Worth it!

I’ve read through all the RealSelf reviews for Dr. Hamilton – Like 10 times!
Like many black women, I’m private. I’m only writing because quite frankly, I don’t know why he doesn’t have more reviews. I have a business and really wish that all my satisfied customers would post some good reviews to help other customers make a better decision.
I’ve had a few consultations with this doctor. I’m very confident that this is the best person to do my surgery. I’ve had other surgeries before and doctors were so quick to get you on the operating table, they don’t do the basics. Not Dr. Hamilton, Although, it was annoying, I had to undergo a bunch of other tests and get clearance from my primary care. But all is clear now and I’m scheduled for actual surgery. I’m getting a revision rhinoplasty.
What I want was mainly a reduction and some refinement – think Rihanna/Kelly Rowland look. My first rhinoplasty went fine and that was over 5 years ago. At this point, I want to go smaller. I have no regrets, it’s better to be conservative then to be too aggressive with these things. That’s another reason I choose this doctor. Nobody looks overly made-up – just natural. And there are some things you can’t come back from!

Consultations:
He’s nice, talks a lot, seems off topic mostly, but I think he’s trying to make a point with examples. I couldn’t follow half the time. Lots of random things. But he takes the time to answer all your questions. Anyway, he’s very nice, cool, extremely intelligent and he knows the human face and what’s it’s SUPPOSED to look like. He pointed out things about my nose that I didn't even realize and WHY I was uncomfortable with certain angles. You get a feeling that he is confident, really likes what he does, and has an appreciation for the black female – which like another poster stated is important for the job at hand!

Office Staff:
Indifferent would be the best word I can use to describe. Noelia takes a while to return phone calls and emails. I had to push my anxiety aside. Another complaint was one office staff I spoke to Cris who told me she could read the complicated records I had to go to 3 specialists to get and interpret, finally a SPECIALIST with over 30 years’ experience was able to interpret it accurately. However, this woman who works in the office with god-knows what kind of experience told me she could read it and to send it to her. Wow! That was so unprofessional but not entirely Dr. Hamilton’s fault, this woman should not be allowed to talk to patients and not be allowed to overinflate her abilities. I was very annoyed!
I ignored her and waited to speak to Noelia who I was originally corresponding to – who said she would forward the records to Dr. Hamilton.

Financing:
They don’t take care credit, they do Prosper, which rejected my application the first time – could be weird reasons why, but my credit is almost perfect, the office person I spoke even said that others have had similar issues. Second time I tried, I lucked out and got the entire amount I asked for with NO INTREST, if I could pay off within 6 months. So you better believe I’m saving to pay this off ASAP.

Care:
I did hire a nurse to drive me to and from and stay with me for 24 hours. I was thinking about a recovery center but truthfully, I’m more comfortable in my own home.

Surgery:
Hasn’t happened yet, but it’s scheduled and I’ll keep you posted.

I've been writing this along the way, on a word file because I've been having a hard time logging in.

2 days before surgery
I went in for a final consultation and to go over what would be done. I wanted to make sure Dr. Hamilton and I were on the same page. So far, yes, we were.
On a side note, one thing anyone looking for a surgeon should consider is the possibility of nasal collapse. This is another reason why I chose Dr. Hamilton because he’s not just some cosmetic surgeon, any MD or DO can claim to be a surgeon and promise to do whatever you want. Dr. Hamilton is Certified in Reconstructive, and Plastic surgery, and he is also an ear, NOSE, and throat specialist. His work should be esthetically matching to your face but also give you longevity. If you’re born looking like Gabourey Sidible, he will not give you the nose of Taylor Swift, it doesn’t work that way. And if a surgeon tells you he/she can do this, RUN, not walk way as fast as you can!
Dr. Hamilton and I went over a checklist of 5 things to occur:
1- Fixing a slight nasal collapse that did occur from last surgery
2- Narrowing the bridge
3- Narrowing the base
4- Refining the tip
5- Fixing a dorsal hump

Day of Surgery
I caught an Uber and I felt good going in, Vanessa was the sweetest nurse who helped set me up. Even though I was told not to eat or drink the night before, they still needed a urine sample, well that took a while since I already went twice that morning. Anyway, after a few minutes I went and was ready to be put under. Right as I got the IV I got nervous and started to question why I wanted this in the first place. I also wanted to say stop. James the Anesthesiologist told me to pick a happy place he’s going to send me, I was too nervous to respond, then I was gone.

A few hours later I woke up in pain and I started to question out loud this time why I did this. I was given some morphine to help. I started telling everyone how kind they were… ugh, I was really out of it.
Vanessa helped me get dressed and to the bathroom. She said I should go since they gave me a lot of fluid. I was put on a wheelchair. I found my hair in a high ponytail. I was later told that they washed and exfoliated my skin before surgery… (what?! – that’s too funny! LOL!)
Dr. Hamilton came and to go over the check list with me again. and my privately hired caretaker came and got me.

We went back to my place where I just steadily took the meds as prescribed.
I got a text to check up on me. We said everything was fine. The caretaker (Valerie) chopped up my food, made sure I ate and kept hydrated, also reminded me to use the bathroom.

The drugs, somewhat eased the pain, I was feeling more like a level 3-4 level of pain out of a possible 10. Unfortunately, I think the meds kept me up most of the night. Oh, and I vomited.

Next day,
I went back to Dr. Hamilton to petition for something to help me sleep and something extra for nausea. Got home and rested. Found a very nice handwritten note from Dr. Hamilton saying that the surgery went well! :)
My face was sooooo swollen and I could not open my eyes at all. They were black, bruised and swollen. Just miserable, miserable. Mouth breathing is the worst, you fall asleep for a little and your mouth and lips are dry as the Sahara. Keep lots of water and moisturizer near by!

Next day
Pain, pain, pain, sleep. Unfortunately, my neighbors were very loud. Still very swollen area around eyes and could barely open my eyes. My caretaker left because we both felt that I was doing fine.

Next day
Better, started to wean myself off pain meds. Swelling has finally gone down some. I ordered something called Arnica I read about in the post-op instructions. Thank God for delivery services! I also put some frozen peas and chopped carrots I two small ziplock bags to place over my eyes and swollen areas trying to avoid the nose.

Next day
No pain meds today. But my teeth hurt and my mouth and gums are swollen as so is the area around my eyes. However, the swelling around my eyes has gone down considerably which now I am able to check email and write this review.

I get my bandages off tomorrow and will see what the result looks like.

Hope this helps someone!

Day of cast removal
Honestly, I was so miserable for having the cast on, I was just dying to get it taken off.
I’ll spare you guys the painful details of all that had to be done.. Yes, it was painful.
When I got the mirror I was surprised to see how different my nose looked. The first thought in my head was “different”. Then I thought it was cute.. Certainly not my old nose which was “distinguished”.
Later on when I got home, my face and nose felt and looked swollen like a balloon. Especially under my eyes. I started to regret my decision. I didn’t want to cry so that my face wouldn’t swell up more.

Next few days
I was hoping that what I was seeing was just swelling. I felt that my nose looked like a pig’s nose. Before I had a longer bridge, now it looks shorter. I don’t think he shortened the bridge but it looks that way. I don’t know. It is a cute nose though. I think I just have to get use to it. It certainly is different. Unfortunately, I still had stitches on my nose and I had to go to work.
Under my eyes were dark and speculation started going around that I might be in an abusive relationship. My teeth and face hurt.

Went to see Dr. Hamilton for rest of stitches removal
He said most of my swelling was gone. I was thinking – how could this be?? He also said to have patience and within the next few days I’ll see a lot of swelling reduction. He also said stay away from the mirror and cameras. But how can I?
Unfortunately, I had to leave the Dr.’s office with tape on the side of my nose. There are very dark circles around my eyes. I’m going to see if I can call out sick tomorrow.

I will try to wait a few weeks before making a final decision. I think I’ll be happy with it as soon as I get used to it.