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POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS

Septoplasty/rhinoplasty, 2 weeks post-surgery - Calgary, AB

ORIGINAL POST

A common theme for those that are considering/have...

Calgary_gal
WORTH IT$8,000

A common theme for those that are considering/have had rhinoplasty is having thought about it for a very long time. It has been over 10 years for me at least. Aesthetically, my nose is noticeably crooked (from the front view), and has a fairly large bump on it. I've never been comfortable having photos taken, even on my wedding day (thanks to a great photographer, those turned out well, lol). The septum (inside my nose) is twisted so far that it is blocking a good portion of one side.
That is all going to change next month. I definitely feel a little nervous, but I would say that I am much more excited about the final result than anything else. I'm also really thankful that I found this site, with so many amazing people on it who've shared their experiences and stories. It has prepared me for what to expect leading up to the surgery and afterwards. THANK YOU!

Calgary_gal's provider

Kristina Zakhary, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Kristina Zakhary, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 363 Reviews
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Replies (1)

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March 20, 2013

And thank YOU for paying it forward and starting your story. I've never for a second regretted my decision to get a rhinoplasty and I truly hope this is smooth sailing for you and that you're so glad you did this, too.

Please do keep us posted!

UPDATED FROM Calgary_gal
9 days pre

Well, just over a week until my surgery, so I...

Calgary_gal
Well, just over a week until my surgery, so I thought I would post a couple of before pictures so that if there are other people with a similar nose, then you can get an idea of what is possible (post-surgery). Will post a list of my "must have" post-surgery supplies shortly. Happy Easter to everyone!

Replies (6)

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April 1, 2013
GOod luck with everything! You came to a great place for support and any advice that you may be looking for.
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April 2, 2013
Wishing you good luck with everything. Hope all goes well. Looking forward to reading your updates.
April 5, 2013
Thanks so much!
April 4, 2013
Good luck, everything will go great!! I have a consultation with Dr. Zakhary this month, so i am very excited. Keep us updated!
April 5, 2013
Thank you Lynn, will do! I had a consultation with Dr. Zakhary a few years ago before going back to her and going ahead with the surgery. She is the only plastic surgeon in Calgary who specializes in facial plastic surgery, so that is who I wanted to trust with my nose (and face). Good luck with your consultation later this month. If you have photos of what you'd like, that will definitely help in the communication process with Dr. Z, she is really good.
April 5, 2013
OK thanks, i never thought about bringing pictures. That's a good idea!
UPDATED FROM Calgary_gal
5 days pre

Thought I would upload a pic of my post surgery...

Calgary_gal
Thought I would upload a pic of my post surgery supplies. They are:
-Lip balms
-Gravol (generic, 50 mg Dimenhydrinate tablets)
-Dry shampoo (as I understand washing your hair with water isn't recommended for several days after surgery)
-Flexible straws
-Cotton swabs
-Hydrogen peroxide
-Polysporin ointment (or generic antiseptic/antibacterial ointment)
-Saline solution sinus rinse (I like the NeilMed sinus rinse, reusable bottles and salt packets included. Don't use tap water! You'll need to boil water and let it cool for use with this rinse. It works great when you have a sinus cold too, double packs are available at Costco.)
-Arnica gel for topical application on bruised areas (Traumeel gel bought at the health food store)
-Prescriptions
-Paper tape (my surgeon had me commit to wearing paper tape on my nose every single night for a year to help with the healing process, lol, I'm going to need a lot more than one roll!)
-Facial wipes (I understand from reading other's experiences that the face can get really greasy and acne can come on easily after surgery)
-Bottle of witch hazel (a natural astringent for the facial skin)
-Cotton balls
-Benadryl (or generic, 50mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride)
-Gauze pads to be used as drip pads after surgery

***Disclaimer: The medications/supplements were prescribed for me. Always follow the directions provided to you by your surgeon or doctor for post-recovery medications, supplements, and procedures. Everyone is different.

Replies (11)

April 5, 2013
Good luck, darling! :) Great list of supplies! I would add q-tips, the "moustache" that you will need to change quite often (my nose was dripping till day 6 and I used the nonwoven swabs + gentle tape). I would also suggest a lot of fruits and vegetables, lots of water. Drinking power smoothies and a healthy diet helped with my recovery a lot. Sugary and salty food should be avoided.. You will do so great!
April 5, 2013
ah, sorry, I think you already mentioned some of the things :D
April 5, 2013
Thank you Miss New Nose! Smoothies are a favourite, and those will probably go down easier than solid foods right after surgery and the first couple of days after. I'll be doing a shopping trip this weekend to get the fruits and veggies. Thanks again!
April 5, 2013
my doc and alot of others also sugggested drinking alot of pineapple juice! good luck you'll be feeling fine after 2 weks :)
April 5, 2013
Thank you for your well wishes, and for that tip. I love pineapple juice, it'll be like I'm on a tropical vacation lol!
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April 10, 2013
I hope your surgery went well!
April 13, 2013
Thanks Country Girl, I love your recovery room photo with the thumbs up, you look great! Hope you are doing well post-surgery, and looking forward to seeing your updates.
April 12, 2013
How are you feeling? I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Zakhary on the 3rd of April. I have not seen a post by you post surgery, I hope you are recovering well.
April 13, 2013
Thanks for your well wishes, I have been having a tough time so far. Dr. Zakhary and the team that worked on me were amazing, I'm very thankful for the care that I received. The surgery took longer than anticipated and unfortunately I bled a lot, which all went into my stomach. I had a bad reaction to the anaesthetic, so coming out of it was horrible, my husband and mother-in-law weren't allowed to come in to recovery because I'm sure it just looked like a horror show. There will be no photo of me in the recovery room with a thumbs up :) lol I've been very weak and my throat is so sore from the breathing tube being in there that there isn't very much I can eat (which is contributing to the feeling of weakness I'm sure.) I tried taking the Tylenol 3, but fainted after taking just half of one (I think I succeeded in scaring the heck out of my very sweet mother in law), so I have been taking 8 extra strength tylenols each day, but that doesn't allow my throat enough rest. I'm sure that it's all just a matter of time, but I'm not used to feeling this bad. How are you doing? Have you had your cast removed? How is your recovery going?
April 13, 2013
I am sorry that you had a difficult time. I found it difficult too. I find the breathing through my mouth the most difficult and the constant feeling of nausea. I got my cast off and stitches out on Wednesday and that felt great. I see her again on Tuesday. Only one of my nostrils is partly clear, but each day it gets a little better. I am very pleased with the results but there is still a lot of swelling. We are through the worst of it now. I am very pleased with Dr. Zakhary, she is so supportive. Keep your chin up, and keep thinking about the end result. Take care! Anne (from Cochrane)
April 16, 2013
Hi Anne, Just wanted to let you know that I got my cast off today and am feeling so much better. Thanks for your encouragement. I am absolutely loving my result, and I know that it is still incredibly swollen so will only get better from here. Dr. Zakhary is amazing, so glad to have made the right decision in selecting her. The mouth breathing continues for now, but my throat is feeling much better, and I am starting to get a little bit of clearing in one nostril, so that is encouraging too. Hope you are doing great! Carolyn :)