Introductions - New York, NY

Hey Everyone!

Here is a picture of my side profile. I love the way it looks now. It's progression has been pretty dramatic since my cast removal. I'm sorry it took so long to put this up!

There's this amazing quote by Robert Frost, where he says, "The best way out is always through." It's a quote that helped me graduate from nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN in 75 questions, and deal with a 6-year relationship break-up. During my depression phase post-surgery, I was reminded of this quote. I realized, what is done, is done. You need to accept it, and move forward. I did just that, and focused on being positive. It paid off.

Today is December 12th, 2013, and I LOVE my nose. Since September 16th, the day of my cast removal, my nose has taken shape, and my breathing is superior. My nose is truly perfection.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with Dr. Westreich. He was amazed at how much my nose has taken form. He pointed out my shadow lines, and how much the swelling as gone down. The way he looked at my nose was like when an artist admires their work. I felt like a masterpiece.

Pre-surgery, I was a pretty girl, but with many insecurities. When men would look at me, I would keep my head down, avoid eye contact, and basically shy away. Now, I exude confidence. I smile when I walk, maintain eye contact, and I feel sexy. It feels great to be noticed, and even better that I have confidence.

Having this surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself. I chose the best doctor, with an amazing team (Lauren, and Ossie). I am truly honored to be in his gallery. I highly recommend him with no reservation.

I welcome any questions, or comments. Thank you!

So, first I need to apologize for going on a hiatus. After the removal of my cast, I did not like my nose. I felt it was so dramatically different, and I went through a depression phase. I was clearly miserable and wished I never went through with the surgery. I was bombarded with negative feelings and emotions. My parents and friends told me it looked exactly the same, but that was not the case for me. I missed the small little bump on my nose. I felt I looked radically different. I spent nights crying which contributed to increased swelling and discomfort. I was miserable.

For 25 years, I have had the same nose. I realized I didn't hate it as much as I thought I did. Every morning I woke up to the same nose, and the day I didn't, it bothered me more than I thought it would. I genuinely considered going back into surgery to get my old nose back.

Over the next week, my nose started to make small changes, it wasn't as swollen, and was starting to look like my old nose. Although the small bump wasn't there anymore, my new nose began to grow on me. The congestion is clearing up, and I'm using my nose to... breath. It feels great. I can also smell. I never realized I had lost my sense of smell, until I could literally, smell the roses by the bodega, and my burning lasagna.

Dr. Westreich did an amazing job. During my depression phase, he checked up on me, along with Lauren, his assistant. They did not abandon me, and I am so lucky that I chose such an amazing doctor.

Random Thoughts/Info:
1. My nose did not change much after the cast removal. I read and heard of patients whose nose changed day-to-day. This has not been evident for me. (I took pictures so I could monitor change...)
2. I still have a few stitches inside my nose that haven't dissolved as of yet.
3. I didn't anticipate a longer than expected healing time (but this could be because of a cold I contracted before my surgery)
4. On that note, my surgeon told me the only way surgery would be postponed is the patient has a cough and, or a fever. I had a sore throat and the show went on.
5. Also, I'm still sniffly. Boo!

I'm still debating whether or not I'm going to post pictures, I still want to maintain some kind of anonymity.

There is so much I wanted to say, but unfortunately, I forgot most. I guess I will return with more updates.

Thank you all for checking in on me, it means more to me than you will ever know!