Revision Rhinoplasty & Upper Blepharopasty - Yup! I Did It Again!

After more than 10+ years, I forgot the craziness n the strenuous recovery fr my 1st rhinoplasty, I decided to hv a revision rhinoplasty, n of course, I doubled down with an upper eyelid surgery as well! Researched n looked at quite a few doctors. Finally decided on Dr Donald Yoo (DonYooMD) in Beverly Hills, CA. Looked at his Instagram n Tiktok, both had impressive photos, videos. His reviews in Realself were pretty good too. Hence, made an appointment for a consult n flew in to LA to meet Dr Yoo. Ofc was nice n his staff were friendly. Funny thing, when I was looking for the ofc the 1st time, I did not know that it was shared with another plastic surgeon, Dr Gabriel Chiu, n walked past it a few times! Silly me! During my consult, Dr Yoo was v detailed by showing me photos n possible outcomes fr the procedure (both nose n eyes). Was pleased with it n hence, made my booking for surgery on 11/18/22. As I had fillers in my nose previously, made an appointment 2 wks prior to surgery date to hv Dr Yoo remove it. Afterwhich, a week later, flew bk to LA to have photos retaken n for Dr Yoo to redo the photos for a more realistic outcome fr the procedure. Was recommended by the office to stay at the Sixty Hotel which was walking distance to d office during my short visits. Then came all d multiple tests I had to do before the surgery (for patients 50+). I appreciate how careful d office was with regards to this although it was a hassle doing it within the timeline. However, what I do not appreciate are the conflicting answers I get when I have questions. Eg. when to take the covid PCR test. Was asked to do the test 5 days prior int he instructions, but then had text msges asking me for my results 1 wk before, and when I called, the ofc was asking me to hv my results ready on 11/07? Another eg, was asked to get prescription fr my Primary dr for Mupirocin ointment and Aprepitant which I did. Then a wk or so prior, received a text msg that a prescription was placed by Dr Yoo for these items to be collected at Walgreens?? Anyways, d day approached for us to drive to LA. Booked a 2 bedroom at d Beverly Wilshire (Xmas decor n all) which was the BEST decision we made. Made recovery and LA so much easier n more beautiful overall. Night before surgery, received a call fr Dr Simon Baker, the Anesthesiologist, who went thru his background n what to expect before n after surgery. Surgery day came bright n early, n I checked in at 6am at Camden Surgery Centre. The place was clean n comfortable, n the nurse was nice. Got changed n was ready to go. Dr Simon Baker came n briefed me again on what to expect before and after, what he was doing, what I should do and not do after surgery, and honestly, he was great! (Even texted me d next day to check how I was doing! Would have been nice to receive a call/text from Dr Yoo letting me know how the surgery went overall.) Then Dr Yoo came n did some markings on my face. Asked if I had any question, n honestly, at this point, I hv already decided to trust him with this n let’s just do this! After surgery, OMG! All drowsy cos of d drugs, but overall, looked like a train wreck, BUT no pain. Loved d fact d office went thru n provided all medications n instructions prior so did not hv to “guess” what to do. Had meds for pain n everything n I am v lucky to hv my hubby follow the instructions religiously. Had to sleep almost upright n d rib area was pretty achy. Didn’t feel much from the scalp. After surgery wk 1 visit with Haley (Med PA), had stitches from eyelids n nose, splint from nose, staples on my head removed. Dreaded hvg the staples removed but turned out to be not that bad. The most painful ones were d stitches removed fr my eyelids. After splint removal, nose was taped back to hold it in place until the next visit. During d 2 weeks prior to my next appointment with Dr Yoo, had 2 pimples (mucus) like swell inside my right nostril. During this period I was using aquaphor. Used proactive blemish relief instead n the mucus popped n the swelling went down. However, during my visit, mentioned it to Haley n she said I should hv gone to see my primary care dr to hv it removed and tested. Sigh.. oh well.. thereafter, Dr Yoo came n I told him this as well. He said I should hv called the office. Unfortunately, after my experiences with answers fr the ladies at the office or getting in touch with someone, I dreaded calling. So now… into my full 3rd week after of recovery.. eyes are still swollen (much better than before) and my nostrils look uneven. Do not expect perfection so I’ll just wait and see how it goes as time goes by. The only thing now that I hv to do is tape my nose at night and remove it in the morning. So far, not happening, as my skin is all red, sore and peeling. Called the office, and the advice was to stop and apply a thin layer of aquaphor for now till my skin settles. Thank goodness! Bottomline : To me, Dr Yoo is a gifted and talented surgeon. His ability to transform my nose is pretty amazing (will include photos). I especially love the side profile and honestly, have never had my nose like this (when I used to get nose fillers). I also received botox fr him during my last visit. I’ve taken botox for years since I was 35y in Singapore with Dr Woffles Wu (d Woffles lift using botox was amazing!) but hv to admit, Dr Yoo’s injecting technique was quite painless and had no bruising at all (I took Sinecch prior). In conclusion, I can dare say that this experience is enough and doubt I will ever forget this journey to want to dive in n do this again. Will just have to wait and see whether my nostrils even out more. Overall, it was a good experience. Dr Donald Yoo, Dr Simon Baker, Haley & Vivian (finance) were great and we loved LA. However, if the communication with the office had been easier, more consistent and streamlined, that would have made this a 5 star experience.