1 Year on....

HI everyone,

Firstly a big thanks to all those lovely people who have shared their blogs on this site, I've found them incredibly useful!

I started researching rhinoplasty properly about 6 months ago. I've researched surgeons, been to see different brans, companies, etc but have settled on the Cobalt Hospital in Newcastle with Mr Hodgekinson. From my various consultations I've learned that I have a very tricky nose to work on!

I've never really liked my nose as it's over projected, long and quite pointed (well very pointed) at the end. From the front its unsymmetrical but this doesn't bother me too much it's more my profile that I find so unattractive. 2 of the surgeons I met with explained they couldnt do anything as it was too complex a procedure. I have very thin cartilage and a very weak support structure, with a slightly bent septum. My goal was to have a softer, smaller nose but to still look like me with nothing too drastic. I've not gone along to any appointments with pictures of photos of noses I like as I feel this is creating unrealistic expectations and potential dissapointment.

I was feeling a bit disheartened and figured it maybe wasn't as bad as I've always thought and that maybe I should just be grateful for what I have already... but then I met with Mr Hodgekinson in Newcastle. Mr Hodgekinson is a very honest, straight talking man which I appreciated. He was the only surgeon to actually do a body dysmorphia test on me to gage how I feel within myself etc. I'm not body dysmorphic, which he concluded but i still appreciated him taking the time with me to go through it. He agreed that it's a very complex procedure and would involve various technical procedures (some of which I cant remember or even begin to explain) but he said overall it would produce a softer, smaller nose. Happy days! He specialises in complex rhinoplasty so I hope and pray everything goes okay.

I did see a surgeon from MYA who claimed it was an easy nose to work on and he could do it for £7000 (a lot of money). I loved what he said he would do but I just questioned how he thought it could be so easy where as the other 3 said look this isn't an easy nose to work on.

SO, today is the day!

I've been taking arnica tablets and bought some gel. I've got a couple of friends who have had this procedure and have been prepping me for what to expect etc. Got some painkillers at the ready but kind of hoping I won't need them! Stocked up on books, films, and hoping I might be able to go on a short walk later (maybe a bit optimistic but I think the fresh air might do my good after surgery... and when i'm a bit more awake!!)

I have an hour before I leave so I've posted some before pics for people to see. If you have a nose like mine and have any questions feel free to ask. I'm having an open septorhinoplasty. Also forgot to mention... I've always struggled with congestion so really hoping this helps with that in the long run. I have a very bony narrow nasal bridge and my septum is slightly bent to one side.

I did have a bit of a wobble yesterday as the hospital I was having my op at suddenly changed and I had no communication to tell me. But all is fine now... just doesn't help when you're already feeling a bit nervous!

Speak soon!

Op went great - couldnt be more impressed with the staff and overall recovery afterwards! Didn't feel sick at all and don't have a sort throat or anything. My top lip feels like its massive and numb and it just feels like I have to worst cold of my life ha! Lots of pressure and very congested. I could actually breathe straight away out my nose but gradually it became more and more congested and now I darent as it feels clogged! I'm back at home, don't feel groggy and just watching tv and eating milky buttons (but I cant taste them noooo!)

Well... i wont lie and say I had the best night's sleep... I had an hour and a half and then woke... Read and watched tv for another 3 hours as couldnt get back to sleep. Slept again for an hour and woke... My lips are so dry and crusty so constantly need to sip water and put lip balm on. Nose feels totally congested and I keep going to sneeze - total nightmare! Having to sneeze through my mouth to not put pressure on splint. Mild thobbing this morning but mostly just a central pressure feeling, very sensitive. Still no pain meds but might take some later to get some sleep.