Glad I Had Rhinoplasty - CA

My nose has always been crooked with one nostril smaller than the other. I had never liked my profile due to the hump on my nose and the long look of my nose. Rhinoplasty wasn't something I 'had' to do but one of those things in life that I have always wondered 'what if.' I'm so glad I took the leap to do this for myself.

I had surgery on 12/14/11. My doctor is an authority on rhinoplasty and has spoken at engagements around the world this year on the crooked nose. It was important to me that the integrity of my nose stay the same so I would still be 'me.' He straightened my nose and took off the hump. Since I wasn't shortening the length, he suggested a chin implant to enhance the overall result so my chin wouldn't look so receding.

The chin implant was not something I planned on and I was hesitant about a silicone implant in my chin. I don't quite like the frontal look so far as there is a lot of swelling through the nose and chin. However, I can really see the difference in my profile, a huge improvement that now I like to look at myself from the side!

Hello all! Posted some new pics. It's 25 days post op and I'm finally starting to feel myself again. The swelling has gone down significantly recently. The bridge of my nose and chin areas still have swelling but it's amazing to see the transformation as it gets progressively better. I am taping my nose every night and it helps a great deal. I miss wearing sunglasses!! But keep my nose protected with big hats and sunscreen. Looking forward to another follow up with the doc tomorrow!

Hi All! The time passes so slow when first recovering that it's hard to think that results will come. Then before you know it, months have passed! I am now 4 1/2 months post op and just took a photo of myself, below. Wow am I amazed at how my nose has taken such great shape. The doctor says there is still swelling that will go down and I won't see it's true result until the one year mark but boy, do I like it now. I haven't visited the site in awhile but it sure was helpful to see from other posts that good things come after a lot of rest, patience and time. It's good to reflect back on what I have been through and how far my nose has come. For any of you out there who just had surgery, if you're going through that awful period of hiding out, sleeping propped up on your back, feeling like a swollen mess and questioning what you have done - Don't! It's worth it, just hang in there!