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POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS

Loving my nose

ORIGINAL POST

Hello! I have been reading everyone's reviews and...

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LinB
$8,500
Hello! I have been reading everyone's reviews and decided to write one of my own. I have hated my nose my entire life, but over time learned to deal with it. I have always had breathing problems, but just assumed that is how breathing was for everyone. Anyways, after being sick this winter and ending up at an ENT I was informed just how horrible my breathing really is. The ENT was being very nice, and said that my breathing problems are due to "structural" problems. My middle nose is extremely narrow, and I have a slight deviated septum... So anyway, I'm not getting enough air. The ENT then proceeded to mention what was wrong with my nose- long, big, humped etc- nothing I was not already aware of. He stated that correcting the deviated septum and putting implants in to expand the airway would be beneficial.

After I left the appointment I did some research and lots of thinking- I have always stated that as much as I hated my nose I would keep it, but now my life could be improved by being able to breath better- to do the surgery and not improve the appearance of my nose seemed crazy to me. I also did not like the idea of an implant.

So I continued on with my research and scheduled an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon who only uses cartilage grafts (no implants), and has excellent reviews. He also focuses on breathing issues. After meeting with him and being told that 1) I'd be able to breathe 4-5 times the amount of air per nostril that I am getting now, and 2) my breathing is so poor that with packing and the nasal straws post surgery I would have more air than I currently do, i decided to proceed. I guess I am always congested and used to it!

So now the date is set (June 13th). Regarding appearance, I don't want anything too drastic, but I would like a nice straight bridge, my nose to be less prominent, and for the tip to be lifted slightly- nothing scooped, curved, or upturned. It feels weird picking out a new nose. I am nervous for the surgery, anesthesia, and recovery. I guess everyone is. I am also afraid of what other people with think. I know I need to get over it- but it remains in the back of my mind.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you all. I will post pictures soon.

Replies (3)

April 30, 2013
Best of luck to you! I'm sure you'll be very happy to breathe better! When you are thinking about the overall shape of your new nose, don't forget the nostrils and/or tension lip. Lots of folks think about the hump and tip, but not about the other stuff.
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May 1, 2013
Thanks! Yes I cannot wait to breathe better! The doctor discussed how we would have to do a lot more. He said how sometimes you have to change 5 aspects to make it look like you only changed one. I just don't really know all the technical things we will do yet. Thanks for the comment. :)
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May 1, 2013

Thanks for starting your story on RealSelf! It sounds like you're really comfortable with your doctor and I'm assuming he has done many many many rhino-septoplasties and that you've seen pics of before and afters he's done, yes?

You're going to look even awesomer with a straight bridge and smaller tip. Looking forward to following along on your journey.

UPDATED FROM LinB
1 month pre

I signed the billing agreement today, and felt...

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LinB
I signed the billing agreement today, and felt like panicking! 5 weeks to go, and I'm already sweating over it. Haha. So many worries about the day of surgery and anesthesia. Hoping the recovery process isn't too miserable. Everything just feels more like a reality, and I'm scared. I hope that I can breathe better in the end, and that I feel great about my new nose!!

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UPDATED FROM LinB
21 days pre

Three weeks to go!

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LinB
Tomorrow is the three week mark for surgery. I'm starting to freak out. I'm waiting to hear when my pre-op appointment is. I think I will call the doctor's office tomorrow.
For those who have had breathing issues, how was the difference after surgery?
Not much to say, just waiting now... More as I get closer.

Replies (5)

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May 23, 2013
So excited for you! Will be following your story :) Good luck with everything. It'll be great! I will let you know through either a comment or an update on my review about breathing since I had a septoplasty along w/ the rhinoplasty. Should be cool for us to breathe normally for the first time in our lives!! I also had cartilage grafts put in so I think you & I have pretty similar experiences. Will for certain talk soon!! Your surgery will be here as soon as you know it, and you will be great!
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May 29, 2013
Thanks- I love reading your updates. You look awesome! How is your breathing?
May 23, 2013
Hi! Your story reminds me a little of mine. All the very best for the lead up to your surgery, and I hope it's one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself.
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May 29, 2013
Thank you!
May 23, 2013
Hi good for you, which I could do the same one big prob no money ,,,,,