POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
My Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty Experience with Dr Epstein... 1 MONTH POST-OP ALREADY!!! - Miami, FL
ORIGINAL POST
I can't believe I actually did it. I've been...
WORTH IT
I can't believe I actually did it. I've been reading reviews on RealSelf for more than a year now, so I think it's time for me to write my own. I'll try to make it interesting enough for you to keep following me ;)
ABOUT ME: I'm in my 20's, and I always had trouble breathing due to a deviated septum. On top of that, I have a huge hump that drops when I smile (Middle-Eastern nose). I don't feel confident taking pictures or looking at someone from my profile because of that. I've always been reluctant to do plastic surgery as I was afraid of looking fake. But after seeing some great, natural-looking results on this site, I decided to go for it!
After researching rhinoplasty doctors online I found Dr. Epstein who has 20+ years of experience and seemed very qualified. I looked at every single nose he did on his website and found most of them very natural-looking. I went for a consultation and I felt he really understood what I wanted. I also saw another surgeon but I wasn't really convinced. I have to say I did hesitate a lot before going with Dr. Epstein because of the price. He is definitely the most expensive rhinoplasty surgeon in Miami, and probably in all Florida. I was really shocked when I received the quote as I was expecting to pay a lot less than what he was asking. Then I thought, "it's your face don't be cheap or you'll regret it" and "you get what you pay for"... So I chose him. I put all my savings in this surgery and all my trust in Dr Epstein!
WHAT I ASKED FOR:
- Fix the septum deviation/breathing issue and even out the nostrils
- Remove the hump and straighten the nose
- Fix the droopiness and refine the tip
I really insisted on getting NATURAL RESULTS, I basically asked for a cute nose that fits my face, looks straight from the profile view, and a bit smaller in the front.
The computer imaging Dr Epstein sent me was perfect and I thought he really understood what I wanted.
I loved how the front view still looks like me, but an improved, refined version of me!
For the profile, he sent me two options: straight or scooped. The scooped version looked too fake in my opinion, and I didn't recognize myself, I kind of looked like a doll! I chose the straight profile but was also afraid it would be "too straight"... but the Dr told me this is what the computer does and it will be better, more natural in real. So we both agreed on the pictures and did all the paperwork.
DAY OF SURGERY: everything went fine, I was very anxious as you can imagine. I didn't like waking up after the anesthesia, I was sick and nauseous for the whole day, I threw up several times at home. I couldn't breathe from my nose, neither could I eat or walk, so I just tried to sleep mouth open.
DAY 2: I woke up feeling better but when I looked in the mirror it seemed I got beat up with a baseball bat. I went for post-op appointment and the Dr told me he did a great job on my nose. I pray he is right!
DAY 3: Feeling almost normal, not nauseous or too tired, but looking like a hamster: SUPER SWOLLEN! I can barely open my eyes. I look funny and scary at the same time. Still can't breathe through my nose.
DAY 4: I have more energy and the blue of my face is starting to turn into a yellow color. Still looks like I have blue/purple eye shadow on. The swelling is now focused on my cheeks, I look like a cute chipmunk!
DAY 5: Finished my pain killers today. I don't think I need them anymore I feel fine. My nose is still packed, I can't wait until I can breathe better. My bruises are now completely yellow, it's a good sign.
DAY 6: Today the nurse removed the tape located under my nostrils. This is a small step in the healing process, I can see a bit more of my new nose. I also can breathe a little better. I noticed that my nostrils are uneven. Hopefully this is just due to the swelling.
DAY 7: Looking better today. The Doctor's assistant called me to check if I was doing all right, he was very nice. Tomorrow is the cast removal and I am very anxious. I'm a bit worried because the tip looks more bulbous than before. But I know there is obviously a lot of swelling at this stage, it is still very early to appreciate the results. I just hope my nose will look cute and refined!
ABOUT ME: I'm in my 20's, and I always had trouble breathing due to a deviated septum. On top of that, I have a huge hump that drops when I smile (Middle-Eastern nose). I don't feel confident taking pictures or looking at someone from my profile because of that. I've always been reluctant to do plastic surgery as I was afraid of looking fake. But after seeing some great, natural-looking results on this site, I decided to go for it!
After researching rhinoplasty doctors online I found Dr. Epstein who has 20+ years of experience and seemed very qualified. I looked at every single nose he did on his website and found most of them very natural-looking. I went for a consultation and I felt he really understood what I wanted. I also saw another surgeon but I wasn't really convinced. I have to say I did hesitate a lot before going with Dr. Epstein because of the price. He is definitely the most expensive rhinoplasty surgeon in Miami, and probably in all Florida. I was really shocked when I received the quote as I was expecting to pay a lot less than what he was asking. Then I thought, "it's your face don't be cheap or you'll regret it" and "you get what you pay for"... So I chose him. I put all my savings in this surgery and all my trust in Dr Epstein!
WHAT I ASKED FOR:
- Fix the septum deviation/breathing issue and even out the nostrils
- Remove the hump and straighten the nose
- Fix the droopiness and refine the tip
I really insisted on getting NATURAL RESULTS, I basically asked for a cute nose that fits my face, looks straight from the profile view, and a bit smaller in the front.
The computer imaging Dr Epstein sent me was perfect and I thought he really understood what I wanted.
I loved how the front view still looks like me, but an improved, refined version of me!
For the profile, he sent me two options: straight or scooped. The scooped version looked too fake in my opinion, and I didn't recognize myself, I kind of looked like a doll! I chose the straight profile but was also afraid it would be "too straight"... but the Dr told me this is what the computer does and it will be better, more natural in real. So we both agreed on the pictures and did all the paperwork.
DAY OF SURGERY: everything went fine, I was very anxious as you can imagine. I didn't like waking up after the anesthesia, I was sick and nauseous for the whole day, I threw up several times at home. I couldn't breathe from my nose, neither could I eat or walk, so I just tried to sleep mouth open.
DAY 2: I woke up feeling better but when I looked in the mirror it seemed I got beat up with a baseball bat. I went for post-op appointment and the Dr told me he did a great job on my nose. I pray he is right!
DAY 3: Feeling almost normal, not nauseous or too tired, but looking like a hamster: SUPER SWOLLEN! I can barely open my eyes. I look funny and scary at the same time. Still can't breathe through my nose.
DAY 4: I have more energy and the blue of my face is starting to turn into a yellow color. Still looks like I have blue/purple eye shadow on. The swelling is now focused on my cheeks, I look like a cute chipmunk!
DAY 5: Finished my pain killers today. I don't think I need them anymore I feel fine. My nose is still packed, I can't wait until I can breathe better. My bruises are now completely yellow, it's a good sign.
DAY 6: Today the nurse removed the tape located under my nostrils. This is a small step in the healing process, I can see a bit more of my new nose. I also can breathe a little better. I noticed that my nostrils are uneven. Hopefully this is just due to the swelling.
DAY 7: Looking better today. The Doctor's assistant called me to check if I was doing all right, he was very nice. Tomorrow is the cast removal and I am very anxious. I'm a bit worried because the tip looks more bulbous than before. But I know there is obviously a lot of swelling at this stage, it is still very early to appreciate the results. I just hope my nose will look cute and refined!
SalmaMiami's provider
UPDATED FROM SalmaMiami
7 days post
1 WEEK POST-OP APPOINTMENT: CAST REMOVAL
Finally! Cast is off! I was sooo nervous when the nurse removed it I thought I was going to faint! For some reasons I was scared I wouldn't recognized miself in the mirror...lol Thank God I still look like myself! The good thing is that the result is very natural, you could never guess I had a nose job. I'm pretty satisfied so far, the profile is definitely straight and it's already a major change. However, my main concern is the tip that is super swollen, and you can really see it on the side (aka three quarter view) on the third picture. My nose looks big and long. Of course I can't judge the results right now it's too early. The nurse put tape on after the cast was removed and said I have to keep it for 2 days. But as I'm supposed to be back to work tomorrow I asked the Dr. if it was ok to remove it tomorrow morning and he said no problem. My understanding is that the tape is just supposed to prevent the swelling but in fact it doesn't change much. Apparently the days following the cast removal is the worst for swelling so I'm a bit worried. I'm very curious to see if my coworkers will notice it or not... Hopefully they won't. I guess now I need a lot of patience, which is hard! :)
Replies (11)
February 12, 2015
Looking good :) Im excited to see it once the swelling goes down !! Did he touch your nostrils ?
February 12, 2015
No they don't :) I was just curious ! You are now on the patience train with the rest of us haha ;)
February 12, 2015
You look amazing! It's still very early but you can definitely see the difference.
February 13, 2015
Thanks! There is a major difference in the profile view the hump is gone, now I'm waiting for the front view to improve...
February 13, 2015
Very nice and natural results. I feel the same way with my 3/4 profile. I love my side profile and like my front. I'm hoping my 3/4 profile looks smaller in a year. We will wait to see :) Good luck at work tomorrow!
February 13, 2015
Thanks a lot ;)
I would love to see your before/after pics, did you remove them from your review?
February 13, 2015
Wow , so natural! I feel like epstein is one of the best surgeons around! He makes u so natural and doesn't mess with your appearance too much. all his patients still look the same in the face, just better looking versions of themselves. I love how he doesn't change front views to where your whole face changes. Most of the time that is not a good thing for most people, they come out looking less attractive. He's seriously the man. Definitely on the top of my list!
February 13, 2015
Omg your nose looks amazing! Beautiful result :) best wishes for great healing!
UPDATED FROM SalmaMiami
8 days post
First day in public with new nose and not feeling great
Today I woke up with a whole different nose. When I removed the tape the front view had changed a lot, and it changed through the day too.
I went back to work and nobody told me anything, some coworkers clearly didn't notice but I noticed few of them staring at me at some point. One friend actually looked at me and said "you look beautiful, something changed on your face but I don't know what" lol... I told her about my surgery and she said the result is very pretty and natural.
But to be honest I don't feel good about my nose today. I don't really recognize myself in the mirror and I feel like my nose is too long and almost pointed, which is the kind of noses I personally don't like at all. I also noticed a bumb was forming that I didn't see yesterday. I'm starting to worry about the final results and almost regret doing it.... I'm a little depressed :(
I went back to work and nobody told me anything, some coworkers clearly didn't notice but I noticed few of them staring at me at some point. One friend actually looked at me and said "you look beautiful, something changed on your face but I don't know what" lol... I told her about my surgery and she said the result is very pretty and natural.
But to be honest I don't feel good about my nose today. I don't really recognize myself in the mirror and I feel like my nose is too long and almost pointed, which is the kind of noses I personally don't like at all. I also noticed a bumb was forming that I didn't see yesterday. I'm starting to worry about the final results and almost regret doing it.... I'm a little depressed :(
Replies (20)
February 14, 2015
In my 4 month post op experience I've had good days and bad ones. Sometimes I love my nose and other times my tip looks too long. Hopefully its swelling. What you are feeling is normal. Don't stress yourself out. We just have to wait a year or so for final results. I read 3 years for final results. Well...only time will tell. I understand what your feeling. This is part of the journey. Hang in there.
February 14, 2015
Thx! Sometimes I feel doctors say the swelling takes a year just so patients don't complain too much and then forget about it... lol
February 14, 2015
I'm sorry to hear you had a bad day. It will take time to feel better. Did you check to see if the bump is just water? When Dr. G removed my cast there was a bump (water from swelling). He then push on it gently to remove the water (i could feel it moving to the tip). Then bam i had the profile i expected to see. Not sure if Dr. E did that/showed you that so I just want to share. Right now I push it down whenever I feel its building up and then i put tape on top. I'm pretty sure thats what you are seeing.
February 14, 2015
Interesting... I'll ask Dr. E on my next visit. I only saw the bump today not right after the cast removal. It is so weird to accept those changes, I don't see myself in the mirror...
February 14, 2015
I understand!! You might not have seen it as he might have pushed it out when he was looking at your nose ? I didn't see it my boyfriend who was sitting next to me saw him push it and I could just feel it. Don't worry too much. Dr. Epstein knows what he is doing and it wasn't there yesterday so it must be swelling :)
February 15, 2015
I'm seeing Dr. E next week so I will ask about it. I hope it can be "pushed back" as you say, I would be disappointed if the bumb is permanent.
February 14, 2015
Sorry you're having a hard time right now. I hope you don't regret it because it seriously looks fabulous! Give yourself time to adjust to the new look. Thank you very much for sharing your journey so far and please keep us updated as your swelling subsides.
February 15, 2015
Thanks Angie! It's too soon for me to say I regret it and hopefully I won't, I think I need to be patient and let my nose heal...
February 14, 2015
U are extremely swollen:-) I can see it in the pics a lot. it's looking great, just be a bit patient. Your nose is going to get swollen all sorts of ways . One day it will be the left. Next day, the right. Other day tip. Haha nose is bipolar after surgery , but that will subside in about a month . It won't be crazy up to a year, the refining takes up to a year. Love your nose, it looks so natural.
February 14, 2015
Oh, and u should tape while you're home and asleep, it helps so much. Keeps the swelling even
February 15, 2015
Thank you so much! The nurse told me it was useless to tape the nose, did you notice a difference when doing it?
February 15, 2015
It's not really useless because it keeps the swelling down at a minimum . Yes, when I got mine years ago, I did, and it helped. Some say it's useless, but others say no. I say it helps:-)
February 15, 2015
By the way, I think most people's side profiles look different on each side to begin with and after surgery stills remains different . It's natural. I think your nose looks great from the pics u posted, from what I can see from them.
March 5, 2015
I got my pictures last week and after looking at them ive shutt out the idea to have the surgery. My fiance and i have been looking at them every day the first day we hated it and decided to wait to cancel the surgery the next morning we looked at them more closely because we were sent 3 options and they honestly looked identical so we kepy going back and forth through them to find what the differences were We chose one we liked best.. But still didnt love it. Chaz wants me to send the doctor an email asking for new photos entirely i just want to pull out i dony see the point in spending all this money to onky have a new nose that i will still not like and have to learn to deal with.. Id rather have this nose ive always had.. My fiance said to do what what i want he supports my choice either way and thinks my nose is beautiful the way it is.. But i think hes insane lol i just dont see how he can say that about my nose.. I just dont want the nose Epstein is saying he can do for me.. What do you think did you love the first ohotos he gave you? if you would like to email me my email is lpack91@gmail.
March 5, 2015
Hey just chiming in quickly before bed - the 2-3 morphs he sent me looked identical as well!! It was so confusing!! I ended up doing the same thing as you analyzing them over and over! I can send you the morphs he made of me if you want. It just didn't feel right for me.
March 5, 2015
But! I'd say I loved the morph overall the first time I saw it and for the month after looking at it. That was pure excitement. When I got my final surgeons opinion on it that's when I changed my mind about it and saw some issues overall which made me cancel.
March 5, 2015
Yeah i wasnt sure if its just this doctor if i shouldnt forget about the surgery entirely and just choose a new doctor i just felt Epstein would do the best job structurally, maybe i shoukd give him a chance and ask for a different shape? I just dont know if this is a normal reaction.. I expected to be so happy and love the results but it just left a horrible feeling in my stomach..
March 5, 2015
When I got my computer imaging from Dr. E, I got 4 options: 2 straight looks and 2 scooped looks. I knew from the beginning I didn't want a scooped nose as it is too much of a difference from my old nose and wouldn't fit my nose and look natural. But between the two straight options I couldn't see a difference to be honest! I do think the Dr. should send some explanation along with the pics because we're not experts. But take your time to look at the pics, and you'll see you will come up with a choice, if you do decide to do it. I think the morph looks amazing and natural but you're the one who make the decision!
March 5, 2015
Go with your instinct. Btw, I did not like my front morphs done bu my surgeon but I went with him because I knew the limitation of the software was distorting my nostrils. What don't you like about your morphs?
Replies (15)