It all started when I was in middle school. This boy I really had a crush on told me that my nose looked like a ski slope. I never really cared to study my side profile much but since that comment was made about me, I haven't been able to stop. I've always been told, "you shouldn't take what people say to heart," but in this case it was hard not to. I started noticing more and more that my nose just wasn't a nose that fit my face all that well. It's rather large, bumpy, and hooked. On top of that, I recently found out that I also have a deviated septum. My septum curves to the left about 80% is what my doctor said, which makes breathing fairly difficult. With my upcoming surgery I will be able to get that corrected for better breathing, and get my nose to better fit my face. My rhinoplasty/septoplasty is scheduled for 6 days from now; January 23rd.
I live in Grand Junction, Colorado and have decided to get my procedure done here in my hometown by Dr. Duane Hartshorn. I met with him a few months ago, and he seems to have the same vision for my nose as I do which is most important. With my surgery coming up in less than 6 days it's all starting to become so real. I'm am beyond excited to get this done with but I am also becoming more and more nervous.
I would like to know if anybody has any suggestions? Any advice on how to prepare for this type of surgery? After surgery care/advice? I appreciate anything and everything anybody has to say :) thanks for reading!
Updated on 30 Jan 2017:
I am becoming SO anxious, excited and scared! My surgery is tomorrow at 1 and I have to be at the surgical center at 11:45. I'm hoping that I have stocked up on all the essentials and didn't forget anything crucial!
Updated on 4 Feb 2017:
Today is the second day after my surgery and I feel decent. I look rough and I feel worse than I did yesterday but it's not all that terrible. My face has become more swollen and my nose has that runny, cold feeling. Still no regrets!
Updated on 4 Feb 2017:
Feeling a whole lot better! I'm loving my nose more and more everyday. I know it's still very swollen but it already looks like a nose that better fits my face. My bruising is swelling looks pretty terrible and the swelling was uncomfortable more than anything, but it's starting to slow subside. I do have to say, the constipation from the pain meds has been brutal! That's something I definitely didn't see being as big of an issue as it has been! Be prepared for that!
Updated on 5 Feb 2017:
Updated on 13 Feb 2017:
I am beyond thrilled with Dr. Hartshorn's work! My nose fits my face perfectly. I could not have asked for a more caring, skilled, and all around awesome surgeon! I am so very thankful to have had this procedure done. It will be two weeks tomorrow (Tues 2/13) and I've gotta tell you, I feel great! If you have been considering getting this procedure done to correct your breathing or for cosmetic reasons, GO FOR IT!
Updated on 16 Mar 2017:
I had my follow up appointment today, it has been about a month and two weeks and I am still living everything about my experience. As soon as I met with Dr. Hartshorn this afternoon, I was reminded again of what a damn good decision I made! He is such a great doctor. He said everything is healing great. I'm still quite swollen in my tip area as well as the inside of my nose, but that just made me even happier to hear because I'm very pleased with the outcome thus far. It's only getting better.. hooray!!
Updated on 13 Jul 2017:
My nose has changed so much and I love it more and more!
Updated on 16 Aug 2017:
I had my 6 month checkup today and everything is still healing well! Upon examination Dr. Hartshorn noticed that I had scar tissue that created slight airway obstruction in my right nostril. He explained to me that this is very common, it's just a piece of skin that we needed to cut. That process hurt just a tad, he of course numbed the inside of my nose but it was still uncomfortable. Immediately after he cut way the scar tissue I felt cold air coming through my nostril. It was an instant relief! My recovery process is just getting better and better!