Rhino-septo-turb reduction - 8 Months Post Op (love it!) - Melbourne, AU

Hi. I'm plucking up the courage to start my journey here. Finding this site has been such an encouragement and has provided me with a wealth of information & support.

The first time I noticed a change in my nose was when I looked at my Year 6 school portrait; the tip seemed to be pointing slightly to the left and lengthening. Through my teens I was aware my nose was not my best feature but photos were never taken side on and usually taken at a distance. The first time I saw my profile in a picture was at 22 and I was horrified to see a huge, pointed nose with a hump....when did that happen?!! At that time I would have loved a nose job, but had no idea how to go about it and soon got caught up in working, getting married, having kids etc etc. Over the years I've learned ways to cope with my twisted nose (that looks different from every angle): I purposely place myself on the left of people in photos and turn slightly side on to minimise it and avoid the pointed humpy look; I turn my body to speak to people and avoid having a person engage in conversation from one side; I use makeup to play up my eyes; I always were a fringe (bangs) and would dream of having my hair pulled back off my face. Ah the things we do! Funny it's just become part of what I do and I hadn't questioned it until reading others peoples stories.

A few weeks ago I visited the doctor as I had become aware of a lump in my nose and was concerned it was cancer. I was so embarrassed presenting with it and drawing attention to my nose, and felt ashamed. My doctor commented on how crooked my nose is and if it had become worse with the lump.....I didn't think so. She was to refer me to an ENT when it dawned on her that I could actually see a plastic surgeon and maybe have my nose fixed at the same time. It took me totally by surprise that I could still have my nose corrected in my 40's. I went along to see the plastic surgeon and he suggested septoplasty and open rhinoplasty to correct the bulbous tip. Part of the procedure would be covered my Medicare due to breathing difficulties. Wow, my head was spinning with excitement. Since then I've been combing the internet obtaining as much information as I can and reading through the reviews on the site. The surgery will cost in total $6600 which the hospital and $2800 being covered my health insurance & Medicare. I need to save the balance and hope to have the surgery carried out late January. I a little scared of the recovery and adjusting to a new nose, but still very excited.

Also, I think as I'm getting older my nose appears larger because my face has become thinner. I would love to be able to spend my next 44 years with a nose that matches my face. It's not likely I'll have much to say until later in the year, but thanks for reading my story so far......it will help me keep moving forward. Bless you all.

I have been feeling a bit down & in limbo, & have felt that the opportunity may pass and I wouldn't end up having it done. Anyway, it now looks like it could be back on again so I'm hopeful once again. I have been placed on two lists with my PS with a date to be confirmed. Both dates will work well because my kids will be on school holidays.

I have also experienced feelings of being ridiculous wanting this at my stage of life, and also for not being satisfied with the nose I have when there are so many others with real disabilities. However, when I remember that I do have real breathing issues, a lump that still needs removing (& testing) & look at the photo looking up at my nostrils, it reminds me that it's not just for vanities sake that I am doing it. Bring it on I say!! Let the count down begin. :)

Today I received all of the documentation from my plastic surgeon and the hospital where the procedure will be carried out. It is looking very official now. My next appointments with my plastic surgeon will be on 6th December (with his nurse), then himself on the 10th. I believe I am to have a MRI done at some stage too.

I applied to take leave in January for a week (hope that will be enough because it's all I can take), but my employer is yet to approve it as he has been working away a lot recently. I really need to get that and the money sorted, then I can complete the paperwork and start making plans. With Christmas and New Year in the middle, I'm sure it will be here in no time at all. I do have a slight hassle, even though my kids are on holidays during that time (no school runs), my husband it to return to work after a two week break. He is fairly new to the company and feels uncomfortable asking for a couple of days off. Hopefully he'll address it soon. All I need is for him to drop me off to the hospital then pick me up and take me home the next day....not a big ask.

I have told a couple of friends that I plan on getting my nose fixed up (straightened I've told them), but I am yet to tell my parents. I'm going to underplay the rhinoplasty part and concentrate more of the lump that needs to be removed and the septoplasty for breathing purposes. My parents are likely to feel hurt, as if they have passed on some feature that I don't like....actually my nose looks nothing like theirs or any of my brothers. The plastic surgeon said the septum was probably damaged during my birth (I won't tell Mum that either!!).