POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty Reviews
Closed Rhinoplasty/I've Been Waiting Years for This!! :) - Huntersville, NC
UPDATED FROM lidibidi
30 days post
One Month Post Op
WORTH IT$4,000
So sorry this has taken a minute to do. I have either been busy at work, or sick with this darn gastrointestinal virus that is going around. I look super pale in the video and for the pics I had to really try hard to smile because my tummy is upset, but I didn't want to wait another week to post a video or picture to show my one month post op results. I still love my nose. I have swelling at times, but I notice that it is mostly when I don't tape my nose at night, or have some alcohol or too much salt. For as much chicken broth as I've been taking in these last few days, I'm surprised my nose is not more swollen. But like I said before, I was prepared for days when it would look swollen or lumpy/bumpy because that is the nature of the beast. I am still very happy with the doctor that I chose, and even more thrilled with the results. Here's to the coming months and my new nose taking shape. :)
UPDATED FROM lidibidi
14 days post
My nose is 2 weeks old
So it's official! My nose is 2 weeks old today!! Bruising is gone. There is still some swelling on the bridge. I have a tiny bump on the bridge, but from what I was reading, that should go down and is due to the swelling and the bones healing. I have two bumps on each side of my bridge, which I googled and YouTubed.. Which I probably should not have lol. I had a closed rhinoplasty with an osteotomy. Umm yeah, don't google that or watch videos before your surgery or after!! Hah. Trust me on that. But you will have to remember to be super extra to your nose after everything. :)
So far, things are great though! My co-workers saw me since yesterday was my first day back to work. They loved my nose and were so impressed with how natural and cute it looks!! Kudos to my surgeon!!
So far, things are great though! My co-workers saw me since yesterday was my first day back to work. They loved my nose and were so impressed with how natural and cute it looks!! Kudos to my surgeon!!
Replies (5)

February 18, 2015
Yes I do has bumps too,, I was disappointed ... And sad ...
Do yo do massage or not for ur nose ...
I don't know I just little scary that doctor didn't make it straight :( .
I am also 2 weeks after nose job
February 18, 2015
Mine is only a few days I'm still bleeding supposed to get cast off tomorrow my eyes are burning really bad. I think I'm starting to regret my decision to get it done. All I want was a good profile now I do know what I have. Upset is an understatement

February 19, 2015
You are so early do not get upset. Read other reviews here. You will be so happy when cast comes off.

February 20, 2015
I do massage my nose gently, and I tape at night to reduce the swelling. It's a process though from everything I've heard and read. So hang in there! We will get to where it needs to be, but it's going to take time. :)
February 18, 2015
Hi, your results look fantastic so far! You must be very pleased, and you are healing beautifully. I am in the Charlotte area and considering Dr. Augenstein for a rhinoplasty - was the price you listed for the full cost of the surgery including anesthesia and hospital costs? Also, was Dr. Augenstein able to show you many photos of rhinoplasty procedures he has done (would really love it if he had extensive experience, though all his results I've been able to view online have been great, including yours!)? Thanks so much if you are able to answer these questions and look forward to following your updates. :)

February 20, 2015
HI!! Sorry for the delay. I didn't get any email messages that there were updates on here and I have been busy at work. Anywho, I LOVE the Hunstad-Kortesis Center and I cannot stop raving about Dr. Augenstein!! The entire staff is just wonderful and they made the process enjoyable and painless (if you can believe it!). Thanks for the compliments. I went in today for my follow-up. He said I'm still swollen, but I kid you not, it's almost near perfection right now. I know with time there will be no swelling and it will be exactly what I dreamed of!
To answer your questions. Yes the price I listed is exactly what I paid. I know.. I couldn't believe it myself! That was the price including the professional fees, anesthesia, and outpatient surgery facility charges!! I had a closed Rhinoplasty and the changes that I was requesting took an hour and a half for the surgery. So based on that they figure out how long you will need to be under anesthesia and how long they will need to use the surgical room. So it may vary based on what needs to be done. Also, I did attend a beauty bash that the HK Center had. There was a 20% discount on the professional fees if I put money down during the beauty bash. And even though I only had an impromptu meeting with Dr. A the day of the beauty bash, I knew he was the doctor for me. He has such a friendly personality, I felt comfortable with him, and everything he mentioned about the changes he wanted to make to my nose were exactly in line with what I envisioned. They also had a young lady who he did a Rhinoplasty on walking around to show in person the results and available to answer questions. She raved about him, and her results looked amazing. I was sold.
He does have plenty of photos of his work. I would suggest using that document that has been passed around on here with the questions to ask the doctor. The one that really helped me was asking to see pictures of patients that had a nose like mine. He had plenty. I also made sure to ask how many procedures he does on a yearly basis. His answers all made me feel comfortable that I choose him as my doctor. I also used an app on my phone to alter my nose to show exactly what I had in mind. I printed it out and gave it to them right before the surgery. When he said to me "this is exactly what I had in mind for you. This is going to be really good" and smiled.. gosh.. my heart was put at ease at that very moment.
Everyone who has seen me in person has told me how natural it looks. They keep telling me my plastic surgeon is amazing. It's true..he did an amazing job! :) Can't stop raving about him. So please.. feel free to ask any other questions that you have! I'll do my best to answer them. :) Hope that helps!
Go see talk to him at least! Let him know Lydia said hello! Also, Alexis and.. gosh.. there were a few there that are sooo helpful. But she was the one that originally set up my payment and scheduling. Enjoy! You won't regret it. I know for me, it was the best decision I ever made.

February 19, 2015
2 weeks.....you look so good. It's amazing how fast you healed. Yes I read not to massage the bumps. It is usually swelling. Keep us updated.

February 21, 2015
Thanks! :) I have heard mixed reviews on the whole massage thing. The majority of doctors say that it is ok.. but to be gentle and to do certain moves only. I also heard a lot of good things about self lymphatic drainage massage to reduce the swelling. I have been doing that at night as well. :) I will definitely keep ya posted! Follow-up today with the doctor and he said "yep.. you are still pretty swollen". That made me feel good at heart. Just part of the process.. patience. :)
February 19, 2015
I think I have a bump on my bridge too and I'm 2 weeks out. My doctor said to wait until my one-month appointment and then he might suggest massage techniques if I'm still swollen. So until then, I am just trying to avoid foods high in sodium and waiting it out - but I'm not that swollen so that's fine with me!

February 21, 2015
hahah .. I feel you girl! Same here.. But I can totally tell it's swelling. You have such a great attitude about it and I'm feeling the same. It's been so nice on here to have buddies that know what the process feels like and that you can share your experience with. So thanks again for sharing yours! It definitely helps me!!
UPDATED FROM lidibidi
10 days post
I'm all better!!!/Product Review
Whew.. that was the worst couple of days ever! But I am feeling much better and I'm back to my old self again!! :) Thanks again for all of the well wishes.
I finally did a video on the product review as promised. Below is a list of the products I reviewed and made sure to pick up prior to surgery:
- Filled medications prior to surgery.
-VitaMedica Bromelain with Quercetin (supplied from my PS. Started 3 days prior to surgery. 2 pills on an empty stomach 3 times per day)
-VitaMedica Arnica Montana 30X HPUS (supplied from my PS. Started day 1 post op. 3 pills sublingual application on an empty stomach 3 times per day)
-Arnicare Gel (amazon purchase. Applied topically to areas of bruising and swelling. Be very careful around eye area though!)
-Medicine Mama's Apothecary Sweet Bee Magic All in One Healing Skin Cream, 2 Ounce (Amazon purchase. Applied at night to my face to moisturize as well as heal any bruising/swelling. I am still using this as well in my nose to keep the inside of my nose moist. I LOVE this stuff!)
-Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser/Humidifier/Aromatherapy Air Purifier Mist with 7 Auto Color Changing and Mist Adjustment Mode (White) - LOVE this thing!! Purchased on Amazon
-TheraBreath Mouth Wetting Lozenges - purchased on Amazon. Besides doing a helluva job when my throat was dry due to breathing through my mouth, these came in handy when I was vomiting as well to settle my tummy. I'm keeping these for later for sure!
-Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray - purchased on Amazon - LOVE this stuff!
-Organic Baby food - purchased at Whole Foods. I liked the Happy Tot Pouches. Lowest in sodium/highest in protein.
-Nasal Saline Spray -purchased at Target.. generic brand.
-I forgot to mention it in the video, but I purchased Micropore hypoallergenic surgical tape. My doctor wasn't big on me needing to tape after cast removal, but at night and when I wear my glasses, I like to tape to keep things safe.
-Ice Packs. I saw another post where the girl used wet sponges and froze them! Genius! Wish I would have thought of that! Shout out to you @jacq264 for that brilliant idea!
-Q-Tips
-Straws
-Water - I drank about a gallon of water a day
-Low sodium diet for a while .. I boiled chicken, ate low sodium tuna fish, fruit and veggies galore, but trying to stay clear of high sodium foods.. except for Tuesday when I balled out and just had tacos and chips and salsa haha. Gotta have a cheat day, right!?
-Love from family and friends helped me stay positive
-Good movies on Netflix, TV, and Redbox kept me entertained
-Magazines and books when I could sit up and read
-Don't overdo it! Take it easy, get lots of rest and enjoy the time off. Stay positive and know that the end results are worth the temporary inconveniences. :)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!
I finally did a video on the product review as promised. Below is a list of the products I reviewed and made sure to pick up prior to surgery:
- Filled medications prior to surgery.
-VitaMedica Bromelain with Quercetin (supplied from my PS. Started 3 days prior to surgery. 2 pills on an empty stomach 3 times per day)
-VitaMedica Arnica Montana 30X HPUS (supplied from my PS. Started day 1 post op. 3 pills sublingual application on an empty stomach 3 times per day)
-Arnicare Gel (amazon purchase. Applied topically to areas of bruising and swelling. Be very careful around eye area though!)
-Medicine Mama's Apothecary Sweet Bee Magic All in One Healing Skin Cream, 2 Ounce (Amazon purchase. Applied at night to my face to moisturize as well as heal any bruising/swelling. I am still using this as well in my nose to keep the inside of my nose moist. I LOVE this stuff!)
-Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser/Humidifier/Aromatherapy Air Purifier Mist with 7 Auto Color Changing and Mist Adjustment Mode (White) - LOVE this thing!! Purchased on Amazon
-TheraBreath Mouth Wetting Lozenges - purchased on Amazon. Besides doing a helluva job when my throat was dry due to breathing through my mouth, these came in handy when I was vomiting as well to settle my tummy. I'm keeping these for later for sure!
-Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray - purchased on Amazon - LOVE this stuff!
-Organic Baby food - purchased at Whole Foods. I liked the Happy Tot Pouches. Lowest in sodium/highest in protein.
-Nasal Saline Spray -purchased at Target.. generic brand.
-I forgot to mention it in the video, but I purchased Micropore hypoallergenic surgical tape. My doctor wasn't big on me needing to tape after cast removal, but at night and when I wear my glasses, I like to tape to keep things safe.
-Ice Packs. I saw another post where the girl used wet sponges and froze them! Genius! Wish I would have thought of that! Shout out to you @jacq264 for that brilliant idea!
-Q-Tips
-Straws
-Water - I drank about a gallon of water a day
-Low sodium diet for a while .. I boiled chicken, ate low sodium tuna fish, fruit and veggies galore, but trying to stay clear of high sodium foods.. except for Tuesday when I balled out and just had tacos and chips and salsa haha. Gotta have a cheat day, right!?
-Love from family and friends helped me stay positive
-Good movies on Netflix, TV, and Redbox kept me entertained
-Magazines and books when I could sit up and read
-Don't overdo it! Take it easy, get lots of rest and enjoy the time off. Stay positive and know that the end results are worth the temporary inconveniences. :)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!
Replies (4)

February 13, 2015
Forgot to add pillows to my list! I picked up a memory foam travel neck pillow and a memory foam pillow to sleep on. They were my saving grace for the first few nights!
February 14, 2015
Thanks this is day of surgery and I'm hella bruised already


February 15, 2015
I don't remember a popping noise, but everyone's recovery is a bit different depending on what they did for your rhinoplasty. I would check with the doctor if you are concerned with anything.
February 16, 2015
Pillows didn't help me as far as travel ones but I have a slew of bed pillows propping me up. Bruises are going away doc said popping sounds are from my middle ear and I'm to ice more.

February 17, 2015
Glad you were in touch with the doctor and I hope the popping sounds get better. Happy healing!

Replies (5)