26 Yr Old, Rhinoplasty, Gotta Take the Plunge - Los Angeles, CA

I've wanted a rhinoplasty since I graduated high school. But as life goes, so did my money. Being a college student beginning her career is pretty tough but I want to get my nose reshaped badly. I think that I would feel more confident and in turn I will exude confidence in my day to day interactions in my career.

Nonetheless, I am afraid. Not only of possible repercussions. Something can go wrong during surgery or my breathing can be affected? I've read some reviews of individuals who stated their breathing is not the same.

Also, I am cautious about people's perception of me. I don't want my family and friends to think I'm "booji" or shallow. Any advice will do.

First things first, this physician's beside manner is phenomenal. He entered the room carrying a number of items -as any MD does- placed them onto the counter alongside me, pulled up a chair, looked me in the eyes and said, "So, what are we doing here?" Sadly, I haven't had a physician's undivided attention like this since I was a child. He asked me what changes I was looking for, if I had any reservations about surgery and what were my financial means to achieve my goals. He gained my trust in a matter of seconds.

Upon reviewing my nose from outside and within, he began voicing his recommendations. I have a deviated septum which I never realized I had until he plugged one nostril, pulled the opposite cheek to the side and asked me to breathe... I BREATHED. It was almost paralyzing for me, I had never noticed how congested I am. Occasionally, I have noticed a bit of a wheeze but I suppose I'm so busy that I've never really dedicated more than a thought to it. I do have a routine of going to a clinic and have decongestants prescribed during Finals because I need as much sleep as possible before the end of the semester.

Anyhow, back to the consult. He suggested keeping the projection of my nose while shaving down the bump on the bridge of my nose. One of my reservations regarded the length of my face, I have a long face and I asked if it would look longer by reshaping my nose. He said, no-uh, we're keeping the projection of your nose. So he continued, he will tighten my nostrils in a bit so that they don't look, "so angry" ---his words, not mine. (I love that he can have a sense of humor and lighten the situation for the patient because I was so nervous). He will give my profile a 95 degree angle while reducing my bulbous tip. Yes, please!

He made one last recommendation that I was not expecting, he asked if I had a little extra fat "somewhere" (my entire family is skinny as a stick) so he asked to see my stomach. He tugged on the little pouch alongside my belly button that most women have and suggested extracting some fat from each side to place on my cheekbones. If you can see my pictures, I don't really have any cheekbones. I have a 'puffy' cheek when I am all smiles, like, cheek to cheek smiling. He stated it would make my facial features more ... well appealing. I am very hesitant about this because I am afraid of looking completely different after surgery. I do not, I repeat, I do not want to look like an entirely different woman. But, the idea of having some cheekbones is quite, comforting. I've always been defined by my nose which deterred me from being in pictures, videos, anything where I can look back at and be reminded yet again of my oversized nose. I spoke to my partner about it and she was not pleased with the idea one bit. But, I told her it is my face, my decision and if I choose to proceed then I will do just that. She seemed to take a step back at that point and reassured me she's on board with my rhinoplasty but anything beyond that is "too much". I have been giving it a lot of thought but not too much because the thought of having my surgery soon gets me all excited and riled up, I have school and work to focus on.

Nonetheless, I have had a skip or two in my walk since Wednesday. Laters' fellow realselfers.

Isabel

I received the best call today from Dr. G. Everything has gone through the insurance, they approved it! I can't believe they did, I am so excited and grateful to his office. They've made this entire process such hassle-free. I will have an out of pocket expense but it will be much lower than the original quote. My pre-op appointment is scheduled for the early days of December. I haven't yet decided about the fat transfer. I will discuss this in much more detail during my pre-op appointment. Until then, all I can do is wait...

January 4, 2016!