Revision Rhinoplasty 20yrs in Making.... - Edison, NJ

So after two rounds of antibiotics, my infection has finally resolved! YIPPEE! There is some residual discoloration at the site of the infection (the bridge) but the plan is to see if it fades with time. If not, it maybe some broken blood vessels that can be zapped away at a later time. I wear tinted BB cream anyway so the area is concealed.

My doc says I’m healing well and everything is status quo. The swelling has decreased better than he expected, especially considering I’m “thick skinned.” The need for a kenalog injection will be determined during my next follow up visit 5 weeks from now. I notice some imperfections which I did not mention. I feel it’s still early on so all I can do is take it one day at a time and not fixate on these things that will drive me nuts. What IS driving my nuts is that my nose is always super itchy. I know it’s a sign of healing, but it’s maddening. Instead of scratching I’m constantly using tissues to gently touch the area. I should have bought stock in Kleenex.

I continue to have good and bad nose days. I swear, some days I look like Beaker from Sesame Street and others the definition and minimal swelling impress me. I’m convinced the fluctuation in swelling and nose size is dependent on everything from the weather, my level of activity, sleep and possibly if the stars are in alignment. Strangely enough, I only see the fluctuations in size and imperfections in pictures, never the mirror. Oh mirror mirror on the wall, who has the fastest healing nose of them all!??? I guess I see what I want to see and then BAM, the pictures bring me back to reality lol. As I write this, I just realized that I no longer think I look “off” when looking in the mirror. For better or worse, I guess I've “emotionally” adjusted to my new look that seems so different to me but that others don’t even notice.

Also, I continue to sleep on my 12” bed wedge pillow even though it’s unlikely to be beneficial in the reduction of swelling. But, I figure it can’t hurt so why not?

Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. Some are before and after and others just show all of my crazy nose moods. Be well!

Ok folks, here’s my revision story. Let’s start at the beginning….I had primary when I was 17 yrs old by some fancy schmacy surgeon in NYC. It didn’t go well considering I woke up multiple times during surgery, was overdosed on meds because of repeated attempts to knock me out and then hospitalized. I was left with a thin bridge, polybeak deformity and bulbous tip. Admittedly, I didn’t have a great nose to begin with (and to be honest, it’s been so long I forget what it looked like lol) but the end result was way worse. But, I learned to live with it because there was no way I was ever going under the knife again.

Fast forward to Fall of 2014 when I came across RS while contemplating a different procedure. Up until that moment I never even thought about fixing my nose. The words uttered by my first Doc, “Stop crying, you’re making me nervous,” still rings in my ears. Talk about a poor bedside manner while you’re strapped down on an operating table. That my was my lesson to learn, “If it’s not broke then don’t fix it.” But, thx to this forum I became convinced I could and would have a better experience this time around. So, I consulted with four facial surgeons. My goal was NOT to have another osteotomy (because I can still hear my nose being broken) unless it was absolutely necessary. Hey, you never know what’s wrong with the car until you pop the hood. Of the four consults, two said I needed one and the other two said I didn’t. This is the most confusing hair pulling aspect about rhinoplasty; there are differing variations of training, style and techniques so it’s not as straightforward as many medical procedures. Everyone is an artist but with different brush strokes. Grrrr. On the third consult with my doc I booked the surgery mainly because I was driving myself bonkers with research and knew that whatever happened, it couldn’t possibly be worse than the first time. I certainly rushed this decision. After 20yrs I only spent two months considering my options but I knew I would get it done and preferred to get it over with quickly. I went with Dr. Andrew Miller in Edison, NJ. He made me feel comfortable and he has the level of experience I was looking for.

The surgery went well (meaning I didn’t wake up) and before I knew it I was in recovery. A Gore-tex graft was inserted to build up my bridge, the skin on the tip was thinned and reconstructed using my own cartilage. Around day two I developed the classic signs of rhinoplasty surgery but had the pain meds and frozen peas to get me thru it. The worst part was my sore throat. A dry mouth with difficulty swallowing made for sleepless nights. Biotene and Sucrets were my lifesavers. For you future patients, one of the best items I purchased was a 12” bed wedge pillow (Amazon), which I continue to use. It’s easier than stacking pillows for elevation and super comfortable.

I’m now 16 days post op. Even though I had my “what did I do!?!” moment after the splint was removed, I’d didn’t totally freak out because I saw potential. With time and kenalog injections (needed because I have thick skin) I know there will be an improvement. But, at this moment, I’m happy but not jumping for joy. And I know at this point in time this is to be expected. By itself, it’s a nicely constructed nose, but the design doesn’t compliment my face. The front view is good, less pinching in the tip area. But, from a side angle, I now have a very prominent nose that’s too big and long for my face. Also, because my bridge was built up my eyes appear to be more inset, sort of aardvark-like. When comparing the noses side by side, the new nose is hands down more aesthetically pleasing but it’s just a tad bit big for my face. Also, I’m currently taking antibiotics because the site of the Gore-Tex graft is infected. You can see the reddened areas in some of the pics. So far the treatment is working, fingers crossed!

Anyway, I just wanted to share my story as so many of you have bravely done before me. It was because of you that I got the courage to seek a revision 20 years later. It may not be perfect now but I'm hopeful! Someone wrote that they have good and bad nose days, as it’s always changing/healing. I’m hoping when it all finally settles down it will land on a good day lol. Good luck to the rest of you!!