POSTED UNDER African American Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
FINALLY Having My Nose Done + Vaser Lipo (Arms/Thighs).
ORIGINAL POST
Hey! Long post ahead... So, after nearly 20...
$8,700
Hey!
Long post ahead...
So, after nearly 20 years of being self-conscience about my nose, I am finally having the procedure done. Let me start by saying a few years ago I did a chemical peel on my face which left me with two scars and really bad hyperpigmentation. I did the peel attempting to get rid of my dark marks left over from years of acne. This fundamentally changed my life and left me depressed. I didn't want to see anyone, and I lost friends do to me isolating myself from everyone. My skin has come a long way, but I'm still trying to treat the disastrous effects of the peel. I still haven't decided on wheater to do scar revision for the scar just beneath my nose. I spent 3 months working with a dermatologies to and now I'm doing Fraxel. Once that's completed I will make the decision.
Anyway, once I started treating my skin I decided to work on some other areas that I've been self-conscious about (my nose being at the top of the list). I've always known about Dr. Hardaway. I read an article about her over 12 years ago and I just knew that she would be my doc. I'm really nervous about what's to come but also excited for this change. I've spent almost all of my adult life avoiding photos or taking side angles shots only. I admit, I just think I have a big ugly nose. I love my bridge, but my nostrils and width are unflattering, plus I think my nose is really short. I think longer and more prominent noses look really nice.
I'm hoping for a smaller and longer nose with a strong bridge. While I adore smaller noses, I just don't think my facial features (fat cheeks and big head) would compliment a tiny nose, so I've asked her to be conservative.
I've also decided to get liposuction while I'm having rhinoplasty. I'm only doing my arm flaps and my inner thighs. I didn't want to use lipo to totally reshape my body, but I wanted to treat my trouble areas. I've lost 40 pounds, but those two areas just don't ever change. Even when I was younger and weighed less, my thighs always rubbed together, and my arms were always fat. I think I can continue to lose weight, but I'm concerned that the more weight I lose the more loose skin I will have, so I'm opting for lipo right now.
Long post ahead...
So, after nearly 20 years of being self-conscience about my nose, I am finally having the procedure done. Let me start by saying a few years ago I did a chemical peel on my face which left me with two scars and really bad hyperpigmentation. I did the peel attempting to get rid of my dark marks left over from years of acne. This fundamentally changed my life and left me depressed. I didn't want to see anyone, and I lost friends do to me isolating myself from everyone. My skin has come a long way, but I'm still trying to treat the disastrous effects of the peel. I still haven't decided on wheater to do scar revision for the scar just beneath my nose. I spent 3 months working with a dermatologies to and now I'm doing Fraxel. Once that's completed I will make the decision.
Anyway, once I started treating my skin I decided to work on some other areas that I've been self-conscious about (my nose being at the top of the list). I've always known about Dr. Hardaway. I read an article about her over 12 years ago and I just knew that she would be my doc. I'm really nervous about what's to come but also excited for this change. I've spent almost all of my adult life avoiding photos or taking side angles shots only. I admit, I just think I have a big ugly nose. I love my bridge, but my nostrils and width are unflattering, plus I think my nose is really short. I think longer and more prominent noses look really nice.
I'm hoping for a smaller and longer nose with a strong bridge. While I adore smaller noses, I just don't think my facial features (fat cheeks and big head) would compliment a tiny nose, so I've asked her to be conservative.
I've also decided to get liposuction while I'm having rhinoplasty. I'm only doing my arm flaps and my inner thighs. I didn't want to use lipo to totally reshape my body, but I wanted to treat my trouble areas. I've lost 40 pounds, but those two areas just don't ever change. Even when I was younger and weighed less, my thighs always rubbed together, and my arms were always fat. I think I can continue to lose weight, but I'm concerned that the more weight I lose the more loose skin I will have, so I'm opting for lipo right now.
Happiness Matters's provider
UPDATED FROM Happiness Matters
1 day post
Made it through ok!
Made it through surgery ok and everyone was wonderful. I've never had surgery before, so I was praying just to wake up safely. I arrived at 7:30 AM and was weighed and had to drop pee for a pregnancy test. Afterwards, I went to a room to change out of my clothes and into my gown. The OR nurse was so wonderful and I felt comfortable being undressed while there. Shortly after the anesthetist (Brenda) came in an she got my IV started. She was wonderful and so nice. Every time I've had to take a blood test it's been nearly impossible to find veins in my arms. Brenda gave me some local into my hand while she poked around to find a good vein. Felt nothing at all!
I woke up around 2:30 PM and was ready to go home shortly after. My ride was already there waiting for me. :) They wheeled me through a side door. Felt like I was a celeb hiding from the paps, lol. The worst part was that my mouth was dry and my throat was sore after I woke up. I wish I had brought some halls with me because it was realbad. Unfortunately, I think I've also caught a small cold. I'm so thankful I haven't had to sneeze. Just a sore throat and a little cough, which I'm trying to do very gently and carefully. My nose doesn't hurt at all. Swollen and tender to the touch, which is expected. I like the left nostrils because it looks smaller than the right one. I think maybe just more swelling on the right side. I hope! I know Dr. Hardaway isn't a quack that would leave me with uneven nostrils. She's done a lot of rhinoplasty's. I love the width and I'm hoping I'll have a prominent bridge. Very excited to see how much it shrinks over the next few months.
My arms and legs are naturally bruised from the lipo and they do hurt a bit, but surprisingly I haven't taken any pain medication. They are stiff and sore to the touch, but nothing that warrants Vicodin. I do have a slight tolerance for pain. Walking around a lot helps too.
I woke up around 2:30 PM and was ready to go home shortly after. My ride was already there waiting for me. :) They wheeled me through a side door. Felt like I was a celeb hiding from the paps, lol. The worst part was that my mouth was dry and my throat was sore after I woke up. I wish I had brought some halls with me because it was realbad. Unfortunately, I think I've also caught a small cold. I'm so thankful I haven't had to sneeze. Just a sore throat and a little cough, which I'm trying to do very gently and carefully. My nose doesn't hurt at all. Swollen and tender to the touch, which is expected. I like the left nostrils because it looks smaller than the right one. I think maybe just more swelling on the right side. I hope! I know Dr. Hardaway isn't a quack that would leave me with uneven nostrils. She's done a lot of rhinoplasty's. I love the width and I'm hoping I'll have a prominent bridge. Very excited to see how much it shrinks over the next few months.
My arms and legs are naturally bruised from the lipo and they do hurt a bit, but surprisingly I haven't taken any pain medication. They are stiff and sore to the touch, but nothing that warrants Vicodin. I do have a slight tolerance for pain. Walking around a lot helps too.
Replies (12)
August 30, 2017
Amazing! Congratulations on your surgery! Hope you're still feeling okay and the cough isn't getting the best of you. Will you be posting updates as the cast comes off and swelling subsides? It would be great to see your progress if you don't mind. I'm excited for you! I am getting rhinoplasty in 6 weeks and am worried about scarring on my nostrils. Will you be putting any healing oils on your scars when the stitches are removed?
August 31, 2017
Thank you so much! I saw your post and commented over there too. Please make sure you bring along lozenges or a throat spray with a numbing agent because your throat may be on fire when you wake up from surgery. The breathing tube they put down your throat and extra oxygen really block saliva from coating the back of your throat, which causes excessive dryness. I didn't feel any relief until I was able to chew a "Halls" candy and it didn't really help that much. The numbing spray was better for me. Also, don't forget the heavy duty lip balm!
I will definitely be updating throughout the entire process. I think the community needs our feedback because rhinoplasty in our community is still so controversial.
Even with the cast on, I think it looks great. I held up this cosmetic mirror made by Simple Human and it has 5x magnification. It pretty much picks up every pore and blemish on your face. I noticed the stitches on my nostrils looked individually placed, as opposed to the line you see with alarplasty. I admit I was more worried about having my nostrils cut than my bridge or tip work. I wonder if perhaps the doctor reconnected things on the inside and the outside is more superficial. I barely see a line, which I'm hoping will mean a next to invisible scar in the months to come. I will get all details next week Tuesday when the cast comes.
Also, I did use a combination of Retin-A and Hydroquinone 5 weeks prior to my surgery to prep/prime the areas of my nose that were going to be cut. A skin lightener is often recommended for darker skin shades to prevent PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). I have purchased BioCorneum to use on the incisions. I know one of the PS that does amazing lip lifts on here recommends it to his patients, so I bought a bottle from Amazon.
I will definitely be updating throughout the entire process. I think the community needs our feedback because rhinoplasty in our community is still so controversial.
Even with the cast on, I think it looks great. I held up this cosmetic mirror made by Simple Human and it has 5x magnification. It pretty much picks up every pore and blemish on your face. I noticed the stitches on my nostrils looked individually placed, as opposed to the line you see with alarplasty. I admit I was more worried about having my nostrils cut than my bridge or tip work. I wonder if perhaps the doctor reconnected things on the inside and the outside is more superficial. I barely see a line, which I'm hoping will mean a next to invisible scar in the months to come. I will get all details next week Tuesday when the cast comes.
Also, I did use a combination of Retin-A and Hydroquinone 5 weeks prior to my surgery to prep/prime the areas of my nose that were going to be cut. A skin lightener is often recommended for darker skin shades to prevent PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). I have purchased BioCorneum to use on the incisions. I know one of the PS that does amazing lip lifts on here recommends it to his patients, so I bought a bottle from Amazon.
August 31, 2017
Thanks so much for responding and the helpful tips. I'll stock up on some throat spray for sure! Yeah unnecessarily controversial because they immediately picture Michael and Latoya Jackson lol but I don't care anymore. Haha noo don't look too closely and give yourself a heart attack! My surgeon says he will do dissolvable stitches internally and external sutures will be removed a week later so maybe that's what you got too?
Luckily I've got a product with hydroquinone so I'll start using that again like you did and will buy the biocorneum. How are you finding sleeping with your head elevated?
August 31, 2017
It's so unfortunate that MJ has been the face of cosmetic surgery in our community. MJ didn't just get one nose job (like most people), he had multiple revision surgeries throughout his life. The average person would never end up looking like that -- even if they had a bad doctor. If you take a look at his old slimmer nose when he was much darker, he looked amazing and his nose fit his face perfectly. Pity he didn't stop there!
You may not even need the hydroquinone if you aren't prone to PIH. When I get a cut and it heals, it turns darker than my skin tone and I later have to use a fade cream to lighten the area. One of the things working in your favor is that you are fair skin, plus you have youth on your side, which means your scars will heal lighter and be more unnoticeable. From what you have written about your doc, It sounds like he knows his stuff and it sounds like he might take a conservative approach. If you want a drastic change, like all those cute thin noses you see on IG, you should definitely make him aware. I do think most PS that do ethnic rhinos always try to go conservative unless otherwise requested. I may be wrong, but it seems like you actually want a small nose that more common with mixed race individuals. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't see anything wrong with that. And there isn't anything wrong with not wanting a wide nose. Remember, you're living for YOU and not the opinions of others.
You may not even need the hydroquinone if you aren't prone to PIH. When I get a cut and it heals, it turns darker than my skin tone and I later have to use a fade cream to lighten the area. One of the things working in your favor is that you are fair skin, plus you have youth on your side, which means your scars will heal lighter and be more unnoticeable. From what you have written about your doc, It sounds like he knows his stuff and it sounds like he might take a conservative approach. If you want a drastic change, like all those cute thin noses you see on IG, you should definitely make him aware. I do think most PS that do ethnic rhinos always try to go conservative unless otherwise requested. I may be wrong, but it seems like you actually want a small nose that more common with mixed race individuals. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't see anything wrong with that. And there isn't anything wrong with not wanting a wide nose. Remember, you're living for YOU and not the opinions of others.
August 31, 2017
Sleeping upright has been fine for me The trouble is getting in and out of bed. My thigh and arms are so swollen from the lipo. I purchased an "Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic Support " which is great. It's expensive, but I found it on Groupon for about 50 bucks less. To be honest, the only thing I use is the wedge back support. I didn't find the headrest piece that comfortable, nor do I use the foot rest. I also bought a u-shape memory foam neck pillow on Amazon made by "LANGRIA" for around 13 bucks. The neck pillow allows me to rest my head on the sides while upright and I haven't experienced any stiffness in my neck. You can find tons of cheap wedges online too. They are much more comfortable than stacking pillows.
September 1, 2017
Oh yes I forgot you got those done too. Can I ask about that out of curiosity...when they do liposuction, does that leave behind loose skin because the fat has been removed so there's nothing to "fill out" the skin anymore? Oh great suggestion, I'll look into a back wedge because I'm an aggressive sleeper haha. Luckily I already have a neck pillow or two so I'll use those. I'm dreading not washing my face because I've got problematic skin. I stupidly overdid face masks at home and have burnt the top layer of skin so it's DRY! Peeling very slowly but I'll survive it. I don't want my post op photos being spotty or dry lol. I sound vain, I know but I'll already have a nasty nose, don't want people saying I should have worked on other stuff too lol.
Anyway, hope your having a more comfortable day today x
September 3, 2017
I think it depends on the type of laser the PS uses, your skin elasticity, and weight. I brought up the issue of loose skin to my PS during my consult and she said the Vaser laser has some sort of heating element that's supposed to shrink the skin while removing fat. I have stretch marks on my upper arms and she said this laser would prevent me from getting more after surgery. I actually thought I would need an arm lift because my "bat wings were so bad. Keep in mind, you have to also be proactive with wearing compression garments. 4-6wks/24 hours a day and then another 4-6wks for 12 hours a day.
Right now I have my arms wrapped with bandages. My PS said compression garments on the arms would cause the lower half of my arms and hands to swell. I just remove them before showing and then replace them after. They are easily hidden with a long sleeve oversized [RS bleep].
So sorry to hear about the over exfoliation. As someone who burned her skin a few times with harsh products, I totally understand. Not washing my face hasn't been that bad. I've been using a facial wash cloth made specifically for the face. One side of the cloth gently exfoliates. Don't forget to buy some gentle facial wipes and q-tips for cleaning around your eyes and eyelids. If anyone here says anything nasty about your skin, just report em. You definitely don't need anyone veering off topic while your healing and sharing your experience.
Right now I have my arms wrapped with bandages. My PS said compression garments on the arms would cause the lower half of my arms and hands to swell. I just remove them before showing and then replace them after. They are easily hidden with a long sleeve oversized [RS bleep].
So sorry to hear about the over exfoliation. As someone who burned her skin a few times with harsh products, I totally understand. Not washing my face hasn't been that bad. I've been using a facial wash cloth made specifically for the face. One side of the cloth gently exfoliates. Don't forget to buy some gentle facial wipes and q-tips for cleaning around your eyes and eyelids. If anyone here says anything nasty about your skin, just report em. You definitely don't need anyone veering off topic while your healing and sharing your experience.
September 3, 2017
Hope you get my last comment, it floated to the top. This site needs Disqus! LOL
September 3, 2017
Ha yes I just saw both your comments now, thanks. Wow the liposuction process isn't as straight forward with the healing time. Those compression clothes can't be too comfortable wearing them all day everyday for that many weeks! But beauty is pain! He results will be amazing and worth the hassle. I've also heard of cool sculpting which is a non surgical way of reducing fat but I really should just work out and eat better because that's my major issue...I'm a foodie haha. Do you think you'll be working out to maintain the results after or you're happy with just the results and nothing stressful after?
And thanks so much! I live on YouTube and no matter the content of the uploader, people always have something negative to say so it's nerve wrecking sharing anything online. I even would like to maybe start my own YouTube channel but I'll defo wait till I get my new nose so no one is doing a before and after of me lol.
September 13, 2017
The compression garments haven't been too bad. My arms are wrapped with ace bandages, but I also purchased some compression sleeves what works great. I think cool sculpting takes about 3 months before you see any real results, but to honest, you might as well just exercise. My surgery coordinator said cool sculpting wouldn't have worked for me because my skin wouldn't have retracted, and I wouldn't have lost that much fat in my arms. So, I think cool sculpting is great for small little stubborn areas that exercise won't change. I'll definitely be losing more weight. I'd like to lose at least 35 more pounds. Would be a waste of money if I sit around gaining weight, lol. You should do a YT channel. Lots of Brits doing great things on there.
September 9, 2017
Well done you!! Hope you're recovering nicely x
UPDATED FROM Happiness Matters
14 days post
Quick update
Just wanted to post a quick update with some after photos for my rhino partner Karla who I know is anxious about her own upcoming surgery. :) I will post a write up later this week.
Swelling is crazy!!! My nose seems to change hourly.
Swelling is crazy!!! My nose seems to change hourly.
Replies (20)
September 13, 2017
I will be getting a lip lift and I'm also looking into dr Mascaro. He seems great, just waiting to consult with him. Was he booked until January or was that just the date you chose? I notice you have braces as well. Will you have your liplift with braces in or shortly after you get them removed? If so, did he mention how long post braces would be ideal for the liplift? Your nose looks very nice by the way!
September 13, 2017
Hi Apple!
Thank you! Dr Mascaro is great! I had a Facetime consult with him back in June and he answered all my questions and he seemed very caring. I didn't feel rushed at all and I felt like he was concerned with want I wanted to achieve. He was also very knowledgeable about black skin and the possibility of hyperpigmentation and how we were going to manage it. He informed me that that I would need to wait 5 months after rhinoplasty before doing the lip lift. This will allow a large majority of my swelling to go down and my new nose to settle into place.
My braces will be off in 5-6 months so the timing works out great. I definitely want teeth show! I have a slightly gummy smile, but I plan to have crown lengthening to remove excess gum tissue from around 8 of my teeth. You certainly can have a lip lift with the braces on, but if you have a gummy smile you might want to think carefully about how much skin you'll want to remove. Personally, I want as much as he's willing to take off.
I had a consult with a local doctor and I was measured at 22mm. My local doc said 15mm is common, but 17mm is more the sweet spot. I'd love 15-16...assuming that it's in proportion to my face. I hope that helps!
Thank you! Dr Mascaro is great! I had a Facetime consult with him back in June and he answered all my questions and he seemed very caring. I didn't feel rushed at all and I felt like he was concerned with want I wanted to achieve. He was also very knowledgeable about black skin and the possibility of hyperpigmentation and how we were going to manage it. He informed me that that I would need to wait 5 months after rhinoplasty before doing the lip lift. This will allow a large majority of my swelling to go down and my new nose to settle into place.
My braces will be off in 5-6 months so the timing works out great. I definitely want teeth show! I have a slightly gummy smile, but I plan to have crown lengthening to remove excess gum tissue from around 8 of my teeth. You certainly can have a lip lift with the braces on, but if you have a gummy smile you might want to think carefully about how much skin you'll want to remove. Personally, I want as much as he's willing to take off.
I had a consult with a local doctor and I was measured at 22mm. My local doc said 15mm is common, but 17mm is more the sweet spot. I'd love 15-16...assuming that it's in proportion to my face. I hope that helps!
September 13, 2017
Yes it does. I am going to have a consult with a local doctor and go from there. My orthodontist said I should be having my braces removed before the years end so I hope to have my liplift around that time frame! I just reached 6 months post op for rhinoplasty.
September 13, 2017
Congrats on your 6 month post op! How has recovery been for you? And good idea seeing a local doc first because that way you can get measured and you'll also have a second opinion to compare once you consult with Dr M.
September 13, 2017
I believe it was 4900. It was combined with my thigh lipo fee, but I don't have the exact figure for the lipo at the moment.
September 13, 2017
Recovery has been good! Tip still swollen but I'm seeing lots of definition. I had an implant placed but my tip is now much softer than it was post op.
October 10, 2017
Hi Apple,
Glad to hear your recovery is going well. My doctor used a tiny gortex implant right between the eyes to build up that area. She didn't put anything on my bridge and she said she doesn't use L-shaped implants because of their propensity for infection. At first, I could sort of feel something there, but I guess scar tissue is starting to form and now I hardly feel anything unless I raise my brows and press really hard. I assume this will improve further over time.
Also, did you see a local PS for a lip lift consult yet? I'm considering going for an in-person consult with Dr. M and possible scar revision. I'm hoping he can get the scar out during the lip lift, but he's not certain. I hate to waste all these months when I can just have scar revision in the meantime.
Glad to hear your recovery is going well. My doctor used a tiny gortex implant right between the eyes to build up that area. She didn't put anything on my bridge and she said she doesn't use L-shaped implants because of their propensity for infection. At first, I could sort of feel something there, but I guess scar tissue is starting to form and now I hardly feel anything unless I raise my brows and press really hard. I assume this will improve further over time.
Also, did you see a local PS for a lip lift consult yet? I'm considering going for an in-person consult with Dr. M and possible scar revision. I'm hoping he can get the scar out during the lip lift, but he's not certain. I hate to waste all these months when I can just have scar revision in the meantime.
September 13, 2017
Did you have an implant put in? Your bridge looks great
September 13, 2017
Thank you! Yes, she put a tiny implant in the upper area near my eyes and then narrowed the rest of bridge. She said my original bridge was already quite defined, so I didn't need much build up. I love my bridge too and I can't wait for the swelling to go down on the sides.
September 13, 2017
I'm actually not sure which one she used. I meant to ask during my cast removal, but the visit was a bit overwhelming and I spent a lot of time trying to decide if I wanted her to numb me or not because she had to reset my bone. I go for another visit next week and will find out at that time.
September 13, 2017
Wow Trish what an amazing recovery you're making!! I love it! Gosh if there were any tiny left over doubts in my head, they've gone now. The bridge also looks great. Not overdone. You could have been born with it which is always a plus. Can't believe you're already wearing foundation though. I'd be too scared about how to take it off without roughly wiping the sensitive areas :/ how did it feel getting the stitches removed?
September 14, 2017
I really love her bridge work! I agree that it doesn't look overdone and I think it's very soft and natural -- even with all the swelling. It's so weird actually physically feeling a straight bridge. It's a weird but an amazing sensation being that my former nose felt like potato or something...lol. I hope it stays raised when the swelling subsides, and hopefully, the tip will shrink and soften.
I'm wearing foundation, but nothing on my incisions yet. I'm trying to let those heal naturally and I'm using a gentle cleanser to lightly clean the areas. My PS said next week I can start using my scar cream, albeit the scars aren't raised, just white. I just sort of keep my head tilted downwards when out in public. I also use extra virgin olive oil on a cotton ball to remove the foundation on and around my nose. Stitches weren't too bad, no worse that maybe plucking your brows and that was because of all the dried blood that attached itself to the stitches and nasal hairs. You may want to trim your nose hairs prior to surgery. :)
I'm wearing foundation, but nothing on my incisions yet. I'm trying to let those heal naturally and I'm using a gentle cleanser to lightly clean the areas. My PS said next week I can start using my scar cream, albeit the scars aren't raised, just white. I just sort of keep my head tilted downwards when out in public. I also use extra virgin olive oil on a cotton ball to remove the foundation on and around my nose. Stitches weren't too bad, no worse that maybe plucking your brows and that was because of all the dried blood that attached itself to the stitches and nasal hairs. You may want to trim your nose hairs prior to surgery. :)
September 15, 2017
I'm sure our bridge will stay raised. It'll all just settle down nicely. You're lucky yo can already see results and they're suitable enough for you to walk around in public without looking "post op". Great idea with the olive oil make up remover. I don't want to be stuck with abate face covered in blemishes for weeks. What scar treatment will you use? And yes you better believe I'll be getting my nostrils waxed before surgery!! Lol
September 28, 2017
your results are lookn good so far
Replies (5)