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Considering Rhinoplasty

266 replies

sah168 · 17/02/2021 11:59

So I had a consultation yesterday for Rhinoplasty - I've wanted a nose job since I was 15 and at the age of 31 I am now in a position where I am able to afford one. I previously had filler in my nose which fixed my side profile, but it obviously did not really do much to narrow my wide nose which is my main area of concern.

I keep going back and forth with my decision on whether to go ahead - the surgeon I saw was great, very realistic in terms of a results and he also uses the Ultrasonic technique as opposed to the 'hammer and chisel' technique, which apparently means less bruising and a quicker recovery.

I've watched so many nose job vlogs so I feel like I sort of know what to expect in the recovery process, but a few have mentioned other side effects that worry me such as hair loss after the surgery (although temporary), spider veins becoming visible on the nose & trouble breathing.

I am also very aware that there is a 10% chance with this surgery that a revision might be needed, regardless of how skilled the surgeon is.

I would love to hear from anyone that's had it done - both good and bad experiences - particularly if you've had the Ultrasonic rhinoplasty! Aware everyone's experience is different, but I find comfort in speaking to other people who have gone through with it!

OP posts:
Pipsydodo · 13/04/2021 12:40

To be honest, the psychological side of things worries me a bit - as much as I really want to change my nose shape, I'm really scared of looking in the mirror and not thinking it's 'Me'.
My daughter said she doesn't want me to look different and I don't want my kids to think I'm not the same Mum anymore!

What can I do to prepare them and me ?

ABitOfAShitShow · 13/04/2021 12:43

No idea, to be honest. Although it may certainly be weird, I don’t anticipate it being an issue for me as I’m quite vain (in a practical way) and I’m always tweaking and filling bits and pieces. As long as I look better, I genuinely don’t believe I’ll struggle.

BasinHaircut · 13/04/2021 13:08

@Pipsydodo how old are your kids? Because my son is almost 8 and he can’t see a difference. So it might not be an issue for them in reality.

I am finding myself having a bit of nostalgia for my old nose at the moment, whilst my new one still looks a bit odd. But if I look at them side by side that nostalgia quickly disappears. I think by the time it settles down I’ll have easily adjusted and I will look more like me again anyway with less swelling for sure.

misscockerspaniel · 13/04/2021 13:19

BasinHaircut I cannot remember how long it took. I had an open rhinoplasty and my nose was not packed - I do not know if that would make a difference. And, TBH, I was so pleased with my new nose...

The websites of American surgeons who are experts in rhinoplasty offer a wealth of knowledge and are worth a look.

cheeseandpicklesandie · 13/04/2021 14:20

@Pennethorne

I didn't have it done (found it cheaper to just Get Older and then I didn't care anymore), but I did end up injuring my nose anyway in an MMA fight, fractured the bridge. 15 years on it's still very sensitive, and if it gets touched more than a brush I yelp. I massage the bone scarring and it feels horribly sensitive.
I wanted to change everything when I was 17/18. My big nose and big lips were a concern. I got bullied for the lips and now people put in fillers to get them like these 👄 . I suppose they just balance each other. I'm not against cosmetic surgery, but changing something doesn't always improve your confidence. I did have some cosmetic surgery, not on my face and I regretted it and had it reserved eventually , not so easy on a nose job. Think Michael Jackson's poor nose.
BasinHaircut · 13/04/2021 14:38

Thanks @misscockerspaniel yeah I’ve done some Googling and generally they all just say it could take anything from a few months to a year to completely subside. I have a follow up with my surgeon on Saturday so I’ll be discussing it with her then. I’m basically looking for reassurance that it is just swelling I think, and not going to stay like this forever.

It’s just anxiety and impatience though I’m sure! Grin

namechange202086 · 13/04/2021 19:42

Hope tonight is better for you @ABitOfAShitShow and you get some sleep.

Do you have any regrets @BasinHaircut or are you still glad you got it done? I'm worried about people seeing me before the swelling goes down and commenting that it doesn't look much different. I know that's ridiculous but always worry what other people will think.

BasinHaircut · 13/04/2021 19:52

@namechange202086 oh god absolutely no regrets!

I don’t mind that it doesn’t look any different to other people. I didn’t do it for them I did it for me and the idea was that it wasn’t too obvious a change.

I won’t see many people for another week or so yet (lockdown has been a bit of a godsend in that respect) so hopefully the swelling will be almost unnoticeable by then.

I’ve told plenty of people that I’ve had it done (or was having it done) though so it’s not really a secret I’m keeping.

ABitOfAShitShow · 13/04/2021 20:09

@namechange202086 Thanks, Hun. I think I’ll be better in my own bed. Smile

@BasinHaircut Lockdown has been amazing for this! I’m so glad I managed to get it done before I go back to the office.

BasinHaircut · 13/04/2021 20:26

Are you home now @ABitOfAShitShow ?

By the time I get back in the office I imagine I’ll be completely healed!

ABitOfAShitShow · 13/04/2021 20:31

@BasinHaircut Woo! Completely healed sounds good. Can’t wait to be where you’re at now.

I’m home. Have been since this morning. Got two lovely black eyes now and a fair bit of swelling but they seem to have started fading to red already. I’ll be hiding out while the cast is on anyway and hopefully it’ll look normal by the time I venture out next week to get it off and go to some appointments.

So exciting for us both! I’ve wanted it done for ages and I’m so glad I’m finally here.

BasinHaircut · 13/04/2021 20:39

Glad you are doing ok. You will be surprised how quickly that bruising comes and goes.

Yes it’s very exciting! Still can’t really believe I’ve actually done it.

Alternista · 13/04/2021 20:51

Have loved reading this thread! Well done all of you for just going for it. Any before/after photos??

Pipsydodo · 13/04/2021 21:35

[quote BasinHaircut]@Pipsydodo how old are your kids? Because my son is almost 8 and he can’t see a difference. So it might not be an issue for them in reality.

I am finding myself having a bit of nostalgia for my old nose at the moment, whilst my new one still looks a bit odd. But if I look at them side by side that nostalgia quickly disappears. I think by the time it settles down I’ll have easily adjusted and I will look more like me again anyway with less swelling for sure.[/quote]
@Basinhaircut my kids aged between 11 and 17. Problem with my eldest is that she can't cope with any sort of change lol so she just hates the idea of me looking different 😂. Also I had to broach the subject carefully as her nose is very similar to mine and I needed to emphasize that she looks so beautiful and shouldn't question that.

I've got 2 consultations tomorrow so I'm very excited!

HamStory · 14/04/2021 03:38

What's the website called misscockerspaniel?

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2021 08:01

Two days post surgery!

Checking in to report swelling - including some unexpected chipmunk cheeks. Still have 2 black (but red really) eyes. It’s definitely the most painful it’s been but still really mild, frankly.

So just hiding out and hoping my eyes stay open enough to keep flat hunting really! Smile

BasinHaircut · 14/04/2021 08:11

Oh yes those chipmunk cheeks are not the best look Grin Do you have painkillers or anything anti-inflammatory to take?

So excited to hear your progress!

misscockerspaniel · 14/04/2021 11:01

HamStory I just googled Rhinoplasty, Rhinoplasty Recovery etc, looked at loads of US sites, and found helpful advice on what to do before and after. For instance, which foods to avoid before surgery (and why).

My surgeon suggested that I didn't tell people that I was having the surgery. To this day, only one person IRL knows - a good friend who dog-sat for me whilst I was in hospital.

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2021 12:03

@BasinHaircut The nurse just called me and said anti-inflammatories wouldn’t do anything as a lot of it is fluid. Or something. I don’t know but she said ibuprofen wouldn’t help the swelling.

I look truly awful today. It’s quite spectacular. 😂

BasinHaircut · 14/04/2021 12:37

Oh really @ABitOfAShitShow that’s interesting.

They had me on ibuprofen 3 times a day and my surgeon also recommended arnica which is supposed to be anti-inflammatory and help with the bruising too. I have no idea if it helped and I’m not usually one for homeopathic remedies but I was surprised at how quickly the bruising went away, given that my legs are usually covered in bruises from walking into things Grin.

I can imagine how you look. For me days 2-3 were the worst so you are probably peaking right now.

@HamStory ‘real self’ is also a good website for q&a type stuff. It is interesting how much the advice differs from surgeon to surgeon though. Although the ‘it takes up to a year to fully heal’ seems to be quite consistent.

@Pipsydodo let us know how your consultations go! Exciting!

@Alternista I will try and make a before and after photo whilst remaining anonymous and post it if I can manage it. I am still quite early in recovery though so it’s not the final result.

BasinHaircut · 14/04/2021 13:02

Ok here you go. Still swollen and a bit upturned-looking at the moment.

Considering Rhinoplasty
RaeCJ82 · 14/04/2021 13:48

Joining this thread as I have functional rhinoplasty booked in for the 11th May. I've been having horrendous breathing problems and had a consultation yesterday. My lower cartilage is weak and collapsing so the surgeon is going to augment them with grafts. Whilst he's at it he's straightening my septum, narrowing my nasal bones and raising my tip.
I'm so worried about the anaesthetic and how ill feel afterwards. I have a bit of a vomiting phobia and can't imagine vomiting would be great for the nose. I'm also worried about having to mouth breathe until the packs are out and the swelling goes down.

Pipsydodo · 14/04/2021 13:59

@ABitOfAShitShow I have read that bromelain capsules can help with swelling. You can buy them from Holland & Barrett or online. It's derived from pineapples and I heard a lot of people just drink/eat plenty of fresh pineapple.

@RaeCJ82 it is quite rare for people to actually vomit after anaesthetic although sometimes nausea is an issue (it's my job so I see surgical patients every day). Your anaesthetist should give you some anti-sickness drugs during the procedure and if you tell them before hand they can ensure you'll get extra afterwards as well.

RaeCJ82 · 14/04/2021 14:04

Oh thank you @Pipsydodo that has made me feel better.

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2021 14:17

@Pipsydodo Honestly, I can’t be bothered to faff. I’ll worry if it doesn’t go down but for now, it’s probably somewhat normal. Thank you though. Smile