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Original poster

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:
Branleuse · 14/04/2021 14:22

@BasinHaircut

Ok here you go. Still swollen and a bit upturned-looking at the moment.
Great results! Id be pleased with that nose.
BasinHaircut · 14/04/2021 16:38

Thanks @Branleuse yes I am pleased with it Smile

@RaeCJ82 the complete mouth breathing really is only for a day or 2 max. Please don’t let it put you off. It’s worth it.

I was very woozy after the anaesthesia but again it’s short lived. I didn’t vomit. If you feel sick they will give you something.

RaeCJ82 · 14/04/2021 17:00

Thanks @BasinHaircut I actually can't really breathe through my nose properly at all so I definitely need to do it.

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2021 17:08

Oh @BasinHaircut I missed your photos! Your nose looks GREAT! I’d be very happy with that result.

namechange202086 · 14/04/2021 17:17

Oh wow that's amazing @BasinHaircut . I didn't expect you'd see such a difference this early on. That looks so good!

Did you sleep any better @ABitOfAShitShow ?

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2021 17:23

I did a bit @namechange202086 but not enough. I’ve felt really exhausted today. Still not in much pain or anything though - just bruised and swollen. Smile

misscockerspaniel · 14/04/2021 17:41

BasinHaircut What a lovely nose Smile

Alternista · 14/04/2021 17:44

@basinhaircut it’s gorgeous, I’m so pleased for you!

Pipsydodo · 14/04/2021 17:48

Lovely nose @BasinHaircut! Bet you are so pleased. Would never believe you had surgery so recently

BasinHaircut · 14/04/2021 19:54

Ah thanks guys! Blush

I met a friend this afternoon and I hadn’t told them that I was getting it done. They didn’t even notice until I mentioned it.

HamStory · 15/04/2021 00:42

Thanks Miss!

And I agree - great result from the photos - so pleased for you Basin!

MaryDivorce · 15/04/2021 07:14

So happy I stumbled across this thread. I’ve been seriously thinking about having this done (along with my eye bags) for some time.
My problem is that I don’t want anyone to know at all so how would you all suggest I go about it? If I book 2 weeks off work can I just stay in the house for 2 weeks to recover? I’d be really interested if anyone could share their stories.
I’m in the north west and wondered if anyone has had surgery here and could recommend a surgeon.

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 07:41

Hi @MaryDivorce. As long as you stay overnight after your op I think you could just hide out at home for 2 weeks and not tell anyone. You would have to check with them regarding going home - I.e. do you need to be picked up or can you go home in a taxi - if there isn’t one person you would feel comfortable telling who could collect you.

I’m in Essex so can’t recommend a surgeon, but you can look on ‘real self’ website or the bupa website might be a good place to start.

I’d say choose someone that specialises in facial plastic surgery and ensure they are registered with all of the appropriate boards etc, and accept you might need more than one consultation (that you will probably have to pay for) to find a surgeon that you want to do it.

Best of luck!

MaryDivorce · 15/04/2021 08:12

Thanks @BasinHaircut. I’d tell my sister who could collect me and then I could hide at home.

In terms of bruising and swelling etc would I be able to hide this on teams calls during week 2? I don’t have to go in the office so could maybe just get away with a week off.

Thanks for the website suggestions I’ll do some research xx

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 08:39

@MaryDivorce in week 2 my nose was taped which obviously you can’t really hide!

Also, whilst I’m willing to accept I might be a bit of a snowflake, I was still quite tired in week 2. I could have worked but to be honest, I think maybe partially to do with the sleeping sort of sitting up and not feeling fully rested, I still wasn’t good for much in week 2 and was thankful that I could just rest.

Pipsydodo · 15/04/2021 08:59

Those of you who have had rhinoplasty, can you give me a bit of insight into the timescale of visits back to the surgeon/nurse after surgery? As in returning for packs out/stitches removed/splint off etc.
I'm thinking ahead to when I'd want this done and assuming I won't be able to drive for the first week or so? My husband works away sometimes so I'm trying to work out when he'd be around to take me to and from the hospital and how many trips back and forth are required. Thanks!

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 09:36

@Pipsydodo did you have your consultations yesterday?

For me it was back after 1 week for splint off and stitches out. Then I’m back again 3 weeks post-op this Saturday for a check up which I’ll be perfectly ok to drive myself to.

I have another date pencilled in for 6 weeks post-op but she said last time we will decide this time whether that’s needed or not but again I’ll be fine driving then.

I personally felt ok to drive about 8-9 days post-op but wouldn’t have driven to that 1 week appointment. Although I’m sure it would have been fine.

Pipsydodo · 15/04/2021 10:42

@BasinHaircut thanks for the info. I guess some of it varies surgeon to surgeon - I spoke with someone who said they had to return the following day to have packs removed, and the surgeon I saw yesterday said he puts drains in, which are removed 3 days post-op. And I saw someone on Instagram who said they were told not to drive for 4 weeks!

Yes, I had one face to face and one zoom consultation yesterday. Really liked both! I'll be seeing the zoom one for a face to face next week so I'll feel more able to make a comparison.

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 13:40

I stayed overnight so the packs were removed before I went home. I’ve not heard of drains though!

Original poster
sah168 · 15/04/2021 15:22

Just catching up and @BasinHaircut you nose looks amazing, especially at such an early stage! You must be so happy with it?

When it comes to the taping the week after you have the splint off, did you have to re-tape it yourself throughout the week or did your surgeon just tape it and you kept that same bit on for the week? I've seen vlogs where people seem to re-tape it each day.

I think not being able to wash my nose by week two is really going to get to me!

OP posts:
RaeCJ82 · 15/04/2021 15:41

My surgeon has said that anything used to pack up my nose will be dissolvable and to use saline spray up there.

ABitOfAShitShow · 15/04/2021 15:54

Hey @Pipsydodo I have no packs or drains. It’ll be 8 days between surgery and cast off. The consultant rang me the morning after surgery and his nurse has called to check on me a couple of times. Any issues with driving - for me - would just be because my sleep is extra terrible. I feel surprisingly good. Yesterday was definitely the worst (but I was really stressed about needing to quickly find a place to live and then I just started feeling sorry for myself - ha!): Smile

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 17:42

No it was taped by the surgeon and I left it for a week. It was so greasy by the end of the week it practically slid off my face! She said I could have left it on til I went back but it was gross by that point. She did tell me to continue not to wash my face until my check this Saturday. I’ve just been using a very mild cleanser and cotton wool and I’m desperate to scrub it (but won’t) as predictably there is loads of dead peeling skin on my nose.

@ABitOfAShitShow are you getting any sleep at all?

BasinHaircut · 15/04/2021 17:49

@RaeCJ82 the packing that I had would have taken years to dissolve so that’s interesting.

I was told not to do anything to it except lightly wipe the tip if necessary for the first week but since then I have been using a saline mist spray once or twice a day to loosen everything up and try to breathe it out as you can’t properly blow your nose. Cotton buds also very useful as you can’t wipe your nose with tissue effectively so you have to sort of scoop any snot and stuff out (very gently).

ABitOfAShitShow · 15/04/2021 17:51

@BasinHaircut A teeny bit (with pills) but it’s a bit of a nightmare. I’m also only marginally propping myself up (with a reflux bed wedge and pillow) as I won’t sleep at all if I’m upright.

Hope I’m not taped all of next week as I have a hair appointment that is quite critical at this point! I’m using a cleanser and cotton wool too. My skin is too dry to fully leave it alone for weeks.

My cast is getting irritating now. I’d love to take it off and give my nose a good blow. I’m sure it would sting a bit though. Grin