Rhinoplasty: Stories

I broke my nose at 14- I needed immediate surgery to realign my nose and sinus cavity. The plastic and reconstructive surgeon told me that it wasn't going to look pretty- I would likely have a hump on my nose and that I would need a second surgery once my nose had healed to correct the cosmetic and breathing aspects. At 16, I went ahead with an open rhinoplasty and I'm so happy I did. First of all, my nose was a MESS for the two years I waited for the second surgery. I didn't even look like myself prior to the accident- it was really depressing, especially since I had just started high school. Ugh.

My surgery was much more intense than others who just go for purely cosmetic reasons since there were elements of reconstruction that were necessary. I think my surgery took a total of 4 hours and I wound up having to stay the night in the hospital. My eyes were swollen shut for about 3 days and I was completely bruised under both eyes for about a week. Despite all this, the outcome is fantastic. I can actually breathe through my nose and I look how I'm supposed to. It helped to restore my confidence and I honestly couldn't be happier. It's been about 10 years since I've had the surgery and my results are still fantstic. My nose has changed a little, since it naturally does for the rest of your life anyway, but it still looks great. So happy I went through with it.