Asian Rhinoplasty (selecting a doctor, the actual procedure, recovery)

Just like most people, I was dissatisfied with the way my nose looked. I had a typical Asian nose : wide with a flat, bulbous tip. I also had a slight hump on my bridge. I set out on interviewing surgeons that had experience working with Asian noses. I interviewed only doctors in the Bay Area, and after going through the procedure two days ago, I couldn’t have imagined not being able to rest in my own home. I’m very happy with my decision to stay local.

Of the doctors I met with, Dr. David W Kim was who I felt the most comfortable with. He is double board certified in plastic surgery and facial plastic surgery (looks for FACS at the end of the doctor’s name) - and the vast majority of his practice is rhinoplasties. The consultation began with taking photos of my nose at many different angles. We then took a look at them together in his office to discuss what I would like changed, different techniques and procedures he would do to achieve my changes, and make sure that my expectations were within a reasonable realm of possibility. He also examined my nose for a septoplasty. I ended up having two consultations with Dr. Kim (just to be doubly sure!) before I booked my surgery date.

It’s been 2 days since my surgery. I had a septoplasty to fix my left deviated septum, reduction of nasal turbinates to improve breathing, and cosmetic fixes such as dorsal hump removal, alar base reduction, and ear cartilage harvesting to refine the tip. I am swollen and the bruising is mainly around/under my left eye. No bruising on the right side of my face thankfully! I can’t wait to take the cast off on Day 7 and let time do it’s thing!