Rhinoplasty: Stories
Write a ReviewHappy but with Caveats (with video) - Seattle, WA
- Angiemcc
- posted 2 years ago
- updated 11 days ago
- Worth It
- Cost: $8,000
- Craig S. Murakami, MD (Seattle, WA)
Several years ago, in my late twenties, I decided...
- 14 Sep 2010
Several years ago, in my late twenties, I decided to get rhinoplasty. I had a huge nose that didn't fit my face at all. As I was having my consultation, I found out that I also had a very deviated septum. A large bone spur was pushing my nose to the left.
The surgery went fine. Recovery sucked. I was very nauseated the first night, but did not throw up, thank God. I had packing, which was removed after a few days (I compare this to how it might feel if someone pulled worms from your brain). I wasn't able to work for a full week. When all was said and done, I was pretty happy with my results. Loved the hump-free, new nose, though I did have a bump near my tip that hadn't been removed.
Fast forward five years. My nostrils had collapsed inward to the point that I had to wear nose strips to breathe at night. I went to see Dr. Murakami in Seattle, who said that too much cartilage had been removed. He suggested moving cartilage from one ear to the worst nostril, so that's what he did. He also removed the bump on the tip of my nose. That recovery was much better and I'm not sure why. He didn't pack my nose, but overall I felt much less tired and sick. That was a few years ago now.
I'm quite happy with my nose, though it's nowhere near perfect. It still lists to one side and probably always will. It has a great line, though. My right nostril has since collapsed inward a fair amount. Side that was fixed is still good. I'm not planning on seeking out another revision, so this is it. I hated my original nose so much that, even with all I've been through, my rhinoplasty was still very much worth it to me.
My Doctor: Craig S. Murakami, MD
My rating:
He was professional, friendly, smart, and clearly knew what he was doing. He did not at all try to sell me, but at first ordered me a sinus CAT scan to make sure that wasn't the issue with my breathing. It wasn't and we proceeded with the surgery. I felt like I was in great hands.
And after watching your video I am thinking of going to your doctor in Seattle.
but I am worried of grafted cartilage from reabsorbing or collapsing؛(
You're such a sweet, sweet person!
Don't ever let anyone tell you different. :)
No I haven't, though I'm often tempted. :0)
Hi Bree,
You're about to go for it! Very exciting!
As far as your questions go, though I've had rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and am a community manager here, I'm afraid I don't have good answers for your questions. I do believe years of experience is important, but everyone is different. Maybe you've discovered a real talent who has honed his or her craft already.
And yes, I would go with someone certified by the ASPS. In fact, go to a rhinoplasty specialist, not just someone who does a few nose jobs. You'll want to see the doctor's before and after pictures, which should give you a good idea of their work.
An ENT with a real flair for cosmetic aesthetics might be fine. I ended up with an ENT/Plastic surgeon and thought he did a nice job.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much for sharing. I'm just starting to research and look into a rhinoplasty and also have a deviated septum and nose that is just too large for my face. I've gone to two consultations so far. I did like that one of the doctors told me they try to take less of the cartilage away so that your nose keeps structure and function. I assume that is the best.
I have a couple of questions:
Do you think that years of experience is really important? I am looking into some that have been practicing for 6 years.
Also, if they specialize in facial plastic surgery do they still need to be certified by the ABPS? I see that some I like so far are certified by many other boards and also ENT docs.
Any other suggestions? Thank you so much for your input!
thank you
And my top lip is too stiff and long, did you have the same problem??!!
Thanks for reading my comment I don't know who to talk to my doctor is 20 hour flight from home and my husband think I am a bit looney cause I talk about my nose all day. I am depressed and frustrated I don't know what to do. Please be honest with me and tell me would my nose get a lot smaller.
HI there,
I do think most of the swelling is supposed to be gone by then, but doctors say to wait 6 months to a year to see your final results, so maybe it's not gone at all.
I didn't have the issue with a stiff lip, but I definitely did have a hard nose tip, congestion and a nasally voice for a while.
Can you place a call or email to your doctor and ask about your fears?
i was wondering when does the nose not look big and swollen in pictures. does it take a full 6 months for the nose to look decent in pictures??. mine looks really big and im 6 weeks post op now :)
Most doctors say to give it six months to a year before the swelling fully subsides. A long time, I know.
It is hard. I do feel like I sacrificed some function for form. I also wonder if I could've kept my function if I'd chosen a better surgeon the first time around (didn't do much research at all) or if my nose is just a difficult case. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.
Hi Martino,
Thank you for your kind words.
I would suggest staying as close to home as possible. This is to ensure good aftercare. If you travel somewhere far from where you live and then have issues, it is much, much harder to get those issues taken care of.
Please let us know what you decide to do!
look at me! I look like a shrek,,,,:-)))
anyway, i can see u r a moderator, and I need help! I need to fix my nose asap, as that is why I am not dating and I am getting old....I am willing travel worldwide, but dont wanna pay fortune, unless the result is assured.
What do you think about Europe? Any specific destination or specific surgeon?
What about Thailand? Iran? Brasil? I have heard they are better and cheaper than anywhere else.
Please, let me know ur opinon.
Thanks
Martino