“Nervous and Excited - Orange County, CA”

My surgery is scheduled for November 16th, 2011 - exactly six weeks from today. I'm very nervous, but have recently told my family about my decision and they have been overwhelmingly supportive!

My nose is just big. It's got a bulbous tip and it just doesn't fit my face. I'm 28 years old and I feel like my face should be a lot softer.. a lot prettier. My nose throws everything off.

I liked my plastic surgeon, but has has recommended closed rhinoplasty (predicting 1.5 hours in surgery). The more I'm reading on it, I'm starting to get nervous and wondering if this is the right procedure for me (vs. open). Sure, I hear 'closed' is less invasive and you can heal faster, which is great, but I think my biggest fear is to go through all of this, pay all this money, take all of this time off of work.. and not be happy with my results. I've got a call into the office to address some of my questions... But I would to hear from anyone who has had a closed procedure done and their opinion!

Beyond that, I'm afraid of what my co-workers will think. I work for a very conservative school district. That fear is slightly diminishing as I'm reading more and more that usually, people can tell something is different about you, but can't quite put your finger on it.

In the end, I'm anticipating natural results with loads of new confidence! Will post pictures of me now (before) soon!

Updated on 27 Oct 2011:
Surgery is 3 weeks away and I had another consultation last week with my surgeon to help ease my mind and answer loads of new questions I came up with.

Not sure how, but I heard "closed" during my first consult, but I will actually be having open surgery. My doctor showed me my charts and that was the plan all along.. I don't know how 'closed' got stuck in my head. This actually makes me happy... after lots of research and knowing that my tip needs some work, I was glad to hear his reasoning behind the open surgery.

I'm still very nervous. I really hope I'm making the right decision and that I'll be happy with the results. I'm starting to question if I should have consulted with more surgeons, but I think I'm just getting cold feet because I really do like and trust the surgeon I chose.

I'm having a hard time kicking my 3-5 cigarettes a day.. Doc told me to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery.. and here we are, less than 3 weeks away, and I can't seem to kick the horrible habit. I need to get serious.. I don't want anything to delay my healing.

I appreciate this forum and all the support. Next update will probably be after my surgery!

Updated on 31 Oct 2011:
Looking for any input on those who have had surgery and caring for children afterward. I have a son who is almost two and worried about recovery and caring for a energy-filled little boy. Luckily, I will have help for five days - just wondering if the 6th day after surgery would be safe timing to be active with my little one, again. Of course, I know to watch for accidental nose-bops! Doctor said I should be ok to lift him (30 lbs) in and out of the car, etc.. I'm just wondering if anyone has input on what they did in this case? Also, I'm worried about scaring him (by face being bandaged/casted) after surgery... but I can't just lock myself in a room for a week and not see my sweet little boy! Any suggestions? Thanks for all the support and advice!

Updated on 28 Nov 2011:
It's been 12 days since my surgery. I think I had high expectations when it came to healing and results.. I can't say I'm disappointed... but I am reserved, at this point, with my final opinion about the entire surgery.

Surgery... Went great. Only odd thing is I woke up from surgery crying and thrashing about - but was calmed quickly. I think I just had a funny reaction to being put under. I woke up from surgery VERY bruised and battered - my husband and grandmother both had a hard time looking at me!

Recovery - Went fine. Third day was the worst - I felt like I had the flu. Bruising and swelling was horrific, but my pain level was never too bad at all. I have pictures, but am afraid to post them - they are stomach turning. As the days went on, my swelling moved down from under my eyes, down my cheeks, to under my jawline! My jawline is still yellow from healing bruises.

I had my cast removed on Day 6 - and the doctor immediately taped my nose before I could see it unmasked. He told me to keep tape on it for an additional 3 days - and said that my bruising/swelling was about at a level six from a 1-10 scale. When I un-taped it 3 days later, I really didn't see much of a difference.

Today is Day 12 and I have returned to work - NO ONE at work knew about the surgery - and I wasn't expecting to still have two black eyes at Day 12 - so I've told everyone that I had nasal surgery/deviated septum (a lie) just to explain the bruising. At Day 12, I'm starting to see tiny differences (a more narrow bridge, mostly). My tip is still numb, and bulbous looking - I'm really hoping that changes with time. Like I said, my nose hasn't change much at all - no one at work has noticed anything but my black eyes. I have a follow-up doctor appointment tomorrow, and am curious to see what he thinks. From what I've read, two weeks into recovery is too soon to judge your results - but so many seem so happy by this time - at least they're SEEING results by this time. I'll attach some pictures I took today (pink tank top). I have some better before pictures, I'll just need to upload them from my camera.

The best thing, so far, is that I've quit smoking! Totally, and fully! I don't even crave it anymore. So yay me :)

Updated on 29 Nov 2011:
Saw my doctor today - two week follow-up after my surgery. Doc admits my bruising and swelling is quite bad, but I'm doing all the right things to help it along. He expects the swelling on the tip of my nose will go down about 40% - I would be happy if this were to be the case! He suggests that I wear tape on my nose at night, and around the house if I can. I will do so. He also has advised me to put pressure on my nose, from the bridge all the way to the tip, in small increments of time with a pinching sort of style. (Imagine someone stressed out, elbow on table, leaning their head on their hand with their thumb and forefinger on each side of the nose - that's the best way I can describe it!) He suggests I do this just about anytime I think about it. Even on the bulbous tip area. Has anyone else's surgeon mentioned this? He says it will help the swelling go down and also help push bones in place.

Doc says a lot will change in the next month, and had me schedule another appointment as a 3-month follow-up. I guess now I just follow his instructions and enjoy the changes as they come! Will update pics in a week or two :)

Updated on 6 Dec 2011:
Day 17 - Adding a picture (holding my son - titled Day 17). My husband snapped this photo at a birthday party and I was shocked that I didn't HATE my profile! My nose/profile isn't quite where I want it to be just yet, but I am seeing progress! Yay! Still dealing with swelling and soreness, and still have bruising under my eyes, but each day is better and better.