Subtle Rhinoplasty - Beverly Hills, CA

I've always wanted a change in my nose. Since I was in Jr High School I've been conscious about my nose, how it looks to others, and how it looks in photos. Every six months, I'll research rhinoplasty and desire it, only to shame myself for wanting the change or getting too scared of the unknown or risks. I'll typically bargain with myself by treating myself to a new piece of art or another form of self care and repress the nose thoughts for about 4-6 months.

Recently, my close friend asked me to take her to her surgery. I had taken a friend years ago, but her doctor was rude and even tried to get my friend to date him. She was 30 and he was around 70. That left a bad taste in my mouth. But this time, I consulted fairly after my friends surgery and when she got her cast off. I felt more informed, and most of all I took a new step towards the surgery by actually consulting.

I have consulted with three doctors. All three were good, but I'm going with Dr. Kotler. Dr. Kotler had a very attentive staff and spent a good deal of time with me. I feel like he understood what I wanted and made additional suggestions very cautiously. I set my date for March 8, in one week. I'll have my pre-op tomorrow. I'm very nervous- but I'm not going to get more info that I don't have about the surgery and the thought about my nose have been present for 20 years.

I had often struggled with the idea of getting rhinoplasty. I am very body excepting, so I felt like it was conflicting to get plastic surgery and not except myself for what I was. Regardless of this, a couple times a year I would get extremely concerned about my nose. I would research surgeons, rhinoplasty, and reach out to people who had gotten it. I felt jealousy when others told me they were going to get rhinoplasty. Instead of consulting with the doctor, I would bargain with myself. I would buy myself something nice or do something related to acceptance. That didn't stop my thoughts about my nose and a few months later I would go through the same cycle.

A few months ago, a close friend had gotten rhinoplasty and asked me to care for her. One of my biggest concerns was how I would handle the surgical procedure and the couple weeks after in which I would be swollen, in pain, and looking at a face that was different than what I was used to. I was scared about the permanency and the risk of human error and possible miscommunication with the doctor. After my friend surgery, I spoke with her doctor and technically had my first consultation.

I watched her go through some slight discomfort but ultimately saw that it was something that could be manageable. At that point I decided to consult with a few other doctors including Dr. Kotler.

At our consultation, he was warm, caring, and informative. I did my own research on him, and that combined with what he told me in the office sold me on his experience, capability, and my comfort with him as a person. Obviously he is very experienced. He has published books, had academic success, is an educator, and specializes in rhinoplasty. But, he's also very nice!

I booked my appointment for only a couple weeks out from the consultation because he happen to have an opening. I was very nervous leading up to the surgery, but his office staff was accommodating and empathetic. I even spoke to the doctor several times on the phone prior to the surgery and mostly to neutralize my fears and make sure that we were on the same page with what I was trying to achieve with the surgery.

To work on my anxiety, I spoke with about 20 people who would have the surgery, look at people's experiences on both Instagram and this website, and stayed in communication with the doctor. These things are very helpful to normalize when I was going to go through.

I had a close friend who had had rhinoplasty take me to my appointment for the surgery. I was given a valiumwhen I had arrived which helped my anxiety when I was there. Both the doctor and anesthesiologist or empathetic and kind. I only remember going into the operating room and laying down, and I remember waking up a day later. I was uncomfortable but not necessarily in pain. There was a lot of pressure but I knew I was going to be laying around for a couple weeks. I only took painkillers for two days.

Dr. Kotler Used his kotler airways that he invented alon with packing for the first 5 days. I was able to breathe perfectly fine with no issues. The packing and airways removal was not painful at all. It was slightly uncomfortable, but no pain. I can't imagine not being able to breathe for the first week after surgery. I followed all the instructions and generally had a great experience. But I also had the expectations that I was going to be uncomfortable and not leaving the house for a while.

I looked at real self and Instagram to normalize both my swelling and bruising. It was helpful to see what other people look like 7 days after surgery so I didn't expect to look perfect. Honestly, I looked like an absolute freak. That's normal, and I had to tell myself that. I started feeling really good about 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. Now it's been two months, and I feel totally fine! Everything has returned to normal except the very tip of my nose which still feels hard and is probably slightly swollen. I'm very happy with my choice. People tell me I look better, younger, and more attractive. These are all bonus features as the only thing I really wanted was a straight knows. And I got that.