Septorhinoplasty - support needed

[Thedramalama]

I’m due to have a septorhinoplasty next week and I am petrified to put it mildly!

It is largely cosmetic due to the fact that it is awful to look at. When I say ‘cosmetic’ this is a bit of an understatement. It is crooked, large and droopy and has severely affected my mental health over the years. It was broken when I was younger and so also doesn’t quite function right. I was bullied a lot when I was younger for it. Always thought I would ‘grow out of it’ but never actually have (I’m 31). The surgery will also (hopefully) improve my breathing slightly too.

I am booked in with a reputable uk surgeon (ENT surgeon) at a well-regarded hospital. His gallery of work is incredible and he isn’t one of these surgeons that gives women ‘Hollywood’ noses - they look subtle and natural. My friend has even had surgery with him and the result is fantastic! My family are all supportive too and are scheduled in shifts to help me recover.

Now the surgery date is looming however the enormity of it is really dawning on me. The last time I had a general anaesthetic I was 4 and barely remember it. My surgeon tells me the surgery will be 4 hours from start to finish - that’s 4 hours under general anaesthesia! I keep having the most bizarre dreams about things going wrong etc. I have never felt so anxious about anything before in my life. I am naturally a worrier anyway so I am not surprised at my anxiety levels.

However I could do with some advice on addressing the worries in my head. Can anyone who has this surgery or similar offer any advice for the psychological side of things? Are there any techniques that I can use to calm my nerves? I really don’t want to be a quivering mess on my day of surgery. Good experience last and stories might help!

Thanks in advance

I always had an awful nose that got worse after breaking it and I couldn't breathe properly. I had the op 13 years ago and it's one of the best things I've ever done. My surgeon didn't touch the tip of my nose so it looks v similar from the front but removed the hump and straightened my septum.

I was so self conscious previously and one glance in a shop window could flatten how I felt. No photos in profile etc. From what you say above, I'm sure you get it.

I was terrified about the surgery too. I had bruising after and a cast on my nose for a couple of weeks. It took at least 6 months for it to fully settle e.g. I had to limit how long I wore my specs for.

As much as it's scary I can honestly say it's changed my life. I always was ashamed of it and felt like the ugly duckling. To this day, it's so liberating to have lost the thing I most actively hated about myself.

You won't know about the 4 hours, you'll be asleep. Wishing you a hugely successful op, go for it!

Ps never again will anyone kindly say 'it's distinctive', 'it gives you character' etc while you shrivel inside, never again will your head be back in the playground with the cruel words every time someone offers a platitude. Onwards and upwards!!

Would love to get this done op! Maybe some day when I can afford it. Also have a broken nose.

Can't offer advice, but want to wish you the best. It's completely normal to be anxious, but you will be fine.

Thank you guys, much appreciated. Ginger153 it’s great to hear you had such a positive experience. I will focus on the positive outcome to get me through it