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POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty Reviews

Cast OFF!!!! - Orange County, CA

UPDATED FROM California853
7 days post

So I got my cast of this morning! It didn't hurt...

WORTH IT$4,995
So I got my cast of this morning! It didn't hurt but it was weird and there was some pressure and it made my eyes water. The stitches came out too and It looks much better. I was so afraid to look in the mirror and see someone else! But I love it! It is still me and my nose just a way better version. There is no hump and my nostrils are symmetrical and smaller than before. It also has good definition! There is some swelling of course but I love what it looks like and it will only look better from here on out. The only thing is that I can't smile! and my lips are like numb still or something because I seriously look and feel like a who from whoville or a deer or something. hahahaha anywayss!! I uploaded 3 swirly eyed pictures of me with makeup feel free to ask any questions :))))
(two of them look kind of weird because I took the picture with my camera than took it with my phone)

California853's provider

Michael Elam, MD (retired)

Michael Elam, MD (retired)

Board Certified Otolaryngologist

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

I found Dr. Elam on Real Self and could not be happier with my decision. He is so amazing and skilled at everything he does. He has over 30 years of experience and right when I met him I knew he was the one. His staff is so beautiful, friendly, and caring! I love the office and the wait times are excellent. The most important thing is that he gave me MY most beautiful nose! The perfect fit for my face. Not THE most beautiful cookie cutter nose. I still look very natural and like myself. I am 100 percent in love with my new nose and I think he did an amazing job. He was also delicate enough to where I had very light bruising and swelling. He is honest and caring and overall an amazing A+ surgeon. Probably one of the best in the State, if not the United states!! His prices are excellent and affordable I can't say enough good things about him and his whole staff! Thank you

Replies (23)

Cant wait to see you after photos!!!!! i've been debating to get rhinoplasty for the longest time now and im finally setting up consoltations!!!! Super excited! i live in newport beach and after reading your review Dr. Elam is definitaly on my list of doctors to go see! how is he able to offer such an affortable price!?
I honestly don't know! He is amazing and affordable, very experienced and knows what he is doing. You have to go see him!! The staff and everyone is so great way better than anyone in LA
Your results are amazing you look so good!! :)
Thank you so much i appreciate it
Your results so far look so great! You must be so happy!
Thank you !! Yes very happy, Can't wait for the swelling to go down too :)
Your results look so good! Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
Amazing! That's it! I'm going to him!!!
Thank you :) good for you!! He's amazing!! let me know how it goes
UPDATED FROM California853
6 days post

Today is day 6!! HAAALLLAAAJALULLALA I get the...

Today is day 6!! HAAALLLAAAJALULLALA I get the cast off tomorrow and can not wait!!! The overall experience for me was not bad at all. Especially because I have never had surgery, have never broken a bone, and I've actually never even been to a hospital before. Except when I was born.. of course. Anyways, for anyone that is concerned with pain I would say you can have a great sigh of relieve, because I can honestly say I felt no pain. I had a slight headache and a strange feeling in my nose right when I woke up from surgery but other than that nothing. Day 2 and 3 are probably the worst. It's when your bruising and swelling start to form and you get all uncomfortable and feel like crap, but once you get over the hill its smooth sailing. I didn't go out anywhere, but I did have enough strength to play ping pong, play scrabble, hang with the family etc. The sleeping also wasn't too bad. It takes some getting use to but I'd say I slept fine all 6 nights. I used one of those chair pillow things that has like 2 arms?! if you get what I'm saying.. If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask me! This website has helped me so much and made me 100 percent comfortable making my decision and helping me along the way. I will update with plenty of pictures tomorrow for the big cast reveal!! and this time I will have makeup on and be decent. :) YAY

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM California853
4 days post

I got my nose cleaned yesterday and It didn't...

I got my nose cleaned yesterday and It didn't hurt!! Yay! It made me feel like I could breath slightly. When I got home I was very hungry. My appetite finally came back yesterday and I was able to eat more than normal. Which is good because I lost like 7 pounds!! Anyways then I watched tv with my mom and my nose started to feel better, there was a lot of pressure the day before and now it is starting to either go away or not bother me anymore. I slept better but still needed a cough drop for dry mouth. I woke up this morning feeling more like myself and way better. I can slightly breath out of my nose but still mainly breath with my mouth. The swelling went pretty much completely down and now the bruises are turning yellow and starting to go away. I'm on the home stretch now! Only 3 more days and the cast will be off. I get my cast off Tuesday at 11!!! YAYYYY So far I love the tip and size from what I can see anyways.

Replies (4)

Congratulations! Sounds like everything is going well and you are on track. All the best for the big reveal.
Thank you I appreciate it. :)
I loved reading your story! I'm glad you are doing so well. Thank you so much for sharing and I can't wait to see more pictures. I am 100% doing my rhinoplasty (hopefully in May) but I am starting to get nervous about the post-op pain. I've never had any surgeries, other than getting my wisdom teeth removed, so it just freaks me out. You're making me feel a lot better. :)
Aw thank you that's very sweet! I've never had any surgeries or even broken a bone! Something that will probably make you feel better is that I heard getting your wisdom teeth pulled it way worse than a nose job!! I would say there is very little if not any pain involved. The main thing is the discomfort. Kind of like being very clogged in the nose when you have a bad cold. Good luck you will do great!! I get the cast off tomorrow so I'll be posting plenty of pictures!