Much-needed Revision and Zero Tolerance for Empty Promises

Shrinking ... slowly but surely! Bridge is slimming down and radix reduction is more noticeable ... especially from the side view.

Still swollen but already seeing corrections on the droopy tip, nostril asymmetry, and wide bridge! Fingers crossed for continued success!

My rhinoplasty slippery slope started years ago, when I decided to have my dorsal hump filed down amid an ENT surgery. While this approach may have worked for some, it certainly didn't for me; I am Middle-Eastern & my nose shape comes with its challenges (high radix, wide bridge, long nasal bones, bulbous tip) & not any plastic surgeon can address these specific features. I actually made my nose worse after 2 attempts to "fix it" in revision surgeries. I was so unhappy with my results, despite the endless promises of each surgeon that my changes were "easily doable." My nose ended up wider and my tip droopier/asymmetrical-- I hated being in photographs & my self-image really took a hit.

First and foremost, we all understand the healing process isn't fun for anyone and I didn't have it in me (financially and emotionally) to go through ANOTHER failed procedure. I did a LOT of research on RealSelf.com & scheduled many consultations with other doctors before finally choosing Dr. Denenberg. I am now two weeks post-op and so far, I am very happy with the decision.

I will summarize my observations/lessons learned (and will continue to do so throughout this healing process):

1. SPECIALIST: See a rhinoplasty SPECIALIST if you're considering a revision. I was so impressed by Dr. Denenberg's attention to detail and his ability to see the nose as a geometrical figure vs. a blob of cartilage that can be sloppily dissected. He's the only surgeon I consulted with that actually used measuring devices to better understand the proportions he was working with and how to appropriately adjust each of them surgically.

2. EGO: Avoid surgeons with the "God complex." You know what I'm talking about here. I had several consultations with the "top notch" doctors, who just didn't make me feel at ease. I'd read several reviews about unhappy patients or lack of follow-up from these doctors, and it's more reason to steer clear if you get the slightest sense that this could be the case. I was SO impressed with Dr. Denenberg's personalized responses, all because I submitted a simple inquiry via RealSelf. Mind you, I had to travel to see him, so he had plenty of back-&-forth email traffic with me and really took the time to understand my needs. I booked a flight to consult with him, and he made his Friday AM available (on his day off) to see me, at no charge. He just "gets it" & it shows. He's humble. He knows what he's doing. Do not underestimate how important this is when choosing your doctor; you need to feel at ease, regardless of how highly ranked the specialist is.

3. IMAGING: I cannot stress how important this is. This was my mistake in my last procedure. We see our noses every day, harp on the imperfections, and expect our physicians to just "get it." Do not rely on verbal evidence that your changes are doable until the surgeon can digitally edit them and show you what to realistically expect.

4. PATIENCE: The healing process sucks... and I have to remind myself every day to stop staring in the mirror and expecting to see final results. I'm only 2 weeks post-op, and my nose has already shrunken significantly. I can already see corrections in the asymmetries from prior procedures. I'm excited to see how the next few months play out ...

To be continued... !