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POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS

- Septoplasty, collapsed nasal valve repair, turbinectomy , and rhinoplasty

ORIGINAL POST

I have never been able to breathe out of my nose.....

Standard lover
WORTH IT$8,000
I have never been able to breathe out of my nose...ever! I have absolutely detested being a "mouth breather" not to mention the problems that accompany it. I have also never ever liked my nose.
I repeatedly complained to my parents throughout my childhood about not being able to adequately breathe through my nose only to be drug to various ENT's who would suggest a septoplasty along with loading me up on nasal sprays and allergy medications that never worked.
So after years of this nonsense plus being extremely self-conscious of my large and unattractive nose, I went for my first consultation in June. The surgeon sent me to have a CT scan to rule out sinus surgery since I sound like I have a bad cold 24/7.
The ball was in motion! So I finally set a date for rhinoplasty, collapsed septum repair, and turbinectomy. Hopefully I will be able to breathe and finally have a pretty nose!
I feel like my nose is not proportionate to my face or body. I'm 5'7 and 116 lbs. My nose belongs on a 300 lb. man not me!
Being a few weeks out, I'm so very nervous and feel unprepared. I have 3 children (7, 4, 2) so I'm always busy! But I feel the time has come for me to quit suffering from breathing issues and an ugly nose!
I'm not one to post pictures and document things like this however I've had such help from viewing other pictures and reviews on here; I want to hopefully assist someone else hoping to undergo the same procedure.
I go for my final apt. before my surgery next week so maybe that will calm my nerves. I'm a very anxious person anyways so I need some calm before this storm!

Standard lover's provider

Mark A. Brzezienski, MS, MD, FACS

Mark A. Brzezienski, MS, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (10)

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October 24, 2014
Thanks for paying it forward and starting your story here on RealSelf! Here's a list of pre- and post-op tips for you! Just a few more weeks.
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October 25, 2014
Good luck in your surgery. Please keep us posted.
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October 28, 2014
Wow we have very similar noses! And I am 5'7" too...although a good 15lbs heavier ;) Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to see your results! I am scheduled for the end of December so my mind is running wild in the meantime. Did he give you a before and after image? I'd love to see what your goal is :)
October 29, 2014
I did go to imaging however my doctor does not give you a copy. I guess to ensure that you don't expect the doctor to give you those exact projected results. Aside from fixing my breathing issues, my surgeon is going to file down my hump, slightly lift my tip creating more feminine nostrils, and get rid of my large boxy tip. I'm extremely unhappy with my tip which he says is "very easy to fix." I guess we will see next Friday!!! I'm excited for you! Best of luck to you!!
February 19, 2015
you look amazing!
February 19, 2015
Thank you! You're too kind!
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March 14, 2015
Wow you look like a very young beautiful women! Your nose looks awesome!
UPDATED FROM Standard lover
9 days pre

Went to my last appointment before my surgery today

Standard lover
I've grown increasingly anxious about my surgery I guess since I'm 10 days away! In fact, I've been experiencing difficulty sleeping and just an overall uneasy feeling.
After meeting with my doctor today, I feel much better. I wanted to make absolutely positive that we were on the same page regarding the cosmetic portion. And yes we are! Whew! I also feel less anxious about the anesthesia part. I just recently became paranoid about not waking up, lung collapse, allergic reaction, etc. In a nut shell...I should never be googling "complications during rhinoplasty!"
I guess it's somewhat normal to be anxious before an elected surgery but I'm hoping I will become more calm as my surgery date approaches.
If anyone has any pre surgery anxiety tips, I would love to hear them!!!

Replies (7)

October 29, 2014
The most important thing to have is help. I hate depending on people to do things so it was difficult for me to ask for help but I really needed it. I have a 9 and 3 year old. Without their fathers and my grandmas help I would of been miserable! Also get a travel u shaped pillow so you can sleep comfy. Its normal to feel nervous. I'm glad its over. The nurses and doctor were all so sweet with me. It made everything feel right. Good luck with yout surgery! :)
October 30, 2014
Thank you! I will have help for one week....hope that's enough! I will get the pillow.
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November 1, 2014
I totally understand! I have two months to go and my feelings go up and down and all over the place all the time! I even had three anxious dreams about it before deciding enough was enough-- we made this decision because it's something we feel is important and meaningful to us. That was a tough decision! Just as tough, initially, is the decision to be positive. Think about it-- we either choose to believe the best, or to worry (i.e. believe the worst). It doesn't feel like a decision to worry, but it really is. You've done your homework in choosing a skilled surgeon, you've told him what you want, you've cultivated a support system, and you're trusting in your physicians and nurses to get you through this safely. That's a lot! Now, you just have to think, "This is going to be GREAT! I'm going to look amazing! I'm going to get through my recovery smoothly!" It sounds hokey but I promise it will make you feel better. When scary thoughts and worries creep in, meet them with positivity. xoxoxoox
November 5, 2014
Very good advice! I still feel unprepared ! Going to try to clean my house top to bottom and purchase all my little necessities beforehand ! Please keep us posted on your surgery!
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November 5, 2014
Hehe...cleaning serves a double purpose. Relieves anxiety now, and after when you're immobilized and NOT staring at the dust bunnies (at least that would be me!) I'm such a control freak. That's why I'm struggling. But soon it will be all over, and you'll be so happy! Come back and talk to us as often as you need we're here for you!
November 6, 2014
can't wait to see your new nose!
November 7, 2014
I hope it turns out well. So nervous!
UPDATED FROM Standard lover
6 days pre

One week to go!

Standard lover
So this time next week, I will have a new nose! I'm excited but nervous! They still have not told me whether or not I need lab work before my surgery (which makes me even more apprehensive.)
Has anyone had the same procedure where they waited to do lab work until the last minute?
Also, I have read to stop drinking alcohol but the nurse acted like it was no big deal unless it's the night before. I'm confused because I read so much on the Internet to stop drinking, start a low sodium diet, etc. So what precautions must I really take?
Any advice is well appreciated !!!!

Replies (4)

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November 1, 2014
I am stopping alcohol a month before my procedure. No one told me to, but my extensive research tells me anything you can do to get your body in a state of readiness is good. I am very sensitive to inflammation, which is why I'm stopping a month before. Also, low salt for a week and high water intake (get a jug and empty it at least once per day), and take vitamin C every day until a week after surgery. Hope that helps! xo
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November 2, 2014
Stop drinking for sure and prepare for surgery by drinking plenty of water, getting good sleeps, and staying super healthy. No vitamin C though. And definitely low stress. You're almost there. You've got this!!
November 5, 2014
I have stopped drinking and my vitamins but I need to drink more water! And calm my nerves!
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November 9, 2014
yeah, they did a pregnancy test and lab work the day before. no sweat.