Jason Mussman, MD

In April of 2019 I had to have emergency surgery that left me with a 9'' scar down the middle of my abdomen and surgically separated abdominal muscles. Due to the muscles being separated I had several hernias and was struggling to find a surgeon who could fix the hernias, muscles and revise the scar. After research I felt Dr. Mussman was the best.

Updated on 12 Oct 2023:
I had been stalking Real Self for years since losing 130 lbs back in 2013. I used the site to do research for my breast reduction and had been lurking around looking at lower body lifts for a long time. I carried most of my weight in my lower body (beside my breasts) and thought that procedure would benefit me the most. I got a short consultation from the plastic surgeon who did my breast reduction and locked in a great price, but continued to read reviews and research experiences.
Fast forward to 2021 - April 2nd I ended up in the Emergency room having an Emergency Laparotomy (where they slice you open from breast bone to pubic bone for a cecal volvulus that had developed necrosis and gangrene and a clot in a major artery in the abdomen.
This emergency laparotomy incision was not able to be sewn together and I had an open abdomen for almost a year. This left me with an ugly, uneven scar that had adhesions and lumps. Because the underlying muscle was not sewn together I had two hernias on the incision line, and has problems with urinary incontinence and core weakness and back pain. I also had another hernia on the right lateral ventral area, also known as a spigelian hernia.
I needed the hernias repaired, the muscles sewn back together and the scar revised.
After all imaging was done, the plastic surgeon that performed my breast reduction informed me he did not repair hernias. Most general surgeons who repaired hernias did not do the muscle repair or do scar revision. I had the task of finding a specialist plastic surgeon who would also repair hernias.
I was running out of time as the spigelian hernia was causing blockages and becoming more dangerous with each passing day. I finally found a specialist who did reconstruction and plastic surgery about 2 and a half hours away that also did hernia repair who was very highly rated. After 7 months of searching I decided to schedule surgery with Jason Mussman in Surprise, Arizona at Regency Reconstruction. I a booked for September 22, 2023 for repair of 2 umbilical hernias, repair of spigelian hernia, rectus abdominus plication and scar revision.

Updated on 20 Oct 2023:
The surgery center was and a half hours away from my house so a bit of preparation was needed prior to surgery. I was scheduled for 10 am on September 22nd with check-in at 8 am. They ended up taking me early due to the fact that the patient scheduled before me ate and drank and their case had to be cancelled. The nurse had me change into a large blue gown with compression hose and hospital socks. She was very reassuring and kind. Another nurse came in to start my IV and went over my medications and allergies. The first nurse came back and also went over my allergies. Dr. Mussman came in and went over the plan for the day. He made his markings and he, along with the nurse looked pleased and expressed so. He said they would fix the hernias without mesh, which was a relief for me. A little while later the anesthesiologist came in and went over the plan. He was very accommodating for my TIVA request as I get very ill with heavy gas anesthesia. And then it was time.
I woke up and my mother was beside me. I had some pain at the top of my incision and a little where the drain was coming out. The nurse was giving me more pain medication. My vision was very hazy. The nurse gave me some gauze to wipe my eyes. Everyone said everything went perfectly. Dr. Mussman had already been out to speak to my mother. The anesthesiologist was just leaving with a smile on his face. All is well. The nurse had me take 2 pain pills and try to eat and drink a little. If I did well with that, we could start getting me dressed to go home. My follow up appointment was for 12:45 the following Monday.
The ride home was uneventful thanks to the preparations I had made in advance. I found a foot pillow to keep my knees bent and hips flexed, a pillow to go in between the seatbelt and my torso, a horseshoe pillow for my neck and an extra blanket to keep me warm - along with cold water to sip on to soothe my sore throat from the intubation. I also had a mix of snacks for when I got hungry as I hadn't eaten since the night before. My wonderful mother drove me and made sure everything was perfect.

Updated on 21 Oct 2023:
I made it through the night. As long as you stay on time with the pain regimen, it's mostly just tight and uncomfortable. The pain pills stave off the sharp pain of the incisions. I am walking hunched over, but that is to be expected. I have one drain and I feel like it is not working properly. It seems I only get stuff out of it when I milk it. The bulb is holding negative pressure and the tubing is not kinked or blocked where I can see it. I am just trying to milk it whenever I think of it. The first time I emptied it after surgery it only had 35mLs. 6 hours later it only had 25mLs. 6 hours later only 15mLs. Now every 6 hours it is only 10 or 15mLs.The drain site itself is looking good. The mons is very swollen and squishy, but it is below the binder, so I think it is understandable to be more swollen than everything else that is being compressed. I will send pictures tomorrow. Since it doesn't look infected or hurt more than anything else I will wait to speak with the surgeon on Monday. I am reacting to something though. My eyes are swelling and they have been itching all day. It might just be delayed from the little bit of anesthesia gas they had to give me. I used my inhaler and took 2 benedryl. Every other medication I have taken before without incident. It does look weird for sure.
I switched to a binder I had been wearing prior to surgery as the one they put me in at the surgery center was just elastic. Every single wrinkle in the binder felt like fire on my skin, so I knew I had to change it. One tip I got from someone's blog on here was to use a lanyard for the drains, and I am glad I remembered to get one. It was very helpful.

Updated on 25 Oct 2023:
I have been sleeping on the couch with my ortho pillows and it has been going well. I have to wake up every six hours or so to take pain pills, so I am doing fine. I brought a dining chair over to help get me up to a sitting position from the reclined "beach chair" position on the couch and that has helped. I have the seat of the chair facing towards my head and I grab on to the back of the chair to help pull my upper body up. The getting up is getting easier, but the getting back on the couch is still pretty painful.
I had not had a bowel movement until tonight. My last one was two days before surgery. I was getting worried. I was already taking the docusate sodium. It was recommended to start two days before surgery. So I took a double dose. No go. I went with the dreaded Magnesium Citrate. Still no go. Switched to a Bisacodyl. My mother said "one and done" for her. I took two to be safe. Nothing. I had someone get me dried mango and prune juice. Finally!
The fluid in the drain has lightened to an orange /reddish-orange color. There are times what is filling the drainage tube is almost clear. I still have the weird swelling above and below the binder, I am guessing this will go away, it just looks creepy and very unnatural. I will try to get a picture that show this. I think because the incision had to be so long to cut out the long incision I had previously, it is just longer than any binder out there and will swell beyond what can be controlled by any garment.
I am still walking hunched and am very sore, but as long as I stay on my pain pill regimen nothing is actually painful. I do get these weird little tweaks or spasms - but they are short lived.
We decided the eye and face swelling is from the eye drops the anesthesiologist put in during the surgery to lubricate my eyes. I think it makes more sense as my eyes are spitting out mucus as well as swelling. I don't think a drug I take by mouth would cause mucus.
I will write again after my follow-up appointment.

Updated on 26 Oct 2023:
I had my 1st follow up appointment today. I took off my binder and they took pictures. They took the same pictures today as they did at my consultation. I am still very swollen at the top of my incision and the bottom of my incision. My surgeon was very pleased with my results so far, but said that I was still putting out too much from the drain to remove it at this point. He said to plan on removing the drain and the steri-strips at next week's appointment. When I asked what they used on my eyes during the surgery as I needed to add it to my allergy profile, he stated they don't use anything except tape. I explained that the PACU nurse handed me some gauze and instructed me to wipe something out of my eyes upon waking up. I had never experienced anything like that before from tape, I just wanted to make sure it did not get used on me in the future. After my last surgery and having to be left with an open abdomen for almost an entire year, it is very exciting to see a closed incision. I am very excited for things to come.

Updated on 27 Oct 2023:
It has been 1 week and swelling is still a major issue. I am making sure to drink lots of water and walk my "laps" in the house. I am eating approximately 100g of protein, but I'm sure it till needs time. I was able to stop the pain pills after the visit with my surgeon, most pain just coming from movements now. Still taking the stool softener, antibiotic, multivitamin and vitamin D. I also was able to stop the benedryl as my eyes slowly went back to normal. My drain is now only putting out 6-8 mLs a day, can't wait to have it taken out at my next appointment on Monday.

Updated on 28 Oct 2023:
Overall doing well. Moving is getting easier, standing a little straighter, getting off the couch is second nature with the chair maneuver. The muscles are still very tight from the repair, and I can tell where the spigelian hernia was repaired. I had emailed the office a picture of my drain site as the redness has spread beyond a dime size around the insertion site and the drainage was looking brown. No real pain unless I tweaked it, but I know from previous JP drains that the redness should not extend past the diameter of a dime. They assured me it was OK as I was still on antibiotics and the brown fluid was most likely due to old hematoma breakdown internally that was finally being flushed out by the drain. I'm just glad it comes out tomorrow. The belly button just cropped up. I haven't had a belly button since the emergency surgery and told my surgeon I didn't really care for one. I told him at the consultation as well as while he was marking me just prior to surgery that I didn't need one. During my years of research I found most complications arise with the belly button (or anywhere the is a "T" in a scar) and I had seen so many ugly belly buttons, that I would just rather not deal with it. I didn't voice the last part at any point, just told him that I didn't need one. I was surprised when I removed my binder for the first time to see an extra piece of gauze indicating I probably had a belly button. I guess he was very confident I would be pleased. He is a renown plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I will trust his judgement. I already look a million times better than I thought I would.

Updated on 29 Oct 2023:
2nd post op appointment. More photos like the last visit, same 5 poses. My surgeon removed the steri-strips and the JP drain. Holy Cow! That drain went all the way to the top of my incision on the inside! That was a weird feeling. But it went way better than my last JP drain removal - it took them 7 or 8 excruciating hard (and long) pulls to get my last one out. My surgeon did one smooth pull and the whole thing came out in one expert wave of the arm. He was happy with the way everything looked, prescribed Aquafor for 2 weeks and then silicone scar gel or sheets after that. No baths or pools, finish the medications, follow-up in a couple weeks. The medical assistant put a non-stick dressing over the belly button and advised to just let water run down on the incision in the bath, do not disturb. Said I would have numbness for some time, not to worry. I had to make the appointment for 3 weeks out as I would not have anyone to help me with the 2.5 hour drive in 2 weeks. What a dream to have an incision that is sewn together, and straight, and have functioning muscles underneath! And zero hernias? It seems too good to be true.

Updated on 30 Oct 2023:
I finally uncovered the belly button today. It is full to the brim with scab material. Makes sense I suppose. If there is one thing I have learned about scabs it is to leave them be. I always have the urge to pick, but I will resist for the sake of a nice belly button. Overall, the incision looks amazing. I traded in a 9'' lumpy, puckered, adhered angry and painful scar for this 11'' lovely, straight, smooth, almost tucked abdominal incision. I am going to take the best care I can. I have been rubbing in the Aquafor as prescribed and will be switching over to the silicone scar sheets. Swelling is subsiding a little bit each day but is definitely affected by activity level and position and compression garment wear. The belly button scab almost has an orange tinge to it, but when it gets wet in the shower it turns a pale almost greenish grey/white. Very peculiar. When they first removed the dressing in the office at the day 11 appointment it had that grey/green/white coloration. But then when it dries it turns to that regular scab color. My mom says it reminds her of babies' belly buttons when they are first healing. I suppose that makes sense. It is a brand new navel.

Updated on 31 Oct 2023:
Chugging along, just shy of 3 weeks. Swelling has gone down quite a bit. I am much more comfortable moving around and sleeping. I just swapped my knee pillow for a shorter pillow, and I can sit upright for longer periods before I become uncomfortable. I am starting to push myself to be standing/walking/doing things for longer stints each day. I work 12.5 to 13 hour days for 3 days in a row, so I need to be good to go in a little over a month. Hopefully things get real easy real quick when the time comes. I'm still not completely upright without some effort. I don't know when I'm allowed to start stretching my abdominal muscles - I will have to ask at my next appointment at my 1 month followup. I am very afraid of harming the muscle repair. It's the one thing that meant the most to me about this surgery. It had been very difficult for me to not have core support over the years since the emergency surgery that left me with my muscles split apart. I had balance issues, urinary incontinence, painful hernias, weakness, problems I've never had in my life previously. I lift weights, and that has been difficult without proper core support. I work in a hospital, and transporting and lifting patients has been scary without a good core. I really want this to heal properly. I've been wearing the scar tape, but until all the scabs are completely gone it's not 100% doing it's job. But I keep reminding myself - no picking!

Updated on 1 Nov 2023:
I had my 4 week post op appointment today. 2 separate photo shoots - one done on the tablet, and one done with the fancy camera. Same 5 poses as normal, just done twice. I have been feeling pretty great about most everything except for my belly button. I don't know whether to worry about it or not. I know fever, pus and a foul odor are worrisome, and I don't have any of those, but beyond that I don't know. I had not been wearing a silicone scar sheet that extended 1''/1.5'' below my belly button as there was still a yellowish scab there, but last night the scab fell off so I extended the sheet up to cover it. When I removed the sheet in the morning for the appointment there was a white spot on the incision line where the scab had been. It looked like maybe the incision was going to spit a stitch.
My surgeon took one look at it and said he was prescribing Santyl ointment to be applied daily until my next appointment where he might need to cut some tissue out. (!?!) He was in and out so quickly I didn't get to really ask any questions. The medical assistant said to keep it covered to avoid any bacteria getting in.
By the time I got home I had a text from my pharmacy stating that my prescription was only available at select locations and to call an 800 number for more information. The agent stated not to worry, it had already been processed and was only a $20 copay with my insurance. ??? Okay, I will go in the morning. The 9 hour round trip journey had taken a lot out of me. I needed a nap.

Updated on 2 Nov 2023:
It has been a battle trying to get this Santyl ointment that my surgeon prescribed. He prescribed it at my follow up appointment on Monday and here we are on Saturday finally getting it. I kept getting told it would be in at this pharmacy, then that pharmacy across town, then a different pharmacy up north only to go there and nothing, as it was a specialty ointment. Finally it was available at a pharmacy today only about 15 minutes away. I visited the website for the drug as the instructions were super vague, and it said to "debulk" as much as possible before applying 2mm of the ointment to the area of the "wound" after cleaning with saline. Then apply a sterile dressing. After being covered for 24 hours, gently clean the area with saline and apply again. It is important to note that this ointment is only for dead tissue. I did not realize I had dead tissue. The white area that had appeared below my belly button had healed while trying to get my hands on this ointment, and the white you see inside my belly button looks like fascia tissue. No seeping of any kind, no pus or any other drainage. I almost wonder if it is the stalk of my belly button. It is shiny and smooth and doesn't seem to change. The flash of the camera makes everything look much more red than it is in person. I guess we will try this out and see how it goes.

Okay fair warning, this is going to be a long and honest review!

Dr Mussman preformed an extensive surgical makeover on me six months ago. To say I am thrilled with the results would be an understatement! I feel as though he preformed a medical miracle on my body!!!! The results OUTSTANDING - way beyond what I hoped they would be (and as the spouse of a surgeon I have high expectations).

I spent two years researching board certified plastic surgeons in AZ/CA to find the very best, which is undoubtedly Dr. Mussman! His credentials are impeccable, and beyond that in my spouse’s surgical world Dr. Mussman has a reputation for excellence. Doctors/PAs/Nurses know who is the best, and from my spouse’s personal observations of Dr. Mussman’s surgical work, along with conversations with other medical professionals, all indications pointed to Dr. Mussman being the best.

There’s only one thing you should base your decision on when choosing a Doc for any surgical procedure: SURGICAL SKILL. A surgeon’s personality, mannerisms, office aesthetics, and staff friendliness are all irrelevant (however all the staff members I’ve encountered at Regency Specialties have been wonderful). Bottom line: don’t shortchange yourself by picking someone based on these things!! This is your body. You will have to live with the results for the rest of your life, which can be put at great risk if you pick the wrong surgeon. I’ve had multiple friends pick other providers based on cost. Without exception, their surgeries have been disasters that required revisions and they spent more money in the long run. Do your research and choose well based on the most important factor: surgical skill and being board certified!!

Side note: Beware of going to a “cosmetic surgeon”. Typically this label indicates they are not a board certified plastic surgeon. Though they may be cheaper, you get what you pay and they have high complication rates that can result in life-long damage.

Hope this helps in choosing a plastic surgeon! Best of luck on your journey!!

Regency plastic surgery was amazing. I was a 36B and desperately wanted to be a 36D. Dr. Mussman was amazing and he gave me exactly what I wanted. The staff was knowledgeable and always happy to answer any of my questions. His practice is booming so the wait times are a bit long but well worth it. He has a great bedside manner and I would recommend him to anyone thinking about getting any work done.

I went to Dr. Mussman for Botox in the forehead, around and between the eyes for wrinkles. I was very pleased with the results with a more youthful, natural appearance. Dr. Mussman took the time to discuss with me expectations and the procedure and I was very comfortable the entire time. I will definitely be back!

So far 3,5 weeks later.. Still have two black eyes...using arnica . Cool compresses. Sleeping sitting up
Slow recovery.... Makeup can't cover the real dark areas yet I believe the bags are less noticeable . That was the goal of this lower lid bleph. Dr. Muss man did the procedure from under the eyelid.

Updated on 24 May 2014:
This photo is post op 3weeks and 4days. Lots of makeup on to cover bruising... Left eye still has swelling.....

Updated on 24 May 2014:
It is the right eye ... Not the left eye with persisting puffiness.

Updated on 10 Jun 2014:
Surgery was April 29,2014.. Very happy with results. Dr. Mussman did a wonderful job!

My journey started in the 4th grade when I first started being teased about my appearance. I had inherited my fathers' nose and on a young girl it wasn't attractive. Kids' found it entertaining to point out my flaws on a daily basis which began my life of low self confidence. I have always focused on what people think of me and am often too self concious to walk up to someone without fearing they are staring at my nose. Finally after years of battling with this feeling internally I spoke up this last winter with more of a deman that I was getting this surgery no matter what. My surgery is scheduled for Monday June 10th and the day can't come soon enough.

Updated on 30 May 2013:


Updated on 31 May 2013:


Updated on 31 May 2013:
Only 9 more days....pre-op next week and surgery was officially paid in full today! Anxious and excited!

Updated on 3 Jun 2013:
Well today I had my pre-op interview and testing done. Blood work, EKG, and Chest X-ray. Not sure why I had to have a chest x-ray, but they are completed. Went yesterday and picked up some Arnica gel, hoping it will help with bruising next week, I tend to bruise really easily.Only a week to go...AHHHH!!!! Can't get here soon enough!

Updated on 6 Jun 2013:
Life right now feels surreal. I have waited so long for this day to come along I can't believe it is only a few days away. Tomorrow they call with my Monday arrival time so I am anxiously awaiting that. Today I went and purchased ice packs for my face and eyes, gauze, tape, lip balm, and soft foods and extra drinks. I do have a question for everyone out there, how long before you can return to excerising/running? Right now that is my biggest worry. I am an active person and stopping my workout routine is in the forefront of my mind right now. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated. The only other thing I worry about right now is more superficial. I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and I am concerned with the "talk" that all too often happens. Has anyone had this experience? I know it will eventually go away, I am just self conscious aboutit all. I will be sure to post as soon as I am feeling up to it on Monday, can't wait!!!!!!!

Updated on 10 Jun 2013:
Wow had surgery today, it took 4 hurs!. No packing just cast and splint. Looked in mirror at profile and started to cry...already looks amazing and better. I will post more tonight.

Updated on 10 Jun 2013:
So this morning I arrived at the hospital at 6am, the nurse escorted into a private suite at the hospital and got me all set up with my gown and IV. Dr. Mussman is apparently very fussy about the privacy of his patients which was fine by me. I was so calm and comfortable it was surreal. Dr. Mussman came in at about ten to 7 and chatted with me for a bit and actually made me even more calm if that was possible. The next thing I remember was waking up in recovery. Doctor was leaning over me, telling me it turned out beautifully and I would be in love with it. The surgey lasted almost 4 hours as he said he really took his time with every detail. After an hour in recovery with very mild pain they took me back to my room. I drank some juice, ate a muffin and was ready to go home. I am not stuffy at all and can breathe out of my nose. The only irritating part is the gauze underneath for dripping. I am swelled, but have been icing all afternoon. Right now my left eye is showing signs of bad bruising, so we will see what tomorrow brings. My first sneak peak was when I removed the bottom cloth to change the gauze, all I can say is WOW!!! My profile is already so different. It was the first time in my life I have ever wanted to see the profile in the mirror. It brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to see it without the cast. As for medicine today I did take 1 percocet at 4, it had been 4 1/2 hours since medicine and I didn't want to risk it. Dr. gave me something to help me sleep tonight so I will update about how that worked tomorrow.

Updated on 10 Jun 2013:


Updated on 11 Jun 2013:
So I still have no pain and very little bruising, just a little pressure. Does anyone know if this means I won't bruise? I have been most worried about this as my bruises usually take a while to go away. My first nights sleep was weird. I wasn't uncomfortable and I did take a sleeping pill, but felt like I could only doze off and on throughout the night. I slept in the recliner with my nexk pillow to the side to relax and am hoping to get some better rest tonight. I have very slight dripping left and am still able to breathe through both nostrils, which must be because I wasn't packed, but have these silicone splints inside the nose that have holes in them. Not complaining about being able to breathe though, that seems to be a big problem for most. This morning when I got up for meds and cleaning my nose I didn't recognize myself in the mirror, which is a weird feeling. It was overwhelming, but not in a bad way. Although I didn't recognize the person staring back at me my eyes welled up with tears because for the first time ever I didn't just see my nose. I realized I have very pretty eyes and nice cheek bones. I am so anxious to see what things look like with the cast off, but I am still so happy with the results I am seeing. I do have a lot of swelling on the bridge and tip, but he said he spent a lot of time on both of those parts so that is to be expected. The only place it hurts, not real bad just tender is between the eyebrows that is where most of my bruising I have is as well. Yesterday I was able to eat a little, I had pudding, a muffin, and some noodles as well as a soft cookie before bed. I am still taking the arnica pills every 4-6 hours with my meds and applying the gel to my eyes and forehead every 6 hours.
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has messaged or commented as well. I am a pretty private person and starting this blog was a hard thing for me, especially since I knew I should post pictures as well. The comments I have received from all of you warm my heart and make me realize I am not alone. I have enjoyed reading about all of your journey's as well and will be forever grateful for this site for allowing me to step outside of my comfort zone.

Updated on 11 Jun 2013:


Updated on 11 Jun 2013:
Well my bruising went from almost nonexistent this morning to pretty prominent this evening. I am also feeling more pressure as I know the swelling is getting worse. I am hoping this is the worst of it but we will see. I did take a bath and washed my hair so I feel a little more normal. Here's hoping for a good nights sleep.

Updated on 12 Jun 2013:
So I made a mistake this morning.....I was feeling good so I decided to skip a dose of medicine....bad idea. The pressure from swelling was so bad it brought me to tears. Needless to say I did go take my meds. Last night I slept better although at 1230 I woke up with a weird feeling. The swelling moved from between my eyes to lower in my face it also made it different to see in the mirror. I was over tired and had a small panic attack. I do feel like the left internal splint is falling out not sure if that can actually happen but I have a lot of pressure on that side. Bruising is getting better today. Excited for Friday when I can actually see a more realistic result. Chewing is hard today so I feel a little weak from lack of food. Also my jaw hurts I assume from all of the swelling pressure on my nose. I did actually straighten my hair today though so I feel a little more normal. Hoping this is the worst of the swelling!

Updated on 13 Jun 2013:
So last night I slept much better than I have been. Although I didn't sleep the whole night I did make it longer periods of time. I took pain pills in the night but this morning have been taking tylenol. I was even able to bath again so I feel better. I still have pressure and tomorrow can't come soon enough I will get this itchy cast off and crazy splints out. I will say I am getting used to the way I look but I am very nervous about seeing myself without the cast. Hoping for the best. when I look in the mirror I can still see some minor bruising and a lot of swelling around bridge and tip. Any advice on the big reveal day?

Updated on 14 Jun 2013:
So I misunderstood today I got my splints out and stitches removed but the cast will be there until the 27th. Those both hurt extremely bad. It goes fairly quickly but it is painful. Now that they are out I feel so much less pressure it is amazing. I have lots more drainage now but feel more normal.

Updated on 15 Jun 2013:
Well today is day 6 and my birthday! I guess I can consider it a birthday gift I slept last nice only waking up once. I also haven't taken any pain pills so that is a bonus. The bigger gift would have been if this darn cast was off. Last night I was feeling depressed stick in the house cast still on not being able to exercise. ..so I ended up getting out the exercise ball and slowly did small sets of sit ups. Now I know I probably shouldn't have but I did take it easy and figured doing them on the ball wouldn't be as bad and guess what??? No swelling and no pain! Of course I don't plan on over doing anything but it did make me feel better about myself. As far as my nose is concerned it is interesting some moments I feel like it has changed a lot and other times it looks like the same nose. I am sure that is aiding in the self confidence being lower. Wondering if anyone else has gone through this?

Updated on 15 Jun 2013:


Updated on 15 Jun 2013:
So tonight was an interesting evening. As I said today was my birthday and my family was home from out of town. My grandma called from my moms house and wanted me to come over. First this is hard because there would be 9 people there 7 of which I didn't realize knew I had surgery and I still had my cast on with black eyes. I reluctantly went knowing it was important to my mom. I walked in the door and immediately felt as though I was in a junior high classroom again, thinking everyone was staring at my nose, wondering if they thought I was crazy or looked stupid. Although I am sure my mom told them not to say anything and they didn't it was still a hurdle. I stayed about an hour and a half and by the time I an hour had passed I was more comfortable (not completely) in my surroundings and feeling like I could venture into the main room instead of secluding myself in the dining area. As hard as this was for me and as much as I realize the people in my life don't fully understand the depth of my lack of self confidence I was proud of myself. I did it and I made it through. I am hoping I don't continue to feel this way everywhere I want to go once the cast comes off, but I am hopeful that I will overcome it. As hard as this has all been I would do it again in a heartbeat for two reasons already, I can wear my hair in a ponytail and not be uncomforable and take my picture (the ture test will be in public) and the fact that I am able to have my picture taken and not delete it immediately because I am hyperfocused on my nose.

Updated on 16 Jun 2013:
Happy father's day to all the dads out there and the mommies pulling double duty! So last night I slept the whole nigh..woohoo! I feel great today but my nose looks huge today from swelling...ugh. This part will be a long process for me the constant changes. Eating is getting better and I can't wait to get this goofy cast off and feel human again.

Updated on 16 Jun 2013:
Today was the day where I wasn't feeling any different than before so I did a before and after to see...made me feel lots better!

Updated on 18 Jun 2013:
Well yesterday was by far my hardest day emotionally. I was feeling depressed and my nose felt huge. Being stuck in the house unable to exercise was also making me feel bad about my body. You name it I felt it yesterday. I guess i should mention that I always hated my nose/face so I tried to focus on my body because I could control that so I exercise and workout everyday 4 days at the gym and 3 days at home so this is hard. I tried showering that didn't help so I went for a walk. The longer I walked the better I felt. I walked about 3 miles. I did start dripping the last 20 minutes or so but I didnt have a ton of swelling and I felt so much better. Tonight I only walked a half hour but did spend time at the park with my kids. I didn't realize the effect this would have on me by not being able to do anything. Excited for when I can start running and working out again but feeling content with walking and getting out of the house for now. The only other update I have is my skin. It is usually normal to o dry and lately it is so oily I can't stand it. Not sure if anyone else is going through this or not....crazy!

Updated on 21 Jun 2013:
So things have been going ok my cast fell off so that was different. I haven't liked it much as times but I am hoping that is the swelling that is bothering me. I will say already in public. Today I ventured out and was very confident that in itself makes the surgery worth it even if it doesn't turn out just the way I hoped for. Oh and one of my best friends saw me yesterday and had no idea I had surgery.. he did look at me like something was different but never said a word.

Updated on 22 Jun 2013:


Updated on 24 Jun 2013:


Updated on 27 Jun 2013:
Had a post op appointment today. Surgeon took pics and was extremely excited about results so far. He did say I still have a ton of swelling which is interesting becaus3 I felt like it was minimal today. ...really makes me think it will change a ton still. Although I still think its not perfect it does fit my face so much better now and I love the confidence I have now I actually can go out and not feel yucky. Yesterday I saw a lot of people I have known and been close to and one of my friends kept saying you look so different it must be your haircut I love it! She doesn't know about the surgery so this was funny to me.

Updated on 29 Jun 2013:


Updated on 1 Jul 2013:
3 weeks ago today was my surgery....the day I would say goodbye forever to that girl who used to hide her head from people. I have had the most amazing recover and although my nose is not that tiny little nose I envisioned in my head it fits my face perfectly. As you can see from today's pictures it is getting thinner and more defined everyday. I also have way more confidence. I no longer hide my head and hate looking in the mirror. I look at my reflection and see my eyes, cheekbones and a more confident person. I know my nose will continue to change and evolve into the finished product but for right now I couldn't be happier.

Updated on 9 Jul 2013:
So today is day 29 I still can't believe how fast the time has went. My swelling is still there especially in my bridge and tip but honestly it is a million times better than my old nose so it doesn't bother me. I love looking in the mirror now and went out with friends last weekend and was confident everywhere I went. In pictures it still looks big to me but I know that will change. Yesterday was my first day back at the gym and it was a lot for me. I swelled and had pressure but I know I over did it. My excitement to be back got the best of me. I went running today and that was a ton better. The only regret I have now is not doing this 20 years ago. I also wanted to say a special thank you to everyone on this site. You have no idea what it has meant to have such an amazing support group of people who are going through the same thing as me. I have loved reading your stories, comments, and watching your progress you are all truly amazing!

Updated on 14 Jul 2013:
So yesterday was a huge day in my life....I ran my first 5k without walking even a step. I also did this by myself and volunteered multiple times to get on stage for the after party. I was confident and comfortable in my own skin and I didnt swell afterwards a win all the way around!

Updated on 18 Jul 2013:


Updated on 18 Dec 2013:
Well it's been 6 great months. I feel amazing and am more confident than ever! Best decision of my life!

Updated on 5 Jun 2014:
Well it will be one year in 5 days! Crazy how much my life has changed. I am more confident and self assured than I have ever been. I am so thrilled I made the decision to get this done and wish it would have been done years ago. Special thanks to Dr. Mussman, words can never say thank you enough!