Julie Shtraks, MD

Let me start by saying I've wanted this forever 26 yrs to be exact. I've suffered from chronic sinus infections since I was a teen and a deviated septum after my nose was broken several times in my 20's. It had gotten to the point antibiotics weren't even working and debilitating headaches integrated with everyday life. I also thought if I was going to have the internal structure corrected, I might as well have the look of my nose to my liking. 
I always thought I was attractive enough but my nose kept me from feeling as confident as I could be. There's a problem when I hide my profile from my adoring husband and didn't want to take pictures with my children because I hated the way my nose looked or I was always searching for the right angles. I feel like people assume that seeking out cosmetic surgery means you're self-obsessed but in reality, I wanted to be free of that constant nagging in my head and that's why I chose to move forward with septo-rhinoplasty.
I originally researched Dr. Bloom's work and when I called to schedule a consult, he was booked out longer than I liked, so the lovely receptionist suggested Dr. Julie Shtraks who had recently started at his office as an associate Dr, after her fellowship with Dr. Nassif and Azziahdah ( she actually worked with them on the show botched) returning to her home base/ east coast from Beverly Hills. I was floored by her extensive education and right away her bedside manner was gentle, kind, patient yet highly confident. She spent hours with me explaining everything after having two consults with her( I was anxious). She didn't have permission to post many before and afters of her rhinoplasty work but she did have permission to show me in person and much to my relief, she was as outstanding in her work as I thought she was going to be! I felt so confident in her abilities that I've even brought my 21 yr old daughter to her for a rhinoplasty consult (hers will be scheduled within this year). Now that's trust!
I appreciated that she was realistic in what she told me could be accomplished and honestly, I was looking for a decent amount of deprojection, correction of a bulbous tip, dorsal hump reduction, and alar base tapering but I never expected to have a teeny upturned nose. I like that she intended to keep the integrity of my look and just make it better/ more feminine and refined. I set the date of March 25th with Lisa Finni ( office manager) anxiously and excitedly. There were a few hiccups with my insurance for the septoplasty part, so I wound up one week prior to surgery just utilizing out of pocket fees instead of billing to insurance as it would have been much more expensive..go figure! Covid test, blood work, and physical were all done prior to surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital. I have nothing but rave reviews of the nursing staff and anesthesia at Bryn Mawr!
Surgery was just over 4hrs long and I spent almost another 4 hrs in recovery. I was in a good deal of pain when I barely woke from anesthesia but they absolutely eased it and made me comfortable in the hospital. I didn't have narcotics afterward ( Tylenol, antibiotics, and oral steroids) Dr. Shtraks did send Ultram to my pharmacy but since I'm 8yrs sober, I chose not to fill that one. One day post-op I feel much better than I did, just tired and a bit restless. Major congestion, some bruising, oozing from the nose, and soreness but nothing intolerable. I already love the profile I see, even though I'm swollen with a cast on! I know that the front view has a long way to heal/ swelling to subside but I fully trust in the work she performed and can't wait to have the splints out/ cast off at post-op on the 31st. I will keep updating! On a side note, I have to laugh right now because my swelling in the philtrum/upper lip area makes me look like a whoville character—LOL! It's going to turn out beautifully and I'm incredibly grateful.

Updated on 28 Mar 2021:
Days #2 and #3 brought the typical black eyes and swelling. Pain isn't any greater, just sore, stiff and very congested. I'm using a humidifier, sleeping on a wedge pillow, saline nasal sprays, peroxide and antibiotic ointment on crusts/ stitches. Biotene mouth wash and throat sprays help..still can't taste anything either but taking vitamins B, C, quercetin and arnica along with protein shakes to help my body heal. I don't smoke or drink so that also helps healing. At this point , it's just a waiting game. I am going to message my Doc about the oral steroids, as I feel like they don't agree with me. I'm having intense itching / skin issues but I'm afraid to stop the steroid without permission.

Updated on 30 Mar 2021:
Day#5 finally attempting to take a full shower( I had only done birdbaths for fear of getting my cast wet ) and still really congested but looking forward to getting the splints and stitches out tom! I had to take benadryl every night to sleep, especially with the oral steroid but I'm on the second to last dose, relieved to be done with it.

Updated on 9 Apr 2022:
My one year post op I year noseaversary was 03-25-21 was my septor-rhinoplasty by Dr Julie Shtraks out of BloomFPS in Bryn Mawr, PA. It was a wild emotional journey but I couldn't be happier! I asked for " natural, neutral tip, don't slope me out but no Roman God too long and straight look either" I think she delivered! Best part is being able to breathe and no sinus infections/ pain. Functionality was huge to me... biggest obstacle and the key to being happy in this process was doing the research on a good facial Doc , trusting her work and then to STOP comparing yourself to others results along the way.( advice and encouragement is huge but stop thinking yours isn't good because it doesn't look like theirs) take lots of pics pre-op, then Stop picking your nose apart after surgery. Start to focus on what the surgeon did right, what you DO like about it. Take a step back and let yourself heal for that year and when your close to that year, year and a half then compare your results to YOUR OWN starting point. You'll be amazed! I know I was. The point is, my nose didn't become perfect, it got better and so did my own perception of my nose. It's a hard habit to break after having such an insecurity attached to it for so long. I'm still a work in progress mentally, emotionally but I'm much happier now. I wish the same for anyone reading this

Updated on 9 Apr 2022:
Overall, my nose really did take a full year of changes. My tip definitely improved and refined the most around months 8-9. Overall my nose shrank overall until months 5-6. Tip softened into place around weeks 5-6. Definitely no regrets, I'm so happy I did this. My nose has improved so much. I no longer cringe when I look in the mirror and best of all I can breathe without pain! I'm excited to watch it continue to refine ( changes can continue for another 6mos +) in all, Dr Shtraks is highly competent and I'd absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a facial ps with tremendous skill and warm , caring bedside manner.

Updated on 10 Apr 2022:
13 months post op! Natural lighting from every angle. I wanted to be as through and transparent as possible. Most cosmetic deviation was greatly improved( septum is straight as an arrow). Slight nuances in my nose that were present prior to surgery are actually there afterwards( no one else would ever notice such things without scrutiny). It's part of Natural anatomy. It's funny, I've actually gotten that compliment often after surgery.." your face is so symmetrical " lol thank you Dr Shtraks and my friend botox.