Tom's Rhinoplasty: The South Park Episode Guide
Tom’s Rhinoplasty is the title of Season 1, Episode 11 of South Park, which originally aired on Comedy Central on 11 February 1998. In it, Mr. Garrison takes a leave of absence to get a nose job at a South Park cosmetic surgery clinic called Tom’s Rhinoplasty, and returns looking exactly like actor David Hasselhoff.
The episode was written and directed by series co-creator Trey Parker, and features Natasha Henstridge guest starring as substitute teacher Ms. Ellen. Because it aired three days before Valentine’s Day and revolves around a tangle of crushes, it is generally considered South Park’s first Valentine’s episode.
Every appearance, in order
S01E11
Tom's Rhinoplasty
First aired
Mr. Garrison takes a leave of absence for a nose job at Tom's Rhinoplasty, performed by Doctor Tom himself. He returns to South Park Elementary looking exactly like David Hasselhoff. Meanwhile the boys fall for substitute teacher Ms. Ellen, to Wendy Testaburger's considerable displeasure.
Why it matters: The clinic's starring role and the source of the name. Written and directed by Trey Parker, with Natasha Henstridge guest starring as Ms. Ellen.
S09E01
Mr. Garrison's Fancy New Vagina
First aired
Mr. Garrison undergoes gender reassignment surgery. In the same episode Kyle pursues a 'negroplasty' to improve his basketball game, and Gerald Broflovski is talked into a 'dolphinoplasty' by Dr. Biber.
Why it matters: Part two of Mr. Garrison's cosmetic surgery trilogy, which began at Tom's Rhinoplasty seven years earlier.
S12E05
Eek, A Penis!
First aired
Mrs. Garrison seeks a reversal of the surgery from 'Mr. Garrison's Fancy New Vagina', while Cartman substitute-teaches a class of underachieving students on how to cheat.
Why it matters: The closing chapter of the surgery trilogy that Tom's Rhinoplasty set in motion back in Season 1.
About the clinic
Tom’s Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery practice on the main street of South Park, Colorado, run by its namesake, Doctor Tom. Its purple storefront sign has been part of the town’s skyline since the show’s first season, making it one of the longest-running background businesses in South Park alongside Tom’s better-known neighbours.
Its cultural footprint is out of all proportion to its screen time. The Season 1 episode kicked off what fans call Mr. Garrison’s cosmetic surgery trilogy, a thread the show returned to in 2005 and again in 2008 — a full decade of continuity that started with a single nose.
Common questions
What season is Tom’s Rhinoplasty?
Season 1. It is the eleventh episode of the season and of the series.
Who does Mr. Garrison look like after the surgery?
David Hasselhoff.
Who performs the nose job?
Doctor Tom, the clinic’s owner and namesake.
Is Tom’s Rhinoplasty a real clinic?
No. It is fictional, and this website is an unofficial fan tribute to it. No medical services are offered here. For actual rhinoplasty, consult a board-certified surgeon.
Sources: episode numbering, air dates and credits verified against Wikipedia and TVmaze.