DM, 27M, Half Twin, Teacher, 2015. Ireland, IE

I had broken my nose twice in the past due to sport related injuries and it was never dealt with properly. As result the nasal bone, upper lateral cartilage and septum were badly affected in turn forced the lobulus area of my nose to drop. It looked pretty bad in otherwords. One day I went on-line and started to look up nose reshaping where I was first introduced to the word Rhinoplasty. I then took my time to read up everything there was to know on Rhinoplasty. After spending quite some time researching on-line, a certain surgeon and clinic stood out in particular. This was Mr Munish Shandilya who was working at Whitfield Clinic in Waterford.Here I then slowly gathered up the confidence to contact and enquire about the surgery. What hit me the most when I rang up was the sense of relaxation in discussing Rhinoplasty with the receptionist. Here she kindly outlined to me the specific procedure in carrying out this particular surgery. As I was so adamant in getting this done I quickly gave all my details and hoped for the best. To my delight my first consultation with Mr Shandilya was arranged. I was so impressed with the immediate response via emails and professionalism amongst all staff before I even arrived, it automatically made me feel so reassured and relaxed in my decision. Next I then met Mr Munish Shandilya my surgeon. Never ever have I met a man before who was so caring, intelligent, understanding, reassuring and devoted to his patients. He created such a relaxing atmosphere during every consultation that I had, it felt as if I was talking to a really good friend. We discussed everything and anything about the surgery. He made everything so easy and clear to understand. Using morphing software he was able give me a realistic indication through the subtlest of changes what my nose may look like. It was unbelievable!! This really helped me to see what could be done before any surgery whatsoever had begun.Sitting on my seat at that moment in time, was probably one of the most happiest moments I had ever experienced knowing that I had now found someone who I could trust and rely on that could make my dream a reality. During the lead up to my surgery I always thought of how my twin might feel towards me getting Rhinoplasty. Questions like for instance; does he really need surgery? Is he exaggerating? Will he look different compared to me? What if he does? What will I say? What will he say? Will people notice this? Will we still look like twins? What if we don’t? What will I do? Why does he want to look different to me? All these questions and many more spiralled around in my head. However, deep down I didn't want to hurt my twin, I don’t think I ever could but at the same time I wanted the appearance of my nose to be improved. From my understanding of life and dealing with people in school on a regular basis I have noticed that every person is unique in their own way. Identical twins are not always entirely identical but on the other hand they do depend on one another for guidance, support, help and advice. This lifelong collaborative interaction creates a bond that is stronger than any other friendship “a friend for life”. In some way or another I thought that if my appearance changed, my twin may resent me and in turn interfering with the relationship that we have so delicately woven down through the years. From meeting with Mr Munish Shandilya on numerous of consultations highlighted the noticeable discrepancies in my nose compared to my sibling through use of photographic evidence. Finally I felt renewed and cleansed that what I was doing was the right thing and no longer consciously the wrong thing.At this point my conscious was now more relaxed and to my delight I then highlighted to my twin how our noses were completely different. By comparing photos that I previously sent to Mr Munish Shandilya of me and my twin, my twin quickly understood why I wanted to see the surgery through. This was again another reassuring step for me to know that I was under the best of hands of Mr Munish Shandiya who delicately analysed and compared both our photos in order not segregate our twin identity. Truthfully speaking I thought the surgery would have been worse but in actual fact I found it to be very relaxing. I was induced under local anaesthetic and I was in and out before I knew it. The nurses and staff were so kind and so professional again it made me feel reassured and safe before and after my surgery. The swelling has reduced but I am very very happy with the outcome so far. I am now four weeks post- surgery and I have had one follow up consultations since the surgery. I also have another one coming up in a couple of weeks so I cannot wait to see the difference. Words cannot express how happy and thankful I am to Mr Munich Shandilya and his team for all their expertise,support and help throughout my time spent in Whitfield Clinic. Thank you so much everyone and god bless!! DM