45-year Old with a Deviated Septum and Droopy Right Side of the Face - New York

Update: I got the before and after photos of my rhinoplasty. The after photos were taken about 7 months post-op. My nose changed gradually, and as I went in for my follow-up consultations, Dr. Kwak assessed the progress, and informed of what to expect in the coming months. The transformation was exactly as he described! My breathing has gotten much, much better. I can finally sleep well - I lived with a deviated septum for 45 years! I regret waiting so long. Before my right nostril would hardly move when I inhaled, but now! Both sides move and take in air like a normal person! Recently, I had two reconstructive surgeries of my sinus, and I was worried that my breathing would get labored again. However, Dr. Kwak's correction of the deviated septum and the support he created from the overall rhinoplasty, my breathing was not affected at all!

I got a Botox treatment recently. Dr. Kwak told me that I didn't need botox right now, but he was patient and kind, and listened carefully to my concerns, why I wanted to get it, and what I was hoping to get out of it. Dr. Kwak is truly an artist and a great doctor. He is gentle, observant and takes his time and with great care about what he is doing. He really respects his patient's face. I watched so many YouTube videos when doing my research, and some of the doctors on the videos worked so fast, without planning. They were overly and inappropriately confident about their skills to the point where it seemed negligent. I was terrified about the idea of having needles being stuck in my face! However, Dr. Kwak's skills are so fantastic that I felt absolutely NO pain! Getting dental anesthesia is far, far more painful - honestly, I'm not exaggerating! I trust my face in Dr. Kwak's hands. He has a patient for life!

And oh! The staff! Simply amazing! Very professional, friendly and supportive. They have always called me by my first name, which actually surprised me because you don't get that level of care and service anymore.

If I could give Dr. Kwak 10 stars, I would give him 20! I lived with a deviated septum for 45 years! The whole right side of my face and nose drooped downwards. Breathing was always difficult, and cosmetically, well, I just looked weird. Whatever. I lived with it. It wasn't until I had a sinus lift for an upper molar implant that I needed to fix the deviated septum, as breathing became even more labored. At the same time, I wanted to correct the droopy look for cosmetic reasons. However, I didn't want to look like a totally different person. I wanted to look like me, but with a natural, better look.

I never had any type of surgery; so, I was very nervous about everything from infection to deformity. Dr. Kwak was so professional, kind and reassuring. At end of my initial consultation, I felt very comfortable and confident that he was going to do a great job. And he did! I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!! The droopiness was corrected, the tip and nostrils were symmetrical and balanced to fit the contours of my face. Because of his accuracy, the imbalance of my whole face was fixed. Yet, the change was natural and subtle. Not only is Dr. Kwak a superb surgeon, he is an artist. I couldn't be happier, and I love the outcome.

AND! He was totally honest about what was needed and what wasn't. He didn't push this and that in addition to the rhinoplasty. He is a doctor with true integrity, which made me trust him more. The fact that he specializes in facial plastic surgery made me trust him even more. It reflects the level of expertise, instead of a cafeteria/buffet style of practice that does everything from rhinoplasty to breast augmentation, to liposuction to butt lifts and etc, etc.

The staff was great! They were so supportive of and patient with me. They accommodated my schedule for all the appointments. When I hung up a call before leaving a voicemail message, they called me anyway (from caller ID) to make sure I was OK.

The final verdict? Perfect, perfect, perfect! As I age further, I am definitely going back to Dr. Kwak, as I am confident that he will make me look youthful, and not like the cat lady!