Incredible Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty Experience

Here is a side by side view showing the nasal tip support when I smile. It doesn't droop and there is a slight upward rotation now :) Again.. subtle, but makes a difference. I will say due to the complexity of my case (on the internal structure and function of my nose), I was not feeling up to hitting the gym 2 days after surgery like some girls claim to be able to, haha. Maybe that's the case when you're just getting a bump shaved down, but because of all the areas where my nose had to be broken and put back together, my recovery definitely has some added layers to it.

I can't say that anything has been terribly painful necessarily, but the first week was uncomfortable. I'm a little over 2 weeks post-op now, and my bruising is 99.9% gone. I attempted an Orange Theory class (at lower intensity) two days ago and I think I might give that another week. It was just nerve wracking and my nose definitely started to get that throbbing feeling at the end of it. Not too bad though. I'd say that at this stage, even though it's only been 2 weeks and I have months to go, I find myself dipping into moments of frustration that I'm not completely back to my normal self yet. They aren't kidding when they say rhinoplasty recovery is a mental patience game. Each day is a new improvement and you have to celebrate those every step of the way!

An exceptional experience from start to finish. Dr. Saigal was so reassuring throughout the entire process, and I was definitely the kind of rhinoplasty case that would probably make most doctors nervous. 

I did not want any drastic cosmetic changes but wanted some subtle refinements, and I feel like in these cases that can be a harder goal to achieve for a person who doesn’t already extremely dislike their nose. I also had a very challenging deviated septum situation and suffered from breathing issues. 

Though I have been thinking about this surgery since I was a teenager, when it came down to actually making the final decision, I was uncharacteristically nervous. In fact, when I went for my in-person consultation, I got all the way to the final step where you book your date and provide payment, and I chickened out and had to leave the office to decompress in my car. I ended up going back into the office about 15 minutes later thinking I was ready to book, and left AGAIN after another round of nerves. The staff was so patient with me, and Dr. Saigal (to help ease my anxiety and get me to a good place) suggested that we meet again in person before I provide any payment. That really left an impression on me because you could tell that swiping my credit card, though an important step, of course, was not their highest priority. He really takes his time to educate you during your consultation, make you feel welcome and taken care of, and he is great about setting realistic expectations while truly listening to what your desires are.

I really enjoyed how thorough his explanation was of the mechanics of the nose and the surgery process as well. My cosmetic adjustments are subtle but still dramatic (I'm not sure how he does it, but he does), and my breathing has improved in a way that is hard to put into words. I kept describing it as feeling like I was being born again, and was a baby taking her first breath ;) Thank you Dr. Saigal and team for making my dreams come true, and for doing it with care, compassion and the utmost patience and precision!!! :) You gave me a gift even better than what I had envisioned for myself and you somehow exceeded my expectations in the most incredible way.

I haven't taken my official "after" photos at his office yet, because I'm still a little bruised (which is rare for most people, don't worry! A gust of wind can bruise me lol), so I will share more soon! Including front facing photos :)