Richard Maxwell, MBBS (not practicing)

I was left with a lot of excess skin after major weightloss when I left school 13+ years ago (approx. 35kg).
I am only been 6 weeks post opp but I'm already so pleased with my results.
The scars on my upper body are neat, well hidden / placed and healing so well. It's completely evident this surgery by Dr Richard Maxwell was done with so much care. I'm sad to see so many nightmare surgery stories on RealSelf.

Having gone into puberty at a young age, reduced my weight from 101kg to 64kg and carried a child I felt my body deserved some love and attention. November 2016 I embarked on a tummy tuck and thigh reduction removing 1.8kg of skin. Performed by one of Melbourne leading surgeons Mr Richard Maxwell he remodeled years of damage. I hope you find these photos valuable to help you to make an informed and realistic decision.

Updated on 3 May 2017:

In late 2012 I underwent a septo-rhinoplasty with Mr. Maxwell to remove a large dorsal hump. Unfortunately, this operation was performed carelessly in my opinion. Please note that while I did ask for a SLIGHTLY concave look and for the tip to be left alone, the amount of bone and septum that was removed was beyond what we discussed and in turn, caused the following issues, all of which worsened over time:

- A hanging columella due to an over resected bridge
- An inverted V deformity
- collapsed alar and thus breathing issues (mostly on the left side)
- retracted appearing nostrils due to drooping columella
and
- an almost totally amorphous bridge, which was especially disheartening as this gave a very unnatural and 'operated on' look, despite a key goal as being natural result, which I emphasised with Mr. Maxwell during all pre-operative appointments.

Needless to say this has taken its toll on my wellbeing and only now (5+ years later) have I been able to speak with my family and friends about it, all of whom agreed they knew something had gone wrong.

In the first year the swelling and some denial on my part had me reporting back to Mr Maxwell happy and hopeful in our post-op appointment (mind you, I was 18 and at the time would have rather been polite than hurt anyone's feelings. Also this was paid for with money I earned during part time work in high school so I wasn't prepared to face the fact that this had been a waste) however it wasn't long before the truly amorphous and droopy shape began to take its final form.

When I made an appointment to see Mr Maxwell at his new practice over a year ago he was by no means warm, told me that I was seeking impossible perfection and that I should be happy with the results. He also suggested that if I was desperately wanting to improve the hanging columella then he could perform a tip revision (quoting over $9k, whereby MORE cartilage would be removed), and that adding to height back to the bridge was not an option.

Thankfully, I found a revision specialist who proved that bridge height could indeed be restored with rib cartilage (review to come). I am in a much better place with my nose since the revision but it goes without saying that Mr. Maxwell's procedure in 2012 left me with irreparable damage and there isn't much I wouldn't do to turn back time and seek out a different surgeon before this ordeal, back when I had a clean canvas with no internal scarring, no collapsed airway and no need for rib cartilage.

Updated on 24 Feb 2019:
Re-upload of side photographs depicting hanging columella and over resected bridge........................................................................................................................

Hated a bump on the bridge of my nose. No one else said they could really notice it, but it always bothered me. I hated being in photos because I'd always have to make sure I was showing my 'good side' that had less of a bump. The staff at Maxwell's office were very helpful and understanding. My experience while at the hospital was very smooth. The staff were extremely helpful and made me feel like a princess! Even though I must have looked like a monster.. Looking forward to getting this cast off on Friday!

Updated on 3 Mar 2015:
Day 3 is the worst so far for swelling. I don't even look like myself! I look like I've been bitten all over by bees! But I'm not in any pain! Just a bit itchy around the eyes. And it's annoying because I keep getting itchy under my cast!!! Agh! But it's so worth it!

Updated on 3 Mar 2015:


Updated on 4 Mar 2015:
Swelling is going down a bit. This morning was hectic for swelling. But I feel like I've peaked, and I'm cruising down the other side.
Bit of a headache tonight, so I took some Endone which is helping a lot. Went for a little walk today, which I think helped to move the blood around a bit. I was a bit nervous- because I know you are not supposed to exercise. I think a little bit if light walking can actually help though.
Trying to steer clear of spicy/salty foods that can affect swelling, but other than that, I don't really feel like my diet has been affected. I can eat normal foods, although my taste buds aren't as sensitive.
Hanging in there! Still don't feel as bad as I thought I would!! Just going a little crazy being inside all day. I'm usually a gym junkie so that part is a bit tough. ITS SO WORTH IT THOUGH!!!

Updated on 4 Mar 2015:
Feeling like the swelling is going down a bit? I'm starting to be able to see my eyes again! Bit of a headache today, so I'm taking my pain mess at regular intervals and trying to keep cool. Feeling like getting outside and going for a light stroll is helping a bit too. At least it helps with the boredom! Not super hungry, but able to eat regular foods- as long as I don't chew too long! Packs out tomorrow! Yay! But cast isn't off until next Thursday!! Aghh

Updated on 5 Mar 2015:
Update on my swelling- going down a bit I think..

Updated on 5 Mar 2015:
Nose packs removed today! I can kind of breathe through my right nostril, but not through my left. It didn't really hurt, it just felt weird.
Bit of bleeding because there is nothing to soak it up, so I'm using my padding.
Seriously counting down the hours until next Thursday when I get my cast off. Also really looking forward to getting back to my regular fitness routine. I'm going a little crazy..

Updated on 5 Mar 2015:
Without bandage- sorry I know it's gross

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
The mucous/blood that way constantly dripping after the packs were taken out, has finally seemed to dry up a bit! I am able to leave the gauze off for extended periods. This is good news as I will have to go back to work on Sunday- and the nose looks a lot better without the blood drenched gauze! Still pretty swollen around my eyes and my cheeks. My husband is freaking out because he can't recognise me! I think he's worried that his wife will always look like Pikatchu from now on!

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
Swelling update

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
Swelling update

Updated on 7 Mar 2015:
Almost 1 week!

Updated on 8 Mar 2015:
Swelling/bruising update..I'm glad to see that I don't look too different than this morning. I did some light cardio on the stationary bike today AND had quite a salty dinner. Glad to see that neither made any difference. Also wanted to show how the bruising is worse on one side. This is interesting because I originally had a bit more of a hump on the other side. I would have thought more would need to be taken off on that side, causing more bruising.. But no

Updated on 8 Mar 2015:
Has anyone else been prescribed Endone for the pain? This stuff is great. I feel so lovely-all happy and tingly when I take it ???????? haha

Updated on 8 Mar 2015:
Swelling update- continuing to go for light walks

Updated on 9 Mar 2015:
Swelling update after going for a long walk and eating a salty dinner

Updated on 9 Mar 2015:
Swelling/bruising update
Not really any change today- I think I'm pretty much Bach to normal in regards to swelling. Bruising around my right eye might take a bit longer

Updated on 11 Mar 2015:
Swelling and bruising are pretty much back to normal! I have an appointment tomorrow to get the cast off! Yay! I don't think I'll do much sleeping tonight... What it I hate it, or it doesn't look any different..? Very excited though. I'll keep you posted...

Updated on 11 Mar 2015:
CAST REMOVAL! OMG GUYS! [RS bleep] LOVE IT! So happy! Can't quite believe I've done it. There will be so many things I feel like I won't have to worry about anymore. So so so worth it! Let me know what you think?

Updated on 11 Mar 2015:
Ok I'm sorry- prepare to be photo bombed.. And sorry about the dry skin ????????????????????

Updated on 12 Mar 2015:
Absolutely love the new nose! Dr Maxwell is a genius!

Updated on 13 Mar 2015:
Not really much of a change in swelling. But I don't care. If it never changed even if be happy

Updated on 15 Mar 2015:
Had lots of chilli last night. Couldn't see any swelling difference. Still quite tender. Being very careful with it. I really hope as the swelling goes down over the next few months that it doesn't change too much. Love it

Updated on 18 Mar 2015:


Updated on 19 Mar 2015:


Updated on 19 Mar 2015:


Updated on 21 Mar 2015:


Updated on 23 Mar 2015:
22 days on

Updated on 24 Mar 2015:


Updated on 25 Mar 2015:


Updated on 27 Mar 2015:


Updated on 7 May 2015:
Update on nose progress

Updated on 8 Aug 2015:


Updated on 9 May 2019:
How it looks now- I’m feeling it might be a little too short for my face.. I wonder if I might use some filler at some point...
It’s interesting to see how it has changed over time. But I’m assuming it won’t change anymore from now.