36 Years Old, Septo- Rhinoplasty & Stomach Lipo - Beverly Hills, CA

Five weeks post-op and my nose is healing well. I've attached a before & after comparison and I really like the result thus far. The only issue I've noticed and will chat with Dr. Obeng next week; my sense of smell (and to some extent taste) seems a bit weak. Maybe it's because of quitting smoking as well. But, I've quit smoking before and usually everything smells and tastes better, bolder. Now, smell and taste are below average. From reading this website, it seems like this sometimes happens and will take months for my senses to return to normal...I hope that's the case.

Thanks for the well wishes...I do appreciate them.

It's been almost two weeks and I'm really excited to get the cast off this Friday. The swelling of my face has decreased tremendously; there still swelling around my nostrils and the tip, but that's normal. I haven't had pain since day 5, besides when I wipe my face too hard or my hand brushes against my nose or if I tilt my head in certain directions. My breathing is definitely better and so is my sleep; definitely deeper (REM) sleep. The worst and best part about this is that I haven't had a cigarette since the day before the operation. I still get cravings, but they pass after a few minutes...I'm really happy about that. I used to smoke about a pack per day. Sometimes there are healing crisis happening, where the area around my lungs hurt; but I find other things to do and just keep reminding myself that not smoking will help my nose heal better and faster and I'm more healthy.

If anyone is wondering, as stated throughout this website. If you plan on getting any of these surgeries, you should definitely quit (or take a break from smoking, using tobacco of any kind)...as it will help while you're recovering. I decided to do the surgery within 3 weeks of my consultation, not realizing that I should have quit smoking 6 or more weeks prior. Having to go thru withdrawals of any type during the first couple of days of recovery is almost suicidal. It was dreadful, at one point during the first or second night, I almost ripped the bandages off my face, cause I couldn't bare the withdrawal symptoms and depressing/suicidal thoughts. After a long while...I'm glad I was able to figure out that it was nicotine withdrawal, which was making me feel horrible and not solely post-op recovery. Definitely mental powers...having practiced meditation and of course taking norco, valium and Tylenol helped me through this trying phase.

Last Friday (22 May...day 8), Dr. Obeng changed my cast, as swelling went down drastically and the cast was almost falling off my face on it's own. I also felt like there was no support on my nose. This is of course due to taking arnica, bromelin, my personal addition turmeric capsules and the best of all from the MiKO team: Methylprednisolone dosepak 21's 4mg. I've posted a couple pics without the cast (Day 8, no cast & Day 8a, no cast)...you can see the bridge that was built is amazing, but of course still swollen at the tip and nostrils. Not sure if you can tell, because I have beautiful dark skin...but I did also get the black circles around my eyes. I ordered a whitening cream, which hasn't arrived yet, but I'm hoping will help. I'll post about that later.

I'm still really excited about the results, can't wait to see further progress on Friday and in the coming months.

Thanks again to the MiKO team @ http://mikoplasticsurgery.com/

This has been an amazing experience. Still getting a lot of support from friends and some of my family; of course mom is always going to be upset, even for a ear piercing.

The day of surgery, I wasn't as nervous as I was 2-3 days prior. But, the Staff at MiKO Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA are amazing. They made me feel comfortable, explained again what was going to happen during my stay, what to expect and what should happen post-op, etc. During his walk around, Dr. Obeng checked on me a few times, while also tending to other patients. The Staff kept me entertained throughout; I couldn't ask for anything more.

I've posted a few pics, from leaving the ambulatory care clinic to a few hours ago. You can see the progress. The only issue or physical problem I had was during the first 24-36 hours, where my face was swollen and slight discomfort, from my nostrils being stuffed and I couldn't blow my nose. My eyes were watery as well, and my eyelids were a bit itchy after wiping repeatedly.

I still can't blow my nose, but at least it's not stuffy anymore. Taking each of those pieces from my nostrils were the most uncomfortable feeling anyone can endure. Kinda feels like a piece of your brain is being suctioned out as well. From waking up post-op, until now, I can still feel a bit of pressure from the cast and the bridge that was built. There was a slight explainable feeling in my nose, when feeling returned. I couldn't tell where it was coming from, but it was just there...kind of like seeing something in your peripheral vision, but couldn't focus on it; I still get that feeling every now and then. I think it's just part of the healing process.

Once the first cast was taken off, I was really impressed with the result so far. My nostrils & tip are narrow, symmetrical and the bridge looks amazing...my eyes even look fuller (more open) now...I hope they stay that way. Thanks Dr. Obeng!!!

The Doc said he will take the second cast off in a week, but I think I'll keep it for 10 days, because of my work schedule and of course a few more days of sympathy won't hurt.