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POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS

Just About Chickened out Right Before my Surgery, but Went for It in the End - Chicago, IL

ORIGINAL POST

So yesterday, Dec. 3rd was surgery date. I was...

Jackson21
$5,500

So yesterday, Dec. 3rd was surgery date. I was sick to my stomach scared all day before surgery and my surgery wasn't scheduled until 3 pm that day so that day was hell too. I was contemplating going through with it or not. All I could think about were all the risks, and how they didn't seem to be worth the chance of a great outcome. I knew this surgery could lead me down a very happy road or a very deep depression and embarrassment depending on the results. But then again, if I didn't do it I would always wonder, and probably end up getting it eventually anyway. Also, I couldn't stand the thought of just accepting my nose forever if I hadn't gone through with it. I don't know if all my second guesses and negativity stemmed from my parents or what. They were not excited about my decision, and made sure I knew EVERY possible scary outcome that could occur. They were so worried for me and didn't want me to be making a mistake, I suppose. Also, it didn't help that I got quite a few text messages the day before surgery saying, "You are a beautiful young lady." Or, "you have a beautiful face and everything fits nicely." Those comments just make it harder for some reason. In the end I just hope they don't think I was more beautiful before surgery, that would really hurt my feelings after going through all of this.

Anyway, I did have the surgery, but was contemplating the decision still just before they put the IV's in me. The doctor was able to calm me down, by talking to me about what he wanted to fix and he was displaying confidence and kindness in which I didn't know if I saw in him before. The nurses were also very reassuring that I would be fine and that they do this about 10-12 times/week in this particular surgery center. I just kept thinking, well thats a lot easier said than done, and they have NO idea whether or not I will be fine 2 months ago. Anyway, I was thinking like Negative Nancy. I only thought about the worst case scenarios. Some how, some way I went through with it.

Right now, 7 hours after surgery, I am super glad I did go through with it. I have no idea what my final outcome will be and whether or not I will be so happy or regretful of this decision, but for now I am happy I went with it. One step at a time, right?

As of right now, I can already breathe much better through my nose than I ever could before! I am not experiencing intense pain except for a half hour after surgery, and there isn't any bruising so far. I am dripping onto my "mustache bandage," but not excessively. If recovery can stay like this I will be a very happy camper. The only thing is that my hands and feet are tingling really bad now preventing me from sleeping; a possible side effect from the general anesthesia. I will probably post some pictures tomorrow, and will continue to keep everyone updated.

Jackson21's provider

Anil R. Shah, MD

Anil R. Shah, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 374 Reviews
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Replies (4)

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December 5, 2012
Congratulations on ur nose surgery...which Dr did u choose? I also am lookin forward am doin as much research as I can....but right now I'm saving for another procedure. This is next :) I'm from Chicago also
December 5, 2012
I chose Dr. Anil Shah for my surgery.
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December 5, 2012
I heard he's popular here in Chicago ....r u gonna post pics ?
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December 6, 2012

Yay for being brave and going through with it! I hope you love your results! Please do keep us posted!

UPDATED FROM Jackson21

Okay So today is my third day post-op. The last...

Jackson21
Okay So today is my third day post-op. The last two days were a little rough. I was not in too much pain, just was very weak and kind of sick feeling. Sucks not feeling 100%. However, I have not been in too much discomfort since I still have not taken any prescribed pain pills. I have been taking Tylenol Extra Strength which it over the counter, maybe 3 times so far. Sleeping has been some what difficult since you have to keep your head up about 30 degrees, and my nose is all stuffed up due to the swelling I suppose, so I can't breathe out of it at this time. The past two days I have been depressed actually. I am still not sure whether I made the right decision or not. I don't know if I want a big change, and as far as I can see it looks like it will be a change that I am going to have to like no matter what. There is no reversing this. I woke up in the middle of the night quite a few times freaking out, saying "what did I do to myself." I just get really scared to face people again. I don't want them saying how different I look, or getting sad that I don't look the same, or them telling me I was fine before and why did I do this.

Today, I have felt 100x better than I have in the past two days, so this is good. For the first time I feel like I actually could be happy with the results. I also, have less fear about facing others as of now. I am not the type to get plastic surgery and be so vain, so this whole process has really taken a toll on me and has got me worried about my priorities. Sorry for being so depressing, but this is how I feel and someone else may feel the same after their surgery. Anyway, I am trying to stay positive since I can't tell the results yet. I hope I LOVE it. Yesterday was so nice, my boyfriend and I took our dog on a walk around 9 at night and the cold air felt really good on my face. We also put up a few Christmas lights and garland along our balcony.

I no longer have to wear the "mustache bandage" since I am not bleeding or dripping anything from my nose. My swelling has peaked and is starting to go down quickly. I did not have any bruising, yet anyway. I have not experienced a sore throat like others on here. The swelling can really make you look pretty unattractive, so I can't wait until it fully subsides.

Replies (4)

December 6, 2012
Yes, I will post pics today and write an update, I promise!
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December 6, 2012
Hey lookin great :) u look happy how's the healing process goin
December 7, 2012
I bet you'll be gorgeous with the new nose... can't wait to see it! Good luck with the rest of the healing!
December 7, 2012
Well done for going through with it! I'm sure it will all turn out well
UPDATED FROM Jackson21

Okay, so it is day 4 post op. I still never got...

Jackson21
Okay, so it is day 4 post op. I still never got bruising and at this point I don't think I will which is awesome! Most all the swelling is down, except some in my cheeks. I walked my dog last night and ran into some people. I hate lying, but I was so embarrassed I just told them I broke my nose. Now whether they believed me or not is the question. Oh well.

Anyway, this whole process has been truly taxing and depressing. Everyday I wish I had not gone through with the surgery. I feel embarrassed and weak. I wish I could take it all back. I have not seen the results yet; I get the cast off Tuesday. Maybe in 2 months I may be SO happy and actually glad I did it. I just want to feel normal, quite hiding out, and go on with my life. I guess I am being incredibly impatient, since it is only 4 days since surgery. I just think this whole recovery process is hell. You can't really go anywhere, you look scary, I keep feeling like my nose will collapse or thinking of horror stories. I can't freakin smile. I had a mild allergic reaction to the antibiotic, Clindamycin I was taking(allergic to penicillin as well). I also am concerned the doc went TOO SMALL and that concerns me because I still want to look like me! I should have told him to be conservative with it, but I never did say that. Also, I get anxiety every time I think about facing people who know that I got this as well as friends and family who don't know. I fear people are going to look at me and gasp while putting both hands up to their face saying your nose! I don't think ppl would, but this is what I think about when seeing everyone for the first time. You thought your focus was your nose before, well not like it is now!

I have to try to stay positive, and I mean try REALLY hard. My boyfriend and my cousin give me the best support. They are both so positive about this and try their best to keep my head up. The best thing to do when you start questioning whether you made the right decision or not is to keep your mind off of it. Go walk the dog or play cards or something. Last night was the first night I didn't wake up in a frantic and start stressing out about the crazy decision I made to fix my nose.

Believe it or not, this still could be the best decision I made. I guess I am just so fearful and stressed out of the unknown. Just make sure to consider all of this b4 you go into surgery.

About my Doc, I will rate him once I know the outcome. Surgery took longer than expected so I changed the price. Also, I'll post another pic today after I wash my hair.

Replies (4)

December 7, 2012
Hi there - I am scheduled to have surgery on the 13th and in a very similar boat. My husband doesn't believe in plastic surgery, and thinks I am fine the way I am. I have had similar sentiments echoed from some family. Most everyone else is supportive. I completely feel your concern about 1) people just knowing I chose to have this surgery and 2) feeling really depressed or stupid if the surgery does not go well and I regret altering what was a completely decent nose. Please keep us posted on your thoughts as you heal. From what I can tell the day that the cast is removed is not always indicative of how you end up feeling in the long run (ie a lot of people cry or are freaked out, but end up loving it).
December 7, 2012
Thanks for all the support!
December 8, 2012
Hi, wow, you seem all over the place from your post, and I can honestly say I felt similar to you...maybe not as severely depressed, but I was definitely questioning whether I did the right thing after surgery. However, everytime I had that thought I would look at a picture of my old nose and wonder if it would have been better to live my whole life hating something in the middle of my face, or taking the risk to have it made better...and it was worth it. I am almost a month post op and I'm satisfied with my results so far. At first I wondered if my nose was too small too, but then when the cast was off I thought he didn't make it small ENOUGH lol...your ideas will change, but trust that you were in good hands, he was a professional!
December 8, 2012
Hello, I have also been in your shoes! Well, I guess we all have in the sense of second-guessing major, essentially irreversible choices we have made (surgery or otherwise). I won't say try to relax, cause I know that might not be possible. At least you can express yourself on this site, and know you'll have lots of support and understanding.