Ethnic Rhinoplasty Journey

I had rhinoplasty in Istanbul with Dr. Bora Ok in October 2020 and today is officially my 1 month Post Op! Whoohoo.
This was my very first cosmetic surgery (and very last I hope :)) and so far, this has been a pleasant one. Over the course of a year I did a lot of extensive research on this procedure and doctors and finally settled on Dr. Bora Ok. I will say what really helped my decision was the reviews I read on here as well as actually messaging with his past patients. I gained so much knowledge just from them like what to take to Turkey, tips for getting around, what the hotel will be like etc. They also gave me so much information on what to expect with Dr B. and his style of surgery as well as questions I should ask when I scheduled my consult with him. 
The video consultation is what sealed the deal for me. I have been told and have read that he is very professional and is extremely knowledgeable about ethnic noses and I can confirm all of that is true after my consultation and trip to Turkey. I had a list of questions for Dr B as well as my wish pics. I had submitted them via email beforehand to his coordinator (Safak) and she did answer them but what I really appreciated is Dr. B. went over each and every questions with me personally in the consult (And I had a LOT of questions). Because of that, I felt absolutely comfortable with the procedure I was gong to have with him. He also went over my wish pictures and explained what was realistic and what could be achieved. By the end of my video chat I knew 100% he was the Doctor for me. 
Travelling international during covid was my next feat as I was afraid the borders would close on my return, or I would get stuck quarantined somewhere or something tragic like that but.. all went well. I made sure I booked a direct flight from Toronto, CAN to Istanbul so that I didn't have to be exposed to more than one airport and more passengers or worry about my suitcase not making it's connection. Once in Istanbul, I turned on my wifi and met up with the driver they sent me. They took me straight to my hotel (Volley Hotel) where I checked in for the evening. The hotel itself was very satisfactory and the daily buffet breakfast they offered was always pleasant. My only con was the single the room they offered after my surgery wasn't really up to my standard. I wanted to feel comfy and just wanted more room for the week I was staying there so I upgraded to their double room. 
The Academic Hospital had very modern private rooms and the nurses were all very nice. It helps if you have google translate on your phone so you can communicate back and forth with them easier. On the day of my surgery, Dr B. came in to meet me. He was very friendly and easy to talk to and I immediately felt relaxed. The first thing he asked for after he greeted me was for my wish pix. We went over them again and he walked me through what he could do for my surgery. I got the sense that he really wanted to achieve my desired looked and he was going to do his very best. 
After my surgery, there was a lot of pressure but that was relieved shortly after the pain killers set in. From there I was in and out of sleep for most of the day. The nurses came in frequently to check up on me and I was given some dinner. Dr. B also came to visit me a couple hours after the surgery and told me that it had gone well. His beside manners are amazing and it's really comforting to know you're not just another surgery to him. He really takes pride in his work and wants to make sure you as his patient are happy.
The rest of my stay in Turkey was good, I made sure I got out everyday and at least walked. It's very affordable there so I got take out for dinner somewhere every evening. It was also very safe and I was relieved that everyone seemed to take the current health precautions seriously. Masks were worn everywhere and people practiced social distancing. I had a couple follow up appointments with Dr B during my week, one (three days after surgery) to take out the stints in my nose and the other (the day before I left) to take off the cast and tape my nose. 
Since being back, I have kept in constant contact with his office and have provided them with follow up pictures as well as any questions I've had over the last month. Safak, (sweetest coordinator ever!) has made a point to connect with me frequently and always responds promptly to my messages. On my last day in Turkey, Dr. Bora stressed that it is very important to keep in contact and provide your follow up pictures and I see that his office takes that very seriously. After all, this an huge investment I've made and I know they want to help me maximize on getting the best results. 
Each week I see improvements and I am happy for those little changes. One thing I love about covid is i'm pretty much isolated at home so no one sees the days when my nose seems extra swollen and I am free to leave the tape on my nose a little longer. I can embrace the up and down days with confidence in my little bubble. I know this healing time is gonna require patience and the key is to remain optimistic! I chose not show my before and after pictures because my line of work does not allow me to but Hunny, his pictures on his Instagram are legit, his website before and afters are legit and the pictures from other Realself Divas on here are a legit demonstration of his great work! He has done a fabulous job on my nose and I can't wait to see true end result!