POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
22 Years Old with a Large Nose in Need of Primary Rhinoplasty - Glendale, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Dear RealSelf Community: I have been a member of...
waitingmywholelifeNovember 25, 2014
$9,500
Dear RealSelf Community:
I have been a member of RealSelf for a while now and I am very excited to be finally sharing my own story with you. I am a female of Middle Eastern descent and I have always been very unhappy with the size of my nose. I believe that a primary rhinoplasty would restore my confidence and give me the well balanced facial structure I have always wished for. Here is a list of the things I don't particularly like about my nose:
- large size (most problematic aspect of my nose)
- hanging columella
- slight dorsal hump
- long and asymmetrical nostrils
- deviated septum
- boxy tip
- slightly wide nasal bridge
I have been searching for the right time and the right surgeon for a long time. Being an undergraduate student has made it quite challenging for me to arrange some time that would be appropriate for my procedure. It is my last year of studies and I think it is a good chance for me to schedule my rhinoplasty in the upcoming summer. My search began with surgeons in my hometown, Toronto, ON. I had my first and only consultation with Dr. Oakley Smith last year. I had read amazing reviews about him and was determined that he would be my surgeon. However, after meeting with him, there was some internal instinct that held me back from booking my surgery with him. My boyfriend who was at the appointment with me thought very highly of Dr. Oakley Smith but I was convinced that he was not the right surgeon. Dr. Oakley has had many happy patients but based on his suggestions, I believe that he will not be able to make the changes I would like. I realize that a perfect nose can't be created through rhinoplasty and I have reasonable expectations but I would like my nose to be as close to the ideal perception that I have.
Here is a list of what Dr. Oakley had suggested to me:
1. Remove hump. (95% of the time this degree of change occurs.)
2. De-project tip by 4mm. (90%)
3. Decrease overall size of the nose. (90%)
4. Soften crease on tip so it is no longer boxy looking. (80%)
5. Raise the flesh at the bottom of the nose slightly. (95%)
6. Rotate tip upwards slightly. (90%)
7. Have a significant but natural look.
I accidentally came across Dr. Grigoryants' (Glendale, CA, US) photos on RealSelf and was amazed by his work. In my opinion, he creates the perfect nose! He seems very talented in what he does and he has many pictures to prove it. I have had email conversations with him and he has suggested the following:
" I would suggest removing the bump, shortening the nose, narrowing the bones, refining the tip.
I may need to shorten your nostrils as well I will open your airways at the same time if necessary."
Dr. Grigoryant focuses on closed rhinoplasty. I have a slightly deviated septum and require tip reshaping. Can these complications be corrected through closed rhinoplasty? I agree with everything he has mentioned and at this point the only hesitation I have is the need to travel overseas for surgery. Do any of you have any experiences with going abroad for rhinoplasty? What are some of the complications? Is it worth the risk?
I have attached some photos. Please feel free to comment and give suggestions.
I will be posting again in the upcoming months. I look forward to reading your comments.
Cheers,
waitingmywholelife
I have been a member of RealSelf for a while now and I am very excited to be finally sharing my own story with you. I am a female of Middle Eastern descent and I have always been very unhappy with the size of my nose. I believe that a primary rhinoplasty would restore my confidence and give me the well balanced facial structure I have always wished for. Here is a list of the things I don't particularly like about my nose:
- large size (most problematic aspect of my nose)
- hanging columella
- slight dorsal hump
- long and asymmetrical nostrils
- deviated septum
- boxy tip
- slightly wide nasal bridge
I have been searching for the right time and the right surgeon for a long time. Being an undergraduate student has made it quite challenging for me to arrange some time that would be appropriate for my procedure. It is my last year of studies and I think it is a good chance for me to schedule my rhinoplasty in the upcoming summer. My search began with surgeons in my hometown, Toronto, ON. I had my first and only consultation with Dr. Oakley Smith last year. I had read amazing reviews about him and was determined that he would be my surgeon. However, after meeting with him, there was some internal instinct that held me back from booking my surgery with him. My boyfriend who was at the appointment with me thought very highly of Dr. Oakley Smith but I was convinced that he was not the right surgeon. Dr. Oakley has had many happy patients but based on his suggestions, I believe that he will not be able to make the changes I would like. I realize that a perfect nose can't be created through rhinoplasty and I have reasonable expectations but I would like my nose to be as close to the ideal perception that I have.
Here is a list of what Dr. Oakley had suggested to me:
1. Remove hump. (95% of the time this degree of change occurs.)
2. De-project tip by 4mm. (90%)
3. Decrease overall size of the nose. (90%)
4. Soften crease on tip so it is no longer boxy looking. (80%)
5. Raise the flesh at the bottom of the nose slightly. (95%)
6. Rotate tip upwards slightly. (90%)
7. Have a significant but natural look.
I accidentally came across Dr. Grigoryants' (Glendale, CA, US) photos on RealSelf and was amazed by his work. In my opinion, he creates the perfect nose! He seems very talented in what he does and he has many pictures to prove it. I have had email conversations with him and he has suggested the following:
" I would suggest removing the bump, shortening the nose, narrowing the bones, refining the tip.
I may need to shorten your nostrils as well I will open your airways at the same time if necessary."
Dr. Grigoryant focuses on closed rhinoplasty. I have a slightly deviated septum and require tip reshaping. Can these complications be corrected through closed rhinoplasty? I agree with everything he has mentioned and at this point the only hesitation I have is the need to travel overseas for surgery. Do any of you have any experiences with going abroad for rhinoplasty? What are some of the complications? Is it worth the risk?
I have attached some photos. Please feel free to comment and give suggestions.
I will be posting again in the upcoming months. I look forward to reading your comments.
Cheers,
waitingmywholelife
waitingmywholelife's provider
UPDATED FROM waitingmywholelife
6 months pre
Other doctors in LA...?
waitingmywholelifeNovember 28, 2014
Hello Everyone,
I am considering other doctors in LA now. I have come across Dr. Ghavami. He seems to have positive reviews and his website is filled with before and after photos. I have communicated with his receptionist over email - he has a $250 Skype consultation fee. I don't know if it is worth the time and money to consult with him before making my decision. Does anyone know about any unsuccessful stories of Dr. Ghavami?
I am hesitant to book a procedure with Dr. Grigoryants before having the opportunity to meet with him over Skype or in person. Is it a bad idea to book a surgery before meeting with your surgeon in person?
Thanks again for all your support!
waitingmywholelife
I am considering other doctors in LA now. I have come across Dr. Ghavami. He seems to have positive reviews and his website is filled with before and after photos. I have communicated with his receptionist over email - he has a $250 Skype consultation fee. I don't know if it is worth the time and money to consult with him before making my decision. Does anyone know about any unsuccessful stories of Dr. Ghavami?
I am hesitant to book a procedure with Dr. Grigoryants before having the opportunity to meet with him over Skype or in person. Is it a bad idea to book a surgery before meeting with your surgeon in person?
Thanks again for all your support!
waitingmywholelife
Replies (3)
November 28, 2014
It rings alarms bells to me never ever get surgery without meeting the surgeon.
November 28, 2014
Contrary to televisions version of quick and easy cosmetic surgery; I've learned through experience and research that nose surgery is rarely quick or easy. By all means, do see your PS in person before booking a surgery.
I am currently searching for a PS to do what I hope will be my final revision. From my past experience, I've learned:
1. Research, research, research. Learn as much as you can about the procedure, the healing process and emotional/psychological impact
2. Always meet with your PS in person before booking surgery (if possible). I've had a couple of Skype and email/photo consultation with drs; then followed up with an in-person meeting. Both times the Dr's assessment of what could/should be done to improvement my nose changed after seeing me in person.
3. Don't pick a PS based on fees. After multiple surgeries on my nose, I can personally attest that it is wise to go with the surgeon who not only can demonstrate good results but one who has experience addressing the results that you want to achieve and has work with patience with your skin type (thicker skin can be more challenging). Wait and save if you find a dr that meets your needs but you can't immediately afford it. You won't regret it.
4. Remember that we all heal at different rates. It took almost 18 months to see the final results from my first surgery. But it only took 6 months for my good friend to heal even though we had the same type of work done on our noses!
5. Be proactive in deciding what you want done. If a dr suggests a change that you don't want or like, don't be shy about disagreeing with him/her. It could be that what you desire can be done but s/he doesn't think it will suit you.
6. Prepare your mind and body for before and after surgery. Follow the Dr's orders precisely even if you think you are up to bending the rules a bit... don't.
Good luck and blessings to you in your search for the right surgeon. I'm sure you will make a good choice and have good results. Keep us posted.
December 2, 2014
Blessedmore2014 has given you great advice. I would meet with your surgeon before deciding for sure if he/she is the one to perform your septorhinoplasty!! It's hard to tell completely from pictures or skype. The surgeons I emailed didn't even mention my deviated septum, they just described it as a slight nostril assymetry and said they would do it closed. Then when consulting with 2 surgeons in person they told me I had a deviated septum that would be best corrected with an open procedure, then mentioned way more to me than those I connected with online or over the phone (with pictures). Also, my surgeon was an ENT specialist along with facial plastic surgeon which was important to me because breathing is such an important factor. Looking great is one thing but having limited nasal airways is another. Can't wait to read more about your journey :)
UPDATED FROM waitingmywholelife
5 months pre
medical insurance for overseas procedures?
waitingmywholelifeDecember 16, 2014
Hi Everyone,
I am wondering if I will need to purchase additional medical insurance when going overseas to get my procedure? I have OHIP (government-run health insurance plan) in Canada but I am not sure if any emergency/unexpected complications as a result of a medical procedure (hopefully won't be the case! but you never know...) will be covered. Has anyone gotten anything similar or thought about this? Any advice or suggestions would be very helpful.
Also, has anyone had an online consultation with Dr. Grigoryants? I would like that before booking.
Thanks,
waitingmywholelife
I am wondering if I will need to purchase additional medical insurance when going overseas to get my procedure? I have OHIP (government-run health insurance plan) in Canada but I am not sure if any emergency/unexpected complications as a result of a medical procedure (hopefully won't be the case! but you never know...) will be covered. Has anyone gotten anything similar or thought about this? Any advice or suggestions would be very helpful.
Also, has anyone had an online consultation with Dr. Grigoryants? I would like that before booking.
Thanks,
waitingmywholelife
Replies (4)
January 15, 2015
Have you found the insurance btw?
January 21, 2015
I purchased a travel medical insurance from RBC. If there is an emergency then it should cover the expenses. Crossing my fingers that nothing like that is going to happen though.
Replies (23)
I'm so glad you started your story here on RealSelf! Here's what some doctors say about closed versus open rhinoplasty. Please keep us updated on what you decide to do!