Rhinoplasty: Stories

I had rhinoplasty 3 weeks ago. I know it's still early and there is still a lot of swelling. However, the doctor did not listen to what I wanted and gave me the opposite of the nose I desired.

I had a long nose with a slight hump all my life, which is a family trait. I loved my long nose and actually didn't really care about the hump. However, as I grew older I noticed the the bridge of my nose and the hump started to become more wide, bulbous and thick. I looked at my dad (whose nose I do have) and realized that his nose had grown to 3 times it's size (thickness) from his 20's!

I look very young for my age and wanted to make sure I was proactive about keeping my nose on the slimmer side. So I decided to seek out rhinoplasty.

Unfortunately I chose a surgeon based on his personality and his reputation. These are great criteria but are not enough. I did not see enough before and afters and he didn't do adequate digital imaging on me. He was rather computer challenged and had trouble doing it. I also realize now....looking back.....that he was always easily distracted during our consultations. He would often walk out in the middle of the consult.

Well the bottom line is that instead of getting a slimmer nose (along with a reduced alar base).......

He reduced the hump, shortened my nose considerably...so it does not match my face. And didn't reduce the alar base.

Now my nose looks short and flat! And still looks wide! I don't understand how a plastic surgeon wouldn't understand that if you make something shorter, the slimming effects would not be as evident!? Isn't this common sense?

Also, the morning of the surgery, I feel that he didn't even remember what was needed on my nose. He was rushed and running late. I was the middle case so I'm sure he was wanting to get through mine so he could do the last case which was apparently a difficult one.

Now I have lost the ethnic identity in my nose. And I am very upset! My family did not know about my surgery because I thought it would be so minor that they wouldn't notice..or that they would just accept the fact that I look better after the surgery. But now I am anxious about seeing them as they will likely be very upset! I no longer look like my family.

I am planning to have revision rhinoplasty with best surgeon I can find. I've already sought out the 4 different doctors who I will be consulting with between the 9-12 month mark in order to prepare for my revision. I hate that I have to wait at least a year before I can get a revision!!

My biggest regret is that I didn't consult with enough surgeons before going under the knife. There are at least 3 great doctors in NYC that I overlooked during my search. I blame myself for being in a rush to get this done and not doing my homework adequately.

My advice to anyone thinking about rhinoplasty:

1. Take your time to carefully consider what you want to change. Decide on what you LIKE and DON'T LIKE about your nose. You don't want the surgeon to change what you do like.

2. Take your time to consult with every good plastic surgeon you can find. I would say a minimum of 6 consultations should help you choose the right surgeon. Even if they charge a consult fee (which they do in NYC), this is worth it to get the surgery right the first time. Revisions can be 2X as expensive.

3. Make sure the surgeon does digital imaging of you from many different angles. Don't just accept the straight and profile pictures.

4. Your surgeon should explain to you what he plans to do to your nose so that you're on the same page.

I hope this review helps some of you considering this procedure.