Surgery to Correct Deviated Septum + Minor Cosmetic Enhancements

I waited about 10 months to complete my review to allow enough time for a complete assessment of my procedure(s). I had long suffered from an inability to breathe comfortably (or at all) through my nose. The inability to breathe through my nose increasingly created issues with my ability to sleep through the night. Due to the blockages in my nose I frequently woke up to drink water due to a dry mouth, and I suffered from particularly loud snoring.

I was not convinced I wanted to undergo the pain, cost and inconvenience of surgery, but immediately upon consulting with Dr. Chu I was at ease and convinced of the benefits of moving forward with the surgery. Dr. Chu could not have been more professional and reassuring. I was particularly impressed with the way she presented options, but made no efforts to pressure me in one particular direction. She clearly presented all information, answered any and all questions, but allowed me to make the ultimate decisions based upon my own comfort level and preferences.

In the end, I opted to have my deviated septum corrected with surgery, and during the surgery also underwent a nasal valve stenosis and correction to a nasal turbinate hypertrophy. I also opted to have minor cosmetic work to remove a bump in my nose and make my nose more in line with the features on my face.

I felt entirely prepared for the surgery and the challenges associated with the post-surgery healing process. Everyone at Georgetown MedStar was professional and competent, and I had complete trust in everyone I engaged with during the process, in particular Dr. Chu.

The surgery itself was smooth with no surprises and no pain. Post-surgery healing was actually somewhat easier than I had been prepped to expect. It was more uncomfortable than painful, but within a week that discomfort mostly subsided. I was fully prepared in advance by Dr. Chu for any of the discomfort and how to best manage any post-surgery discomfort and pain.

I immediately noticed a difference in my ability to breathe -- in fact, it was almost shocking. As I had lived my entire life with blocked nasal passages, I did not realize I was supposed to be able to breathe so effortlessly through my nose. I have seen benefits in my ability to sleep without interruption and my ability to breathe during sporting activities. Both have been yielded tremendous physical benefits, far beyond what I anticipated before the surgery.

On the cosmetic side, I underwent very minor corrections to the shape of my nose. I had such complete trust in Dr. Chu and her judgment that I allowed her to decide what she recommended as the best shape for my nose, and I cant thank her enough. The changes were simple and not readily noticeable, yet significant. I can see a significant enhancement in photos, particularly profile photos. None of my friends or colleagues noticed I had work done, yet a curiously significant number of people would comment in the months following the surgery that I "looked great!" -- it was the perfect balance of enhancing my appearance without making it noticeable or artificial in appearance. I couldn't be happier with the results and Dr. Chu's judgment.

Administratively, I was so pleased with everyone I encountered a Georgetown MedStar, in particular Rosie, who helped with many of the administrative details. Rosie was immediately responsive to both phone calls and emails, making the process stress-free and convenient.

Following the surgery there was a small billing issue with the final reimbursement from my insurance company. When I alerted Dr. Chu's office, they immediately took action to make sure my insurance company had all of the necessary information to process the reimbursement. I was particularly impressed by the fact that Dr. Chu took the time to email me directly to reassure me that she was following the case to be sure it was resolved to my satisfaction. Just that small action was indicative of Dr. Chu's commitment to her patients before, during and most importantly, after the surgery. The small billing issue was quickly resolved, but I have no doubt that it could have been a far more complicated and frustrating process had it not been for the diligence of everyone in Dr. Chu's office to be sure it was properly resolved.

I can't think Dr. Chu enough. From the first time I met her, I felt at ease and trusted her guidance and judgement. Now 10 months out from the surgery, I wonder why I ever waited so long to undergo the process. I cant recommend Dr. Chu and Georgetown MedStar enough. Thank you!