This is really happening! - Walnut Creek, CA

For over 15 years I have been thinking to to myself, what does my REAL nose look like under this big thing on my face? Not that I hate myself for having this nose, nor do I blame my father for passing it down to me. I actually like how I look and have a very blessed life. I'm sure many of you can relate, my nose just does not feel like it belongs on my face.

To make matters worse, at age 16 I was hit directly in the center of my nose with an elbow while playing soccer. I could feel my nose moving back and forth but did not, for some unknown reason, feel the need to seek medical attention at the time.

I thought about surgery in the past but assumed it would never be a reality for me. I'm a Northern California girl, I grew up with the Idea that plastic surgery was an "LA" thing to do; however, I don't remember anyone specifically telling me this. A few years ago I watched the entire series of Nip/Tuck, which is entertaining but so very far from reality, and I do not recommend anyone watch if planning to have surgery.

This year something clicked. I'm at a really good place in my life and career and I know that surgery will not make my nose perfect and that is ok. I'm not looking for perfection just an improvement. I decided that I was going to do this because it did not matter what anyone said or thought about my decision. I knew that my family and friends would support my decision.

After doing my research, I found a doctor in the SF area and contacted his office. The patient coordinator was amazing. She called me back and shared her personal experience with rhinoplasty.

I had my consultation on May 31st. I knew when I walked into the doctor's office that I was on the right track. It was just a consult to obtain as much info as possible. He examined my nose on the inside as well and it turns out that I have a deviated septum and something else which requires a turbinectomy. I told him that I do not like the bulbous tip, and I swear it has gotten bigger in the last few years. He assured me that I was not imagining things, cartilage actually continues to grow as we age. If I don't like my nose now, by the time I'm 50 I really won't like it!

I went home that afternoon and played out every scenario in my mind, of what it would be like to have a surgery, how I would look after surgery, how I would feel, what if there were complications, how was I going to pay...and the list goes on.

When I look back at my life over the years, while I know this is an insecurity, I have actually faulted my nose as the root of any missed opportunities. I am tried of letting my negative thoughts dictate my day to day decisions so I'm going to do something about it.

I have scheduled Septorhinoplasty and Turbinectomy for August 3, 2012 and I am very anxious and excited about it. I'm a hesitant about posting too many pictures. I will probably add a few more, just not sure yet.

I have made arrangement at work for the time off and now I just need to enjoy the last month or so with this long time frenemy - my nose.

- Hanna