POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
Nose Job #2 - a Success! - Beverly Hills, CA
ORIGINAL POST
I had my first rhinoplasty procedure in October of...
kitcat1972June 8, 2013
WORTH IT$10,000
I had my first rhinoplasty procedure in October of 2010, by a very skilled surgeon in Beverly Hills. I'm of Mayan descent and always had a big nose. I can't remember not being self conscious about it since the age of 10. It spread pretty widely across my face when I smiled and of course I had a beak. The rest of my features are pretty delicate but having a big nose detracted from them. When the cast came off after surgery I was delighted with the results. But it lasted only a few hours. My nose swelled up... and never seemed to go back down. I know that your nose is supposed to swell, but this was quite abnormal. My surgeon was understanding and told me to be patient, that it would take time.
I tried to beat it down with Cortisone injections, taping, etc. But nothing worked. I had some medical problems at the time and my whole body was sometimes in a state of inflammation, so I wonder if that was a reason I didn't heal properly. I honestly don't believe it was the surgeon's fault. It was really depressing and in some ways my nose was even bigger that version 1.0 since a bunch of scar tissue developed. But my doctor promised me he would do right by me and fix it for free, so over two years later (I waited as long as possible for it to completely heal) I went in for version 3.0. I really believe in my surgeon and was confidant he would do exactly what I wanted. I had a clear cut idea, and I told him to be much more aggressive.
He removed lots of scar tissue, reset bones, made it look very feminine and reduced the size of my nostrils, which changed my appearance dramatically. Now, to be honest, the first time around was very traumatic. I was expecting it to swell up again at any given moment. I went through the same trials and tribulations and still am), that EVERYONE seems to go through after a rhinoplasty. Patient I am NOT. But I had to learn to be much calmer this time around, much more positive and mentally strong. Reading other peoples' stories helps a ton too. I know that some days there's just going to be a lot more swelling than others, there are good nose days and WTF nose days. I am now going on 5 months post surgery and I still tape, even during the day. I think it helps me psychologically. Whatever I put in my body seems to affect my nose so I really have to watch salt intake, alcohol, stress... not a bad thing to reduce that stuff, right?!? I do still have weeks where I freak out if it swells up, but it's nothing compared to the first time around. I would call it "normal" swelling. But I am really looking forward to the end result. The pictures I posted are before version 1.0, after version 1.0 and just a couple of weeks ago, just around 4 months.
kitcat1972's provider
UPDATED FROM kitcat1972
7 months post
7 Months in...
kitcat1972August 19, 2013
I had my six month post-op several weeks ago and everything looks good. I am happy with the progression of the shape of my nose. The tip has finally dropped and it's not looking pointed up anymore and my nostrils are mostly symmetrical. There is still some swelling and I imagine it will slowly go down over the next several months. I will say I went to an allergist to get tested for all kinds of allergies and when he looked up my nose he saw allergy related swelling, as opposed to surgical swelling. I did two rounds of kenalog shots (in the hip) and it did help over all. My point is, if you have allergies or anything like that, get a handle on them before surgery because it can affect swelling like it did in my case. I am tempted to head up to LA to get a steroid shot IN the nose. Only Dr. Motykie can do that. It's still a bit more swollen than I would like at this point. I finally stopped wearing tape at six months. Dr. M. told me to "lose the crutches" and he was right. It was due time. I am really happy with the fact that I no longer feel self-conscious of my profile and I don't worry about a beak profile.
I am going to be really honest here. Sometimes I get clogged pores in my nose and before surgery would pick allll the time. It was very hard for me to avoid it at first, but I know from the first surgery, that the slightest irritation will cause swelling. So avoid it! For those of you who pick. Trust me. Even this far out, I started picking and ended up making my nose puff up a bit. Anyways, I meant to post pictures of some front shots. I'll get a few up as soon as I can.
I am going to be really honest here. Sometimes I get clogged pores in my nose and before surgery would pick allll the time. It was very hard for me to avoid it at first, but I know from the first surgery, that the slightest irritation will cause swelling. So avoid it! For those of you who pick. Trust me. Even this far out, I started picking and ended up making my nose puff up a bit. Anyways, I meant to post pictures of some front shots. I'll get a few up as soon as I can.
Replies (1)
August 19, 2013
Nice yo hear all progressing well. Looking foward to see updated picts. Thanks and enjoy ur beautiul nose.
Replies (22)
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and share on RealSelf. You're going to help so many others! You look fabulous and I'm glad to hear you're so happy with your results now.