, or nasal valve repair instead.

Rhinoplasty Techniques

Several techniques may be used to complete your nose surgery depending on your needs.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is completed through a small incision on the columella, which is the septum that separates the two nostrils. This technique allows plastic surgeons to more easily view the structures within the nose and alter the nasal anatomy. Open rhinoplasty may be chosen for you if you have more concerns regarding breathing and function. It can also be completed as revision rhinoplasty, a second procedure performed if you are unhappy with the results of your first surgical procedure.

Open rhinoplasty can also be used to reshape the bridge, change the angle of the nose, or change the shape and size of the nasal tip. The downside of an open rhinoplasty is that the incision leaves a small scar on the columella, however, this is generally not noticeable once it’s fully healed.

Closed Rhinoplasty

closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is completed from within the nostrils. This is the preferred technique for patients who wish to have minor changes made to the shape of their nasal bridge, nostrils, or nasal tip. This technique generally results in less swelling than open rhinoplasty.

Septoplasty

septoplasty may also be utilized, especially if the patient suffers breathing problems as a result of a damaged or deviated septum. The septum is the internal nasal valve that separates the nostrils. A septoplasty is a surgery done to revise the septum and open the airways. It is often incorporated into general rhinoplasty surgery.

Structural Rhinoplasty

Structural rhinoplasty emphasizes the structure of the nose, including the supportive nasal bone and cartilage that holds up the dorsum (top of the nose) and the cartilage that supports the nasal tip. Existing bone and cartilage in the nose (or cartilage taken from the ribs) will be used to restore a collapsed or deviated nose.

Preservation Rhinoplasty

The preservation rhinoplasty technique is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of removing and discarding nasal cartilage, the tissues will be repositioned to build structure and create a natural-looking result. As much natural tissue as possible will be used to prevent nasal collapse and maintain both the form and function of the nose.

What to Expect

Since every person’s nasal anatomy is different, we tailor each nasal surgery to your exact needs. Some patients desire subtle refinements that may make a big difference, while others have complex issues or need revision surgery. Your surgeon will explain to you what to expect based on these options.

Rhinoplasty in Denver is generally an outpatient surgery that takes a few hours. Patients usually require general anesthesia to complete the nose job procedure, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

You will recover at home with rest, may feel better in less than a week, and can return to work in 7-10 days. The nose may still have some swelling at that point, but most swelling is resolved after a month. There will be some subtle changes to the nose over a year as residual swelling continues to dissipate, and Dr. Cote will follow up with you during this time to make sure you love your results.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nose Surgery?

A good candidate for rhinoplasty in Denver may feel unsatisfied with the appearance of their nose, suffer from breathing problems, or have poor results from a previous rhinoplasty procedure. As with any type of plastic surgery, you should be generally healthy overall before you move forward with nose surgeries.

TESTIMONIALS

from our patients

I got a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Cote and I’m so happy with my results! He definitely paid attention to what I wanted and was also so kind throughout the entire process. The whole FacesFirst team was so nice and made it very stress free! I can’t recommend him & his team enough!

-Martha Zellmann

Dr. Cote exceeded all of my expectations. I had a rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and a tonsillectomy 1 month ago and at my follow-up he said I was above average and healing beautifully. I am very happy with my results. Recommend 10/10

-Riley Buchanan

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Your Advanced Consultation

At FacesFirst, we utilize modern technology to give you an advanced consultation process and a complete understanding of the surgical procedure. Dr. Cote uses the Vectra 3D Imaging program so patients can see potential outcomes of their cosmetic nose surgery. The system creates a 3D model based on photographs of the patient’s face, which Dr. Cote can then manipulate to gain a better understanding of the patient’s aesthetic goals.

As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cote will evaluate your health and your concerns regarding your nose during a rhinoplasty consultation in our Denver office to determine whether you are a good candidate. During your consultation, Dr. Cote will also explain a treatment plan for your nose reshaping and which techniques he will use to complete your rhinoplasty.

To schedule your consultation  with Dr. Cote or Dr. Picerno and see what your rhinoplasty results could look like, call FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery at (720) 414-3332 or request an appointment online.

READ OUR BLOG

for more information

4 Facts You Didn’t Know About Rhinoplasty

READ BLOG

The Benefits of Combining Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

READ BLOG

Frequently Asked Questions Video Edition

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nose job make your nose smaller?

Yes. Of course there can be limits to this that may include what looks right on your face, how it could affect your breathing, and certain technical limitations that the surgeon may have to explain. A consultation with computer simulations is very helpful for this.

Can I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty?

Yes. Sleeping on your side can be a very healthy sleep position and after nasal surgery you certainly have to be careful not to put pressure on the nose when it is healing. So stomach sleeping might be more problematic temporarily.

Can nasal bone be shaped?

Yes. Addressing the shape of the nasal bones is an integral part of doing rhinoplasty.

Can nasal polyps change shape of nose?

Rarely. Nasal polyps the vast majority of time are deep in the nasal passages or the sinuses and instead affect breathing and sinus health.

Can rhinoplasty help sinus problems?

Yes. Rhinoplasty and nasal airway and sinus procedures often complement each other. Your external nose is the doorway to your nasal passages and often correcting problems such as a deviated septum, nasal valve narrowing, and enlarged turbinates is done in conjunction with a rhinoplasty procedure.

Do nose jobs last forever?

A well executed rhinoplasty can have lifelong positive results. However there can be changes with aging or life circumstances that can certainly affect how the nose looks over time.

Do spreader grafts widen the nose?

Spreader grafts are cartilage grafts used by the surgeon to reconstruct the nasal bridge. They have an important function to improve breathing and create a nice natural width to the nose. There can be swelling in this area that lasts many months that make the nose appear wide and a discussion with the surgeon to understand what is appropriate.

Does deviated septum surgery change your nose?

Most deviated septum surgery is intended to address the problems of breathing in the nasal passage way. However, the septum is an integral part of the external structures of your nose. For example, a crooked nose may have a septum that is crooked internally and externally and surgery needed to correct this would include a septoplasty AND a rhinoplasty. Rarely is there are a complication of septoplasty that causes the external nose to look different.

Does your voice change after rhinoplasty?

Your nasal passages can affect the resonance of your voice. If your rhinoplasty involved surgery also inside your nasal passages then you may have a change in your vocal resonance due to congestion and that eventually approves. Alternatively, people who have their breathing problems corrected often have improved voice resonance after nasal surgery as well.

How do I prepare for a nose job?

Preparation for rhinoplasty includes being prepared mentally, physically and financially. It is very important that you importantly convey your expectations to the surgeon and you feel the surgeon understands the type of results you want. The surgeon also needs to understand that you have reasonable expectations that can be achieved. Your health history is also important and whether you have any nasal breathing or sinus issues so they can be addressed concurrently. Optimizing your health conditions and living a lifestyle that includes good sleep, good eating habits and exercise will be beneficial. Rhinoplasty is an elective procedure that will have expenses you must understand and feel fits within your personal budget. A good consultation with your surgeon is very important that you understand each other and feel comfortable with each other to undergo the stresses of surgery and the healing process. While an excellent technical surgery is an important component to success, excellent healing as well as reasonable expectations are equally important to a satisfying outcome.

How long are you swollen after rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, you will be quite swollen as your body responds to healing and there may even be some black and blue and swelling in the cheeks during the first week. After your cast comes off at one week there will be a significant improvement in the swelling and you will look quite socially acceptable by two weeks. However there will be a healing process where your body is repairing the wounds after surgery and scar tissue is remodeling and that will take many months up to a year.

How long do splints stay in after septoplasty?

Splints are only occasionally used during second surgery and it may depend on your surgeons preferences. Ask your surgeon if they actually use them. Splints are typically out within 3 to 7 days.

How long does a nose job take to perform?

The amount of time it takes to perform a rhinoplasty surgery can vary based upon many factors that include the type and degree of changes that need to be made, whether it is a revision surgery, and the specific techniques of the surgeon. For primary rhinoplasty typical time is 1.5 to 3 hours. For revision rhinoplasty it can be much longer than that occasionally.

How long does non surgical rhinoplasty last?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty involves placing temporary fillers that augment and enlarge the nose in certain areas to create the illusion of a thinner nose or camouflage a bump. Many surgeons express great caution as an inexperience injector can permanently injure the skin. Best is to consult with an experienced surgeon to see what is best for you.

How long is recovery from rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, most people need at least 7 to 10 days off their usual schedule. In the first week, you may feel more congested, fatigued, and swollen and are focused on rest, nutrition, and healing. After sutures and casts are taken off at one week, patients are returning to my usual activities in the second week. Exercise may resume at approximately two weeks. There is going to be ongoing swelling and healing for weeks and months ahead but most people feel they are resuming normal activity and a reasonable appearance by two weeks.

How should I sleep after nose surgery?

Getting a good night of sleep after rhinoplasty surgery is very important for healing and well-being. Often we ask patients to sleep with their head elevated to allow swelling to be reduced by gravity. However, a comfortable sleep position is important to get a thoroughly rested night which will have an overall positive impact on your discomfort and pace of healing.

Is nose job permanent?

Surgical rhinoplasty can result in a permanent long lasting result for a lifetime.

What is a bulbous nose tip?

A bulbous tip refers to a nose that is considered too wide. This may be due to thick skin or a very wide cartilage structure to the nasal tip. It is generally less desirable in appearance and discussion with your surgeon on how to address this is important to understand specifically what is going on.

What is closed rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty is a term used when incisions are hidden inside of the nose. This can be appealing since scars can be hiddenu2014 however, important visualization by the plastic surgeon can be much more limited. Alternatively, an open rhinoplasty includes a small incision near the nostrils, which can significantly improve visualization for the plastic surgeon and even optimize the results. Ask Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 about the pros and cons of each.

What types of nose jobs are there?

There a multitude of different procedures and approaches to change the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty is the medical term for this and is a highly specialized area of plastic surgery that should be performed by a surgeon with many years of experience and takes a structural and functional approach. A double board certified surgeon in ENT and plastic surgery has the best training background for this as they area trained to best understand the balance of form and function.

Why do nose jobs collapse?

The idea of a nose collapsing is a problem that unfortunately has been publicized among a few celebrities. Fortunately it is very rare. It may occur due to infection, poor healing or a nonstructural approach taken during surgery. Modern rhinoplasty is very structural and reduces the likelihood of these problems.

What is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is the surgical procedure that allows us to change the form or function of your nose to create a nose that is more proportionate to the rest of the face.

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of a rhinoplasty in Denver can vary from patient to patient and surgeon to surgeon. There are multiple considerations that can affect the cost of a rhinoplasty, including whether there are breathing issues with the nose, whether the patient has had previous nasal surgery, and the amount of anesthesia that is needed to accomplish the desired goals. Expect to get a number quote from your plastic surgeon that will likely be in the thousands of dollars.

How long does rhinoplasty take?

For Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9, typical outpatient rhinoplasty surgery in Denver takes 2 to 3 hours. Revision rhinoplasty cases can sometimes take longer than this. Recovery from anesthesia might take another 1 to 2 hours, after which you'll be sent home to rest.

How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?

After outpatient rhinoplasty surgery and recovery from anesthesia, you will be sent home. Most people feel a bit fatigued for 3 to 5 days, with some swelling and congestion. Pain is typically well-managed, and most people need little pain medicine after a few days. By your one-week appointment postoperatively, you should feel better. You also will have your cast and sutures removed at this time. Typically, patients take about 7 to 10 days off school or work after this operation, but the actual recovery time might vary depending on your normal schedule.

How is a rhinoplasty performed?

A rhinoplasty is performed while you are completely u2018asleep' under general anesthesia. During the operation, incisions are made to access the underlying bone and cartilage that forms the shape of your nose. Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 then performs structural work to the cartilage and bone that reshapes the nose and creates the appearance you're looking for. Every operation is unique, depending on the needs of the patient and the characteristics of the anatomy. When you schedule a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon, you can receive a more in-depth understanding of what will be done.

What is a u2018'non-surgical rhinoplasty''?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an approach where liquid fillers are injected in the tissues of the nose to change the shape. While it sounds simple and easier, it should be considered with caution as there are known risks in this area. Its best to discuss with an experienced nasal surgeon before proceeding with this alternative.

How to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty?

After surgery, ice and homeopathic products such as arnica or bromelain can help with bruising and swelling. Lymphatic drainage can also be improved with warm compresses and increasing your activity levels. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon can perform postoperative treatments that further improve swelling after surgery as well. This is usually assessed on an individual basis.

Can a rhinoplasty be covered by insurance?

Most rhinoplasty are not covered by insurance, except for in a limited number of circumstances. However, there may be some structural issues to the nose such as a deviated septum that need to be addressed at the same time. These procedures inside the nose and sinuses may be eligible for insurance coverage and can be treated the same time as a rhinoplasty.

What is a revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty refers to an operation on a nose that has already had previous rhinoplasty or nasal reconstructive surgery. It can be more technically challenging and have special considerations depending on each individual case. Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 has an extensive amount of experience performing revision surgery.

How should I clean my nose after rhinoplasty?

Cleaning the nose after surgery is typically done with the use of a gentle saline or saltwater rinse. Additionally, medicated ointments can treat incisions near the nostril area. Leakages or crustiness that can occur can be treated with gentle peroxide and Q-tips. In the office, Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 can also additionally clean out the nose to maximize your breathing as soon as possible.

How much time should you take off work after rhinoplasty?

The average patient takes off about 7 to 10 days after a rhinoplasty. Some people who have more flexibility and control of their schedule can take less time. And others who have very physically demanding work or travel requirements may need more time.

When can I work out after rhinoplasty?

I do not recommend you engage in intense cardiovascular or organized athletic activity for two weeks after your nasal surgery. Before that you can engage in easy walking and activities that do not significantly increase your heart rate or blood pressure that could lead to nose bleeding.

How long should you wear a cast after rhinoplasty?

The cast is removed at about one week after your rhinoplasty.

How does rhinoplasty work?

Rhinoplasty is the term for a procedure that changes the shape of your nose. The shape of your nose is determined by the underlying cartilage and bone structure and the skin that drapes over this. Rhinoplasty is a surgery that involves lifting the skin to reconstruct and change the shape of the underlying cartilage and bone. The skin heals over this new structure to receive a new shape to the nose. There are many details on how this is achieved and done properly. At Facesfirst, Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 uses the most modern techniques of structural rhinoplasty to achieve the most natural and long-lasting results.

Is a rhinoplasty painful?

Pain is not a significant issue for the vast majority of rhinoplasty patients. At Facesfirst, most patients report stopping their pain medicine within 1 to 3 days. There is discomfort which is typically in the form of nasal congestion and facial pressure that gradually improves over time. Like any form of discomfort, people will experience in describe pain in different ways. It's not uncommon that two people will experience discomfort in a different way even when they have had very similar surgeries. Discuss with your surgeon what they might anticipate so you can best be prepared for discomfort after surgery.

What is a non-surgical rhinoplasty?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty refers to the use of dermal fillers to camouflage certain features of the nose. It is usually temporary and is very limited in what it can do, so ask Dr. Cu00f4tu00e9 if you are a candidate.

How do you get a natural result after rhinoplasty?

A good rhinoplasty will look natural because the surgeon, with an artistic eye, created a result that is balanced to your face and it is not even apparent that you had surgery. An experienced surgeon who performs a meticulous structural rhinoplasty looks to perform maneuvers that avoid the tell tale signs of a bad nose job. Ask how frequently the surgeon performs this procedure and the types of techniques they use to get a great natural result.

When can I work out?

I do not recommend you engage in intense cardiovascular or organized athletic activity for two weeks after your nasal surgery. Before that you can engage in easy walking and activities that do not significantly increase your heart rate or blood pressure that could lead to nose bleeding.

Is it normal for the tip of my nose to be numb?

After rhinoplasty patients have swelling and will often describe the sensation of the tip of their nose is feeling numb. We are usually not very concerned about this symptom as it usually resolves within a few weeks and sometimes a few months. There are no major nerves in this area but rather the swelling related to healing causes the nose to feel slightly different. In addition the structural work to your nose does change the feeling at the tip but this is to get a long lasting and reliable result.

When can I wear ski goggles/glasses?

When you were healing after rhinoplasty you do have to be careful about unnecessary pressure on the nose or activities that could cause the nose to twist or turn. Wearing glasses or goggles over the nose could put some unnecessary pressure and particularly this is of concern in the first 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. You may have to compensate by either avoiding this or using ways to set the glasses to have less pressure on the nose

How long do I have to sleep upright following surgery?

Sleeping upright after facial surgery is often recommended as it will help minimize swelling accumulating in your nose and face. Nonetheless, it is important to sleep in a comfortable position as a good night of sleep is also important to a healthy recovery. Easy movement and activity can also help with swelling as does ace in the first few days after surgery.

When can I travel after rhinoplasty?

After a rhinoplasty avoid airplane travel for about two weeks. The dry high atmosphere as well as the isolated conditions of an airplane are not ideal in case you have any issues with bleeding or dryness in the nose.

 

GALLERY

before & after photos

Our before and after gallery is a visual testament to the remarkable transformations our clients achieved. We encourage you to explore the full gallery to witness the incredible changes and gain inspiration for your own journey.

VIEW MORE
Christopher Cote, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Cote is a double-board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon and head and neck surgeon by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. He received his medical degree from Tufts University and performed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center, fellowship training at Johns Hopkins university. His specialties include aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty, facelifts and brow lifts, and others minimal invasive procedures.  He is also a clinical instructor to Plastic Surgery residents at University of Colorado, and recently received recognition on Newsweek’s Americas best rhinoplasty surgeons. When not assisting patients, Dr. Cote enjoys spending time hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife and kids.

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