Savannah Chrisley documented her decision to undergo rhinoplasty, sharing her before-and-after journey openly with followers after years of dealing with both aesthetic insecurities and functional breathing issues. The reality TV star, known for her time on Chrisley Knows Best, addressed public speculation head-on by detailing how a deviated septum and chronic congestion prompted her surgical choice. When public figures undergo cosmetic procedures, it sparks widespread conversation about transparency, recovery realities, and the physical toll of living under a microscope.
Rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries, balancing artistic nasal reshaping with complex structural reconstruction. Understanding what goes into a celebrity-grade nose job requires looking past tabloid headlines and examining the actual medical process, recovery timelines, and financial realities.
Why Savannah Chrisley Chose Rhinoplasty
Public figures face intense scrutiny, but personal health concerns often drive surgical decisions just as much as cosmetic goals. Chrisley has spoken about her lifelong struggle with sinus issues and a deviated septum, a condition where the nasal septum shifts away from the midline, blocking airflow through one side of the nose.
Combining a septoplasty with cosmetic reshaping is a common surgical practice known as a septorhinoplasty. Patients often fix chronic breathing obstructions while simultaneously refining the nasal bridge, tip, or asymmetry. For someone constantly appearing on camera, addressing functional problems during a cosmetic overhaul ensures that health improvements happen alongside aesthetic refinements.
According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, thousands of patients undergo corrective and cosmetic nasal procedures annually to resolve breathing complications while achieving facial harmony.
The Surgical Procedure: Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Surgeons use two primary techniques for rhinoplasty procedures, each suited to different structural goals.
- Open Rhinoplasty: The surgeon makes a small incision across the columella, the tissue strip separating the nostrils. This grants complete visibility and direct access to the underlying nasal structures, making it the preferred method for major structural remodeling or revision surgeries.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made entirely inside the nostrils, leaving zero visible external scarring. This approach works best for patients requiring minor adjustments to the bridge or tip without extensive cartilage grafting.
During the operation, the surgeon carefully sculpts nasal bone and cartilage. If a patient needs a deviated septum fixed, the surgeon straightens the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavity. When additional structural support is required, cartilage grafts taken from the ear or septum are grafted into place.
Navigating the Recovery Timeline
Recovery from rhinoplasty takes patience. While initial splints come off after one week, final results take up to a year as microscopic swelling fully subsides.
- Week 1: The patient wears a rigid nasal splint to protect the newly shaped bone and cartilage. Bruising around the eyes and significant swelling are completely normal during these first seven days.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Surgeons remove the splint and stitches. Most visible bruising fades, allowing patients to return to non-strenuous work or school routines, though swelling persists.
- Months 2 to 6: Swelling gradually diminishes, particularly around the nasal tip. Normal exercise routines can resume safely after clearance from the surgeon.
- Months 12 to 18: All residual edema resolves entirely, revealing the permanent, refined contours of the nose.
Patients must strictly avoid wearing heavy eyeglasses, blowing their nose forcefully, or participating in contact sports during the early healing phase to protect delicate healing tissues.
Financial Breakdown of Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty costs vary wildly depending on geographic location, surgeon expertise, and the complexity of the internal reconstruction. Total out-of-pocket expenses typically range from $7,000 to $15,000.
- Surgeon Fees: Reflects the skill and board certification of the plastic surgeon, usually accounting for the largest portion of the total cost.
- Anesthesia Costs: Covers the certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist administering general anesthesia or IV sedation throughout the procedure.
- Operating Facility Fees: Pays for surgical suite staff, specialized instrumentation, and sterile equipment.
- Post-Operative Care: Includes follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and specialized post-op garments or compression elements.
Insurance providers generally cover the functional portion of a septoplasty addressing breathing issues, but cosmetic alterations remain entirely self-funded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Savannah Chrisley admit to getting a nose job?
Yes. She shared open updates and visual comparisons on social media, discussing both her cosmetic goals and her functional need to correct a deviated septum.
How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?
A standard primary rhinoplasty usually takes between two to four hours under general anesthesia, depending on how much structural cartilage grafting is required.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Patients report feeling pressure and dull aches rather than sharp pain during recovery. Surgeons prescribe pain management medication to keep patients comfortable during the first few days.
Can a nose job completely fix chronic snoring?
If snoring or sleep apnea stems from a severely deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, septorhinoplasty can significantly improve airflow and reduce symptoms. However, it's not a universal cure for all forms of snoring, which can also originate from the throat or palate.
