POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
So happy, Dr. L gave me the nose I'd always envisioned
ORIGINAL POST
So Happy, Dr. L Gave Me the Nose I'd Always Envisioned
kbw42October 12, 2018
WORTH IT
I've wanted to get a rhinoplasty done for 12+ years! I just never thought I'd actually follow through with it until I gradually (over the past couple years) started having trouble breathing at night. It got to a point where I was so exhausted trying to fall asleep and then when I'd wake up in the feeling so foggy and it'd last throughout the day.
--- Research ---
Somehow I came across the RealSelf site around the same time as I started having trouble breathing and it helped me build up the courage to take the next steps for myself and find a surgeon to meet with. I did a ton of research for doctors up and down the i-5 corridor and I found Dr. Lichtenberger. I saw a couple of his before and afters on his website and was really drawn to the results of two people who I felt had a relatively similar case to mine. They both had prominent curves to their noses and he was able to construct a straight nose for both of them and the results looked amazing.
I did a little more research and watched a video of presentation he gave where he described his goals for rhinoplasties in general: natural, conservative results where the nose blends right into the face. I was sold and scheduled a consultation right away!
--- Consultation ---
I'm so glad I followed through with the consultation because not only was Dr. Lichtenberger super nice and helpful, but Katy and his entire staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable opening up about what bothered me about my nose and the struggles I'd started to experience with my breathing. I also felt super validated after telling Dr. L about what I saw and then having him go over what I had said and point out the ways in which he'd help me to achieve the overall goal of both straightening out my nose and helping me breathe better. Apparently, I had a deviated septum that was definitely obstructing my airways so hearing that helped solidify my decision to move forward with the next steps. In that same consultation he explained to me the differences between a septoplasty and rhinoplasty and also showed me some examples of his work as he talked through the approaches he took. He even walked through the two people I saw on his website that I had come across on my own and it gave me the confidence that he could help me too.
--- Surgery ---
I booked the surgery with Dr. L and patiently waited for the two months to pass before my surgery date. I created YouTube playlists of people who had went through this surgery and also saved some reviews here on RealSelf to better prepare myself for post-op care. When my surgery date came, the only thing I was nervous about was going under anesthesia but otherwise I was totally confident in Dr. L and his team. My pre-op care was amazing! I met with the nurse who prepped me and had me change and then wrapped me in warm blankets. Then, I met with Dr. L who caught up with me about how I was feeling, answered any questions and then drew some markings on my nose. Lastly, I got to meet with the anesthesiologist who asked me a few more questions before the nurse came in to help me over to the operation room. Everyone was super nice and put me at ease and then just like that I was waking up in the post-op room with another nurse. She kept me company and was super attentive. My husband came back to the room too and she explained post-op care and then Dr. L came back too and helped answer additional questions and check in on me before I was off to recover at home.
--- Recovery ---
Recovery wasn't too bad for me and I attribute that to Dr. L's skill and approach. He had sent me home with surgical tape, gauze, nasal moisturizing spray and afrin nasal spray as well as prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicine (which I picked up days before my surgery). He also sent me home with directions for post-op care which was helpful. I'll detail my recovery in a separate post but by the time it came for the cast to come off (about a week later) I was so ready to see my new nose.
--- Cast Removal ---
I think the worst part of the removal was the numbing spray they gave me. It went right through my nose and down my throat and tasted terrible! But that was honestly the worst part for me. Katy and Dr. L were gentle and walked through each part with me getting me prepared for when the cast came off, when the stents were coming out and cleaning out the gunk and mucous. I can't fully describe how wonderful it was to breathe again after that past week of recovery. But also, how wonderful it was to breathe after having a deviated septum for my whole life!!! To this day my breathing is still greatly improved even after Dr. L warned me that my nose on the inside might swell a bit now that the stents are removed.
Dr. L then cleaned the outside of my nose before the big reveal! I cried a tad when I saw what he was able to do! My nose was slightly swollen but so straight and beautiful! He gave me the nose I'd always envisioned and I couldn't believe how perfect the results were.
--- One Month Post-op ---
I'm a couple days past my one month post op and I am still in awe of the results and the fact that I actually did this for me! I can't recommend Dr. Lichtenberger enough and am so happy with the results that I've had no problem sharing with co-workers and even extended family. I feel so much more confident with myself and truly do not waste time thinking about my nose and worrying about how it looks like I had done before surgery.
My nose is still slightly swollen but that's to be expected and will continue to change overtime. Also, having improved breathing has been amazing!!! I have not struggled to fall asleep at all post-op and wake up feeling so much better than before surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Licthenberger and can't wait for my 3 month check-in!
--- Research ---
Somehow I came across the RealSelf site around the same time as I started having trouble breathing and it helped me build up the courage to take the next steps for myself and find a surgeon to meet with. I did a ton of research for doctors up and down the i-5 corridor and I found Dr. Lichtenberger. I saw a couple of his before and afters on his website and was really drawn to the results of two people who I felt had a relatively similar case to mine. They both had prominent curves to their noses and he was able to construct a straight nose for both of them and the results looked amazing.
I did a little more research and watched a video of presentation he gave where he described his goals for rhinoplasties in general: natural, conservative results where the nose blends right into the face. I was sold and scheduled a consultation right away!
--- Consultation ---
I'm so glad I followed through with the consultation because not only was Dr. Lichtenberger super nice and helpful, but Katy and his entire staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable opening up about what bothered me about my nose and the struggles I'd started to experience with my breathing. I also felt super validated after telling Dr. L about what I saw and then having him go over what I had said and point out the ways in which he'd help me to achieve the overall goal of both straightening out my nose and helping me breathe better. Apparently, I had a deviated septum that was definitely obstructing my airways so hearing that helped solidify my decision to move forward with the next steps. In that same consultation he explained to me the differences between a septoplasty and rhinoplasty and also showed me some examples of his work as he talked through the approaches he took. He even walked through the two people I saw on his website that I had come across on my own and it gave me the confidence that he could help me too.
--- Surgery ---
I booked the surgery with Dr. L and patiently waited for the two months to pass before my surgery date. I created YouTube playlists of people who had went through this surgery and also saved some reviews here on RealSelf to better prepare myself for post-op care. When my surgery date came, the only thing I was nervous about was going under anesthesia but otherwise I was totally confident in Dr. L and his team. My pre-op care was amazing! I met with the nurse who prepped me and had me change and then wrapped me in warm blankets. Then, I met with Dr. L who caught up with me about how I was feeling, answered any questions and then drew some markings on my nose. Lastly, I got to meet with the anesthesiologist who asked me a few more questions before the nurse came in to help me over to the operation room. Everyone was super nice and put me at ease and then just like that I was waking up in the post-op room with another nurse. She kept me company and was super attentive. My husband came back to the room too and she explained post-op care and then Dr. L came back too and helped answer additional questions and check in on me before I was off to recover at home.
--- Recovery ---
Recovery wasn't too bad for me and I attribute that to Dr. L's skill and approach. He had sent me home with surgical tape, gauze, nasal moisturizing spray and afrin nasal spray as well as prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicine (which I picked up days before my surgery). He also sent me home with directions for post-op care which was helpful. I'll detail my recovery in a separate post but by the time it came for the cast to come off (about a week later) I was so ready to see my new nose.
--- Cast Removal ---
I think the worst part of the removal was the numbing spray they gave me. It went right through my nose and down my throat and tasted terrible! But that was honestly the worst part for me. Katy and Dr. L were gentle and walked through each part with me getting me prepared for when the cast came off, when the stents were coming out and cleaning out the gunk and mucous. I can't fully describe how wonderful it was to breathe again after that past week of recovery. But also, how wonderful it was to breathe after having a deviated septum for my whole life!!! To this day my breathing is still greatly improved even after Dr. L warned me that my nose on the inside might swell a bit now that the stents are removed.
Dr. L then cleaned the outside of my nose before the big reveal! I cried a tad when I saw what he was able to do! My nose was slightly swollen but so straight and beautiful! He gave me the nose I'd always envisioned and I couldn't believe how perfect the results were.
--- One Month Post-op ---
I'm a couple days past my one month post op and I am still in awe of the results and the fact that I actually did this for me! I can't recommend Dr. Lichtenberger enough and am so happy with the results that I've had no problem sharing with co-workers and even extended family. I feel so much more confident with myself and truly do not waste time thinking about my nose and worrying about how it looks like I had done before surgery.
My nose is still slightly swollen but that's to be expected and will continue to change overtime. Also, having improved breathing has been amazing!!! I have not struggled to fall asleep at all post-op and wake up feeling so much better than before surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Licthenberger and can't wait for my 3 month check-in!
kbw42's provider
UPDATED FROM kbw42
2 months post
8 weeks post op
kbw42November 7, 2018
Today marks 8 weeks post op! I'm still amazed at the results when I compare how my nose looks today with how it used to look before. There's definitely some swelling still and the bridge of my nose is sensitive to touch. I make sure to be extra gentle when I do have to touch it when washing my face in the morning and at night. My skin is oily now post op so I'm trying to remedy that by finding a new skin care routine. Otherwise, the healing process is going well and I don't think about my nose at all! In a good way of course. I don't waste energy worrying about how it looks from certain angles and I'm not so insecure anymore. Also, I sleep so much better now because I'm not struggling to breathe through my nose! The incision site is healing well too and is super hard to see it anymore.
Replies (4)
January 18, 2020
Hi your results are amazing, you look great.. Can you tell me did you had outfacturing of your nasal bones and what type of graft he used to built your nose?
January 20, 2020
Hi! Thank you! I had to look up what "outfacturing of your nasal bones" meant but no, my doctor didn't need to break my bones to fix my breathing. I'm pretty sure he did shave the turbinates down a bit to open my airways more. As for the graph, I'm not 100% sure what type of material it was that he used but it wasn't built from my own cartilage. The graph is totally stable though and I still love the results!
January 21, 2020
Yes I think you're right. I believe silicone is what my doctor went with. It's been so long I couldn't remember.
UPDATED FROM kbw42
6 months post
6 months post op (a couple weeks past)
kbw42March 19, 2019
A couple weeks ago marked my 6 months post op. At the 3 months mark I had a check-in appointment and everything went well! I let my doctor know that I was very happy with the results and being able to breathe so much better. I also let him know that sometimes I feel like I see a very slight curve in the left side. But it's still a little early to do anything about it because there was still swelling in my tip and on the right side. If need be once, I get to my 1 year post op there are some options I can do to get it touched up.
Now that I'm 6 months post op I feel like the swelling in the right side of my nose is starting to decrease more each week. I've also been able to blow out my nose no problem and my nose is no longer sensitive to accidental bumping; for example like if my shirt bumps it or when I'm washing my face. I love the way it looks and I can't believe how quickly the months go by. I'm looking forward to my 1 year to see how the graph has settled and how the swelling has disappeared.
Now that I'm 6 months post op I feel like the swelling in the right side of my nose is starting to decrease more each week. I've also been able to blow out my nose no problem and my nose is no longer sensitive to accidental bumping; for example like if my shirt bumps it or when I'm washing my face. I love the way it looks and I can't believe how quickly the months go by. I'm looking forward to my 1 year to see how the graph has settled and how the swelling has disappeared.
Replies (0)