Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

I have struggled for years with allergies, nasal congestion and sinus infections, and have never been able to breathe well through my nose, despite having surgery when I was 18 to correct my deviated septum. As my symptoms worsened in recent years, I assumed that there was no solution. My husband convinced me to see an allergist. The allergist took one look in my nose and said I had a deviated septum, and referred me to an ENT, who confirmed that my septum was severely deviated. I had never guessed that my surgery from years ago had failed, and was the (main) cause of my inability to breathe through my nose!

The ENT was not comfortable performing what proved to be a complicated surgery, and referred me to two plastic surgeons, including Dr. Ridgway. I researched both doctors, and ultimately selected Dr. Ridgway based on the positive reviews I had found, and the number of reviews for nose surgeries and breathing issues that sounded similar to mine.

I knew I made the right choice on my first visit. Dr. Ridgway is very knowledgeable, patient, and has a great sense of humor. In addition to his medical expertise, he also has an art background - a combination that gave me confidence in his abilities to solve my breathing problems, as well as to tackle some changes in the shape of my nose, and the tip that had also been shifting due to the failure of my prior surgery.

It was not an easy decision for me to make, but Dr. Ridgway patiently answered my questions, and ultimately helped me decide to have a rhinoplasty performed at the same time as the septoplasty. When I shared with Dr. Ridgway that my husband was concerned about the idea of me having this surgery, he offered to have my husband come in over the weekend to talk about his concerns as well. We took him up on the offer, and also brought along our two kids. Dr. Ridgway ended up being called into an emergency surgery that morning, but we were able to reach his nurse, and set up a later time that day. While we waited, we enjoyed breakfast across the street, and Dr. Ridgway even offered to pay for because he felt badly for being late! Truly amazing service.

When Dr. Ridgway arrived, after a long sleepless night, and a stressful surgery, he set our kids up with bottles of water and a table to color on while he took my husband and I into his office, brought us coffee, answered more questions, and shared before and after computer images of his recommended approach. We both left knowing that we had made the right decision.

In my pre-op visit, Dr. Ridgway walked me through how to prepare, what to expect, and prepared me for the healing process. Even on the day of surgery, Dr. Ridgway took the time to make sure I was comfortable, and answer any last questions. He personally introduced me to the staff, and turned what could have been a nerve wracking experience into a very positive one. He called my husband that evening to check on us, and was available for calls from us as well.

Post-op appointments have been wonderful as well. He always greets me with a smile, asks about my kids, takes time to answer my questions, and I have complete confidence in his knowledge and capability as a surgeon. The office staff at Newvue is wonderful as well. The front desk staff greet me by name when I walk in, even though I'm not there very often. I also enjoy the nice coffee machine and comfortable waiting area!

It has been almost a year since my surgery, and I will be going in for my last post op visit next month. I am completely satisfied with my new nose, both inside and out. While my allergies haven't gone away, it's an amazing feeling to be able to breathe through my nose again. I am sleeping better than I ever have, and I couldn't be happier with the outside appearance as well!

I would highly recommend Dr. Ridgway, and the staff at Newvue Plastic Surgery!