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Closed Rhinoplasty for Bulbous Tip with Thick Skin by Dr. Palma (Milan, IT)

Two years after the surgery, I’m writing this review with two purposes. One, to give well-deserved recognition to Professor Palma and his team. Two, to offer a reference point for anyone considering this procedure.

My surgery was a closed rhinoseptoplasty to reduce the tip of my nose (with thick skin). I want to share my experience honestly and thoroughly, adding as many details as I can remember and deem necessary.

From the moment I decided I would undergo this surgery to the moment I booked my first consultation, seven years passed. That time passed for practical reasons, but also because I had not yet found a surgeon who convinced me enough to schedule a consultation - which in itself is not only an emotional commitment but also a financial one (especially if travel is involved). The only thing I knew for sure was that I was looking for someone who could give me natural results that would suit my physiology. Most of the surgeons I had come across in my research (1) had a "style" they applied indiscriminately to patients (e.g., the Barbie nose typical of many Turkish or Hollywood surgeons), (2) charged exorbitant prices (e.g., renowned surgeons in the U.S.), and/or (3) had some negative reviews which, though in the minority, were concerning enough for me to rule them out.

One day, during my research, I came across Professor Palma. I don’t even remember how, but I remember that I was looking for someone in Europe who was both a plastic surgeon and an ENT specialist (form and function in two, instead of four, hands - as I had often read in other experiences). I visited his website and read his philosophy, which reassured me, as it clearly articulated what had until then been my vague needs and desires (I had a rough idea of what I was looking for, but I didn’t feel I could explain it precisely). This impression was further supported by the image gallery on his website, showing before and after photos of some of his patients. Of course, my research didn’t stop there: I read every review I could find on Google, Estheticon, and RealSelf. I even read some of the academic papers the Professor had published. Honestly, for a moment it all seemed “too good to be true,” but it was convincing enough to push me to book a consultation. After all, I was starting from a good impression, but I wasn’t committing to anything yet: the in-person interaction would clarify everything.

During the consultation, the Professor was very clear, kind, and attentive. He asked me to explain what I wanted and what aspects of the surgery were most important to me (what didn’t I like? what did I like?), examined me, and took the photos that would later be used for a potential simulation. He then explained his vision for the surgery, integrating my desires with technical considerations. Finally, I was informed of the practicalities and invited to take my time deciding whether I wanted to proceed to the next step in the process - namely, the price estimate and simulations.

Personally, I had no doubts at that point, so I chose to entrust myself to the Professor. He prepared the simulations and shared them with me, explaining everything in great detail via video call. The surgery was scheduled for about nine months after the first consultation. In the meantime, I experienced the utmost availability and professionalism from Laura, the Professor’s assistant. One thing I particularly appreciated was the Professor’s willingness to do a video call one week before the surgery, when, since so much time had passed since we had discussed the simulations, I began to have doubts about whether what we had planned was truly what I wanted. (Again, Laura was excellent in coordinating everything and accommodating me so close to the surgery date.) During the call, I asked the Professor if we could slightly modify the surgical plan, but he advised against it, giving me precise and sensible reasons and reassuring me about the expected outcome (without giving guarantees, as of course, certainty is not possible). Honestly, all of this reassured me, and from that moment on I had no more anxiety or concerns. That sense of security and calm accompanied me on the day of the surgery as well, when the Professor came by to go over the surgical plan one last time and to reassure me that everything was ready.

The surgery lasted about 2 hours (I don’t remember exactly). In any case, everything went smoothly. The Professor was also very kind to call my mother, who was at the clinic with me, as soon as possible to reassure her that the surgery had gone well before I was brought to my room.

Throughout the postoperative period, I was in direct contact with the Professor via WhatsApp (even though Laura was always available), and he was very responsive and helpful in answering my questions. During the week following the surgery, I followed the instructions and didn’t experience any major discomfort: I didn’t have particularly noticeable bruising (but in my case, the bone wasn’t touched - so this varies), nor did I have complications. Of course, I experienced some difficulty eating and sleeping because I couldn’t open my mouth much or breathe through my nose, but that was all normal and I had been prepared for it by both my own research and the Professor. About a week later, I returned to the clinic to have the cast removed and see the initial result, which I already loved (and which only kept improving).

Today, two years have passed. My nose is fully healed, and I can happily and sincerely express my satisfaction and gratitude. My face has gained a new harmony and elegance in a subtle yet significant way - almost invisible to others, who often don’t notice the details of our face with the same attention we do (none of the people who didn’t know about the surgery noticed anything).

On a personal note, I think the Professor is an extremely sensitive, patient, thorough, empathetic, and caring person - qualities that complement his professional excellence and contribute greatly to his success. As I’ve read from others who have entrusted themselves to him, I too felt treated as the human being that I am, rather than as a number - something I see happening all too often in the medical field.

I owe all of this to the Professor and his entire team, composed of extremely serious and competent individuals. I share the sentiment expressed by other patients when I say that, if I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything about my choices or this experience.

Elena

Provider Review

Facial Plastic Surgeon
Clinica del Viso - Piazza della Repubblica, 21, Milan,
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