Richard J. Biggerstaff, MD

Just had my rhinoplasty/septoplasty today. Nasal bones were broken, hump was shaved down, and tip was slightly refined. I've been freaking out for the past 6 months since I decided to get it done. The 3 days leading up to surgery were kind of rough. I wasn't sleeping very well so this morning, on my way to surgery, I felt extremely exhausted. All the nurses, my anesthesiologist, and my doctor made me feel so much better and relaxed. I was also given a cocktail of drugs right before getting wheeled in for surgery.

Surgery started at 7am this morning and I was in recovery by 9am. I felt great as soon as I woke up.. I was breathing through my nose (which I later was told not too) and was moving my head along to the music playing throughout the room. Within 15 mins they took me back to my room and waited 30 mins for my meds to get filled and to be released.

Right now it is almost 10 hours post surgery and I feel amazing! Been walking around the house, hanging out with family. I've only taken one half of a pain pill, as I was assuming there would be some pain with this... here I stand waiting. The only annoying thing is the bleeding. Its not bad, just drips out from time to time. I'll be glad when I can safely remove the gauze and not have to worry about dripping.

I posted a pic of me before surgery and then a pic of me 6 hours after surgery. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. My number one advice would be, DON'T WORRY. It's really not that bad :) *Highly Recommend Dr. Biggerstaff!*

Updated on 5 Jun 2013:
Tomorrow will be 7 days since my surgery. Cast and splints came off yesterday... Have a ton of swelling, still unable to breathe very well through my nose, but I feel so much better that I was actually able to go back to work today!

Wanted to post some before and after pictures. Will post more once swelling goes down!

Updated on 6 Jun 2013:
Thought I would share some random tips that will hopefully help anyone considering rhinoplasty/septoplasty. I am a week post op from open rhino/septo and I can not even find the incision scar on the columella. Bruising has been minimal and I went back to work after 5 days.

Buy some Bromelain and Arnica Montana before surgery. I started taking this about 2-3 days post op and I really believe it's helped speed up recovery.

My neck pillow has been one of my favorite accessory! It helps to keep your head elevated and also keeps your head supported and upright when sleeping

I'm not sure how many other people have experienced this, but my eyes burned really bad right after surgery. Might want to make sure you have an eye lubricant on hand.

I drank Nature's Bounty Protein Shake Mix every day following surgery. I am a strong believer in taking probiotics while on antibiotics. Plus its full of vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes. Please check with your doctor first!

I had a lot of scabing once internal splints were taken out. I have been using a q-tip and applying castor oil and coconut oil inside nose to keep it from drying out. I still use Ocean spray along with hydrogen peroxide, but I get the most relief from oils.

Wishing everyone a speedy recovery!