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Rib Graft Revision Rhinoplasty

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Rib Graft Revision Rhinoplasty

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Nugi
WORTH IT
I had my rib graft rhinoplasty last week. Im actually still recuperating at home but I thought I should drop a line here. I know just like myself many here are looking for info that is current and happening. I dont know how sucessful it all is because time can only tell how my body heals.
I had a nose job more than 30 years ago, I had an accident in the army (back in Israel) and a subsequent revision that destroyed what was left of my nose. To top it all off I had an infection that got treated too late and pretty much left me with not much of a nose. I searched for years for the right doctor. Intereviewed many and walked away. I dont even remember how I found Dr. Davis but I remember calling his office right away seeking an appointment. The lady offered an appointment a year out so I asked if they ever have cancellation and if I can be on standby (I live an hour away from his office), she said yes and two weeks later I was on my way to meet him. I was TERRIFIED. I didnt know what I should expect. When I drove home with pictures of my morph I knew he was the one, that was back in Feb 2016.
It took me two years to get the courage to go with it and still it was an emotional ride. I was affraid of the surgery and affraid of how I would look like after.
My husband and son came with me to do my pre op last Tuesday and we decided to stay in a hotel for the 6am check in the next morning. I didnt sleep all night I was PANICED!
By the time I was lying in my bed at pre op I was beyond paniced, I was crying I was shaking I was sedated and gone....
8 hours later - my husband tried to wake me up and then I heard Dr. Davis trying to wake me up and asking me to take the pain killers prescribed.
Once I was up it was ice around the clock as well as vitals taken hourly. I didnt get much sleep. I was uncomfortable and weak but also proud of myself of going thru with it.
The next morning Dr. Davis came to see me again to release me and he showed me pictures of my nose taken right before splint was put in. COOL!!! My husband was impressed.
We went home for a strict protocol of 24/7 icing and antibiotics. Its grueling and tough but it pays off. I had hardly no swelling nor bruising.
Cast was removed yesterday, no bruising and not much swelling either. Now Im cold clothing the nose for 4-5 hours daily for the next 5 weeks. I just finished my antibiotics protocol and praying to stay clear of infection.
I have to point out that Im weak so I stay home and rest.
Indid prepare my body for this as Im an athlete I worked out hard and pushed my body hard to withstand that type of surgery. Im glad I did!
I know you all wants pictures but honestly my nose is needing to shrink to see results. Im not obssessed I can see the shape and outline. I got a beautiful profile and I actually have a nose.
Dr. Davis is an artist, he is kind and caring and confident in his skills. My husband had more interaction with him then I did and he said he is the best! I know I got the best.

Nugi's provider

Richard E. Davis, MD

Richard E. Davis, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nugi

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Replies (5)

October 25, 2018
October 25, 2018
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October 25, 2018
Rib graft. I went with Dr. Davis because in my opinion he is the best in what he does. I chose him because all he does is noses and revisions. I didnt want a doctor that does tummy tucks boobs and noses. I can only recommend Dr. Davis. I came here to post more about the process rather then the outcome. Each person outcome is different. Each person body heals differently. Im only 8 days past surgery and wanted to share the process. I think it is important people knows what it entails.
October 25, 2018
Good luck dear! I hope you’re happy with the results after cast removal.
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October 25, 2018
Cast was removed two days ago and Im very happy. My nose is swollen but no bruising or swelling outside the nose. Im 49 years old I have a bit of a life behind me and realistic expectations, right now Im happy I survived this ordeal.
October 25, 2018
Dear Nugi, according to your reasoning if the intervention fails is not for the doctor's demerit but only of a bad recovery?
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October 25, 2018
I came here to share my experience and not debate the skeptics. Obviously the nay sayers will always look for blood. My updates and reviews will be on instagram. Im not going to engage in any more negativities.
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October 25, 2018
Dog69 you corresponded with me a while back and said you are going with Dr. Bustillo. So why lurking here? You should be happy and complete with your decision. I read the negatives and positives I based my decision on my own experience. Dr. Davis is fully booked! Most are word of mouth they dont even know about this board.I have seen a few of them this week alone. Listen no Dr. can promise you a perfect results, but the right Dr. will do his best. I chose him for a reason. Every Dr. will have bad reveiws. Unless you saw them face to face you dont really know what happened. You have to make the decision of which Dr. to go to based on your gut feeling! You cant be negative about a Dr. you know nothing about. Its like giving a review on a restaurant you never ate at.
February 26, 2019
Hi there! I hope all is well! What’s your Instagram account ? I’d love to follow ... looking into Davis as well
October 25, 2018
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October 25, 2018
I understood it well and chose not to answer.
October 25, 2018
Hi your nose is stunning! I wish you all the best of healing! I am fron Australia and have a similar story but have not the courage to face another surgery after 26 years...since my primary. I consulted 5 doctors. 1 refused to take my case, 3 say i need rib graft, 2 said i need septal graft...i do not know who to trust....it is a big dilemma....anyway all the best for now in your recovery [RS bleep]
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October 25, 2018
Thank you! I was in the same situation as you. Dr. davis wasnt sure so he told us most likely rib graft but he needed to open up my nose to see. He was hoping I had my septom intact. It wasnt the case. Apparently not only I didnt have a bone I didnt have the side cartiladge either. ☹️ It was a rib graft and he had to take a larger one then anticipated. have you consulted with Dr. Davis? See what he says. It cant hurt.
As for courage, My husband and son supported me fully and pushed me through it. I can tell you once I was sedated game was over
October 26, 2018
UPDATED FROM Nugi
9 days post

10 days post op

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Nugi
So Im 10 days out of surgery. I feel pretty good today. My nose is swollen and my smile, well thats gonna take some time to come back naturally.
I will try to get my husband to take a picture of my nostrils. They are pretty even.
I dont have pain. The nose is sensitive to the touch. The rib area is kind uncomfortable but nothing I cant handle. Have a great weekend everyone.

Replies (5)

October 26, 2018
Ohmygod. I have a feeling you're going to wind up so beautiful.
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October 26, 2018
Ohhh you are so sweet, thank you! I wont lie it does take getting used to actually having a bridge bone. It changes everything the distance between your eyes, symmetry of your face, the profile everything. My nostrils are even and that is a shocker on its own. I got a lot of getting used to with this new nose.
October 26, 2018
I don't want to intrude or tax you but I'd love to hear more about that if you are willing to message me privately. I had a bad primary and the worst part is that I don't think I really wanted a nose job in the first place. I hate having a different face. Now I have to get a revision and get used to another new face and I'm absolutely terrified. I've narrowed my doctor search down to 4 different surgeons. I'm leaning toward Dr. Davis and Enrico Robotti. So I'd love to hear from you when you aren't too tired.
October 28, 2018
Hi Gioa, did you consult with dr Robotti? Who are the other 2 dictors you have shortlisted? I have consulted 5, Ion in London, Palma in Italy, Greensmith in Melbourne, Nettle & Marcell in Sydney. 3 of them said i need rib graft, the other 2 said septum graft. Dr Palma said as i am almost 49 rib is not suitable for reconstruction due to possible calcification after 50 years old. Who do you trust?
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October 28, 2018
Its true, Im almost 49 and Dr. Davis said that my rib started to calsified. No Doctor can tell you for sure if it is a rib graft until tthey open the nose to see what they have to work with. Another point is no Doctor knows for sure the condition of your rib until they open it up.
Dr. Davis was very clear he said he prefers septum graft but most likely it is a rib graft as a lot of “real estate” need to be built up. So what you need to ask yourself is who is best suited to perform your complex surgery? Who can make the right decision for you in the operating room to deliver the best results?
October 28, 2018
Hi Silva! I only emailed with Robotti. I am setting up a Skype consultation with him before a live consultation in Italy. Do you want to PM and share thoughts re: doctors? So far I only met with Kassir who said that he can revise me with septum and possibly do it closed. I crossed Kassir off my list. My next consult is Dec. 5th with Steve Pearlman. I will let everyone know how that goes. I see Nassif Feb 5th and Davis March 19th. I will Skype with Robotti soon. I keep putting Ghavami on my list, crossing him off, and putting him back on.

So far, only Davis and Robotti have examples of exactly what I'm trying to achieve. Robotti says that in 70% of his revisions he uses rib (not a fan of ear). He puts the rib in salt water to see if it will warp. If it does warp he tries to use the curvature to his advantage. I found Robotti's demeanor to be the best thus far. Please let me know what you have learned from your doctors. It would mean so much to me.
October 28, 2018
Hi Nugi, we are same age. I am almost 49 too! (in 2019). thank you for your suggestions. When I skyped dr. Ion from London he said he would use the perichondrum of the ribs which is the envolope of the cartilage...and they will see whether it starts to calcify...to be honest I do not know who to trust any more...
October 28, 2018
Hi silva1970 I just had a very complex revision (third surgery) with Prof. Palma in Italy and I am very happy I chose him --mostly because he's able to achieve big improvements without opening the nose. You can PM me if you'd like :)
UPDATED FROM Nugi
26 days post

Infection, IV protocol

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Nugi
Hi All so Im l’m almost 1 month after surgery. On Friday the 9th my face was all swollen up, by Monday I was admitted back to the hospital and after 4 days it was determined I had a staph infection at the site of surgery, the nose!!!!! While waiting to determine what bacteria it was I was receiving heavy doses of broad spctrum antibiotics.
I was released last Friday home to a 6 weeks IV antibiotics protocol with home nursing care. The swelling is gone just some swelling in the nose but it is taking shape so far and start to look like a nose.
I feel like I have been through hell emotionally : fear, panic, lots of crying, Picc line etc....
today I have seen Dr. Davis for a check up after discharge, hopefully Im on the mend now. I cant blame anyone for this, chances of infection are high when you undergo a long open surgery with a weakened immune system.
Im very thankful and grateful for the quick action by the Dr and hospital with the best and most advanced medications and techniques.

Replies (2)

November 13, 2018
I do hope you heal soon - sounds like you've received prompt attention and great care so fingers crossed that it is onwards and upwards from here.
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November 13, 2018
Thank you!
November 14, 2018
Praying for you for a quick recovery, and a beautiful nose : )
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November 14, 2018
Thank you!