Went Through With Surgery - Los Angeles, CA
I had my surgery on 6/15.
I had my surgery on 6/15. I had met three times with Dr. H before surgery. I was looking to have ABR, my bridge defined and the tip of my nose reduced. I thought I was in good hands from the beginning but I grew increasingly nervous as surgery date approached. White coats and needles send chills down my spine lol
I also became confused about the results I wanted to achieve. I was anxious about being on the same page with my doctor as to minimize the need for a revision surgery down the road. Dr. H was very patient through it all.
This review has been edited at the request of the consumer, Ebony2015, on 6/17/15.
Ebony2015's provider
Before And After Simulation
I showed Dr H these bef/after pictures as a guideline for decrease in size of the nose. I stressed out I wanted the bridge to be more defined and the tip less bulbous than shown in the after.
Replies (7)
I will tell you it has taken a full year for all the swelling to go down. You will be beautiful!
Surgery Day
Don't be silly, keep your hairstyle simple and light for surgery. I did not do this and I felt like I was fighting gravity the whole time. Tried hard not to fall off the chair into a back dive posing for the Columella shot ;-)
I was then led to the pre op room. Was completely caught off guard to see not just Dr. H but two other male doctors (?) in scrubs. They looked like they were ready for some type of intervention. Auntie Flo kicked in right there. I am such a wimp lol
Since I had managed to squeeze in half of my bathroom toiletries inside my shoulder bag, I was prepared for the worst.
The nurse gave me a gown. Said it opens in the back and I will need to hold it close when I come out of the toilet. Okayyyy...
Coming back into pre op was the hardest thing I have ever done. Luckily the ninjas had temporarily retreated when I walked out the door :8
The anesthesiologist T** gave me something to relax and I passed out shortly after.
I recall waking up to someone feeding me some liquid. I was having a hard time communicating with people around me. I thought they brought my sis in to speak with me at some point but she said she never went beyond the waiting area.
My throat was very dry. I felt like i had tequila flowing through my veins. I was told that I spent 1h and half in recovery. Wut?!
I felt no pain at all on Day 1. Minor pressure inside my nostrils on Day 2. Swollen face and lips, lesions on tongue and inside my mouth. My lips were very, very dry.
My upper teeth hurt and are abnormally sensitive still. I can't open my mouth wide enough to see all my teeth. But I can feel they have shifted upward. Brushing teeth feels awkward.
I did not have a follow up appointment on the day after surgery I suspect because of the amount of time I spent in recovery. I was glad I did not have to go back so soon. But that also meant I would have to continue breathing through my mouth until the cast comes off. It is annoying at times. My teeth are sensitive to air. Luckily the pain medication gives instant relief.
Cast will be off on Friday.
Can't come soon enough! :-)
Replies (13)
Thanks for starting your story on RealSelf! Here are some pre- and post-op tips for you. Loving your story so far!
:-)