Cast OFF!!!! - Orange County, CA

So I have been reading these reviews for months now and have finally decided to make one of my own! I have always wanted to change my nose ever since i was around 12 when someone made fun of me in Middle School! I didn't even really think about my nose until then and it's been on my mind ever since. I am always so self conscious in pictures at certain angles especially the side view. I have no pictures of myself from the side on my facebook and if anyone ever posts one of me I immediately un-tag myself or delete it. I finally began doing some research on the internet around November 2012 and began looking into doctors in the Orange County/Los Angeles area. I am extremely picky when it comes to my face! who isn't? I cry every time I get a haircut... don't judge me! Anyways, I told my parents, sister, and my boyfriend that I wanted to look into having rhinoplasty and surprisingly they were all very encouraging. My nose is quite large and I have a large bump on the side. I also have a bulbus tip and large nostrils. Sometimes I feel like I have trouble breathing as well. So, about a week ago I made the hour and a half drive up to Beverly Hills for a free consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. I was very excited and nervous during my consultation. The doctor and all his staff were very nice and friendly. We went over how it would look and what would be best for me. He recommended I do open rhinoplasty. Which is where they do incisions inside and outside of the nose. We had plans to fix my bump, slightly re-adjust the tip for more definition, and to bring down my nostrils. I was very excited and happy with what he had told me. Although it wasn't completely set in stone for me. However, a big factor too, is that I will be paying for this procedure by myself so cost is a big factor. (I'm not expecting it to be cheap) just reasonable enough! I'm a college student, cut me some slack.. Anyways the doctor told me it was going to be $7,500 and my heart was broken! I was expecting like 4-5500 tops! Mainly because its a minor procedure and I haven't had any surgeries or breaks/fractures. I know everyone is different as well. So, I decided to wait and get a second opinion. I now have another consultation in about a week with a facial plastic surgeon much closer to my house. I am skeptical and optimistic at this point. I haven't told any of my friend or co-workers so I want to remain semi anonymous for now. Any tips, suggestions, or encouragement would be awesome!! :)

So I went and got a second opinion and found a doctor closer to home. I actually found him on RealSelf! Imagine that.. My doctor of choice is Dr. Elam of Newport Beach. He is much closer to home and has 30+ years of experience. I felt really comfortable with him and his staff. The price was right and he was very confident that he was going to make me happy. He seems extremely skilled at what he does and I decided to go for it! My surgery date is set for March 19th. I now wish it was sooner so I could get it over with and stop thinking about it!!! I'm thinking about posting me doctors before and after pictures as well :)

I updated a front picture of the doctors before and after