over a year later

I have hated my nose and have been so insecure about it since I was in 5th grade. I have always felt self-conscious about turning to the side because I hated my profile view especially. Even when I drive I get insecure about it! So I've been thinking about having a rhinoplasty since I was 16 years old and I'm 24 now. I finally graduated college and have a job so I decided in July 2011 to schedule a procedure for November 29, 2011.

The day of surgery I was terrified! My parents have supported me so much and made me feel relaxed the whole ride there. If it wasn't for them I might have had a panic attack. I had so many fears and worries going through my mind but I am so glad I got it over with because if I didn't do this I would have always wanted it and wondered how it would have been.

Right now I am 4-days post op and I got to be honest it has been difficult. It's not the worst pain but it is SO uncomfortable!! And I unfortunately bruised really bad so I have two terrible black eyes and my cheeks and basically my whole face swelled up so I kinda look like a little chipmunk. I had really bad nausea the 2nd day at night and was very sick. I threw up 3 times and was afraid I disrupted my stitches in my nose but the nurse told me I was fine. Some people seem like their experience is a lot easier than mine but I am making it through day by day. The whole process of healing is gradual so I am trying to be patient. My dad told me I am starting to look more and more like me because the swelling is settling down so I am happy! I feel back to my old self today, just still bruised, congested and slightly swollen in the cheeks. I get my cast off on Tuesday and I am thrilled BUT I don't want to get too excited because I know my nose will still be extremely swollen and it will be a few weeks before I see some real progress.

Before I got this surgery, friends and some family told me I was crazy and made me feel like a bad person for doing this. All I have to say is you have to make your own decisions in the end. You will never be 100% sure if you are right or wrong before surgery because it's a nerve-racking experience and you are freaked out about a million things. Just do your research and really look into different surgeons before you make a decision. I only met with one surgeon but did a lot of online research before I picked him. He specialized in rhinoplasty and was a facial plastic surgeon. I haven't seen the results yet and I hope and pray they are great but I have faith in this doctor so I'm staying optimistic while I wait. Also, talk to people who have gone through this and get an idea of what to expect.Updated on 6 Dec 2011:OK today was cast removal!!! I prepared myself for the worst because I understand how common it is for most people to not be satisfied upon seeing their nose for the first time because of swelling. My nose is very swollen which is expected. I am not in love yet BUT I see the overall shape and am very satisfied with that. I am eager to see the changes my nose will undergo in the coming weeks/months. So far, I have no regrets. For the first time in my life, I like my profile, even with all the swelling.Updated on 6 Dec 2011:List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer othersUpdated on 13 Dec 2011:It's been two weeks and the swelling has gone down sooo much!! I love my nose and this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.I have had sooo many compliments and support which has made this whole experience even more awesome. Can't wait to see the changes that will continue to take place :) SO HAPPY!Updated on 22 Dec 2011:Today marks 3 weeks post surgery! It's getting better each week BUT I can tell it is still very swollen. Since my surgery was open, healing time will be prolonged so I am going to continue to patient. But I am healing and each day that goes by I am getting closer to the final result :)