“Rhinoplasty in Newport Beach, CA”

I have always disliked my nose. I was often made fun of because of its size and it unfortunately has affected how I view myself. I have a wide nose with a hump and no real definition. I think it's just a blob that takes up way too much of my face.

I scheduled my consultation with Dr. Elam on the 4th of February. The consultation went wonderfully. I was shown what my nose should look like post op and I absolutely love it. My surgery is scheduled for the 14th of this month and I cannot wait! I have wanted this for so long and I am so excited that it will soon be a reality.

Updated on 6 Feb 2012:
Tomorrow I go in for my blood work and to get my medications. AHHH! I'm soo excited. I literally cannot wait for this next week to pass.

Updated on 7 Feb 2012:
Had my last pre op visit today. We went over all of the procedures leading up to and following the surgery. I met the nurse and anesthesiologist who will be taking care of me, they were both very sweet. I got my blood taken (wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be) and picked up all of my meds. Surgery is scheduled for the 14th and I arrive at 6:30 AM (ughhh). :) Let the countdown begin!

Updated on 13 Feb 2012:
Surgery is at 9 AM tomorrow! :D I'm driving up with my two best friends and we're staying the night in a hotel so I can get my packing removed the next day. All of the staff at Dr. Elams office has been so helpful and kind. I am so excited to finally be doing this. I'll be posting lovely pictures of my swollen bruised face ASAP. hahaha

Updated on 14 Feb 2012:
Got out of surgery a few hours ago. Now I'm just relaxing in the hotel room. My nose is bleeding a lot so I have to keep switching out the drip pads. I have very minimal discomfort. The most annoying this definitely the packing in my nose, but that'll be out tomorrow morning. I remember nothing about the surgery (obviously) but the nurse said everything went very well. Everyone was so kind and helpful. It has been an amazing experience so far. Now I just cant wait to get the splint off!

Updated on 15 Feb 2012:
Packing taken out this morning. I can sort of breath out of my nose haha. I've got a pretty good shiner under my right eye but besides that all is well. Just a slight headache sometimes. Last night I had some trouble sleeping, but apparently that is normal. About to have a nap but I'll update later. :)

Updated on 17 Feb 2012:
Recovery so far has been a breeze. I'm way too stir crazy to stay at home, so I've been going out to lunch with friends and seeing movies etc. Minus the black eye and swelling on my face everything is awesome. I'm really liking the shape my nose has taken so far. Sleeping at night is a little uncomfortable, but it's not unbearable. Only 4 more days until my splint is off. WOOOHOOO!

Updated on 20 Feb 2012:
Cast comes off tomorrow. I have a few concerns though:
Is it going to hurt to get the stiches out?
Am I going to hate my nose at first because of the swelling?
Also, my nostrils and swelling are very asymmetrical right now. The right side of my face (where I have the big black eye) has a lot more swelling and my nostril on that side is shaped differently right now. I'm sure it'll go away, but I hate that I'm probably going to be disappointed initially.

Updated on 20 Feb 2012:
Uploaded a picture to show the asymmetry and swelling.

Updated on 22 Feb 2012:
Got my cast off yesterday. :) Everything is amazing. Dr. Elam says I still have a lot of swelling in my tip, but even with the swelling I am beyond happy with the results. The first day was kind of weird and my nose took some getting used to, but I'm loving it now. I of course am picking out all the tiny imperfections with it, but they are more than likely because of swelling and even with them I love it.

Updated on 22 Feb 2012:
One thing I'm experiencing that I want to ask you ladies about, my upper lip/front teeth have been slightly numb since surgery. I literally can't smile with out looking like the Grinch because my upper lip won't move properly...haha how long do you think it'll take for that to subside?