POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
Fixing my Broken Nose- 14 Years Later! (Septo-rhinoplasty with Turbinate Reduction)
ORIGINAL POST
When I was in high school, I bumped my nose and...
WORTH IT$5,499
When I was in high school, I bumped my nose and was pretty sure I broke it. However, my family never took me to the doctor as there was no bruising or bleeding and it didn't *look* broken to them. Since then, the shape of my nose had changed, I wound up with a "good side" and a "bad side" in pictures due to the bend in my septum, had a lot of issues breathing, and although my nose didn't look awful, I just didn't feel like myself anymore!
Fixing my nose for function and cosmetic reasons have been on my mind since. In 2015, I decided to see an ENT who spoke with me for a full 10 minutes and wanted to schedule a surgery. I asked if the surgery would change the shape of my nose and she said no. Considering my nose was visibly crooked on the outside, her answer didn't satisfy me and I researched for a new provider. I found Dr. Kim at OHSU on Real Self and on Google searches. I was really excited to see that not only did he specialize in plastic surgery, but he also specializes in facial reconstruction. I called and set up an appointment and met with him in Dec 2015. He was SO thorough and so personable. He did an exam, took pictures (the other doctor never did), and agreed with my concerns about the crookedness of my septum. My insurance initially denied coverage and without skipping a beat, Dr. Kim appealed their decision and got my insurance to approve the surgery. I truly could see that he goes above and beyond for his patients. I scheduled a surgery for June 2016, and in April 2016 I found out I was pregnant. Whomp, whomp!
Fast forward to January 2018. My son is now one years old and contacted Dr. Kim's office again to schedule surgery for March 8, 2018. I went for my pre-op appointments on February 28, 2018. Dr. Kim really made me feel like he remembered me and did a great job of reviewing his notes. We were able to pick up where we left off as if no time had elapsed since my visit in 2015. He took new photos of my nose from all angles and discussed what I could expect. I then met with the pre-op team to get my vitals and gather any medical information that may impact how I handled anesthesia and surgery.
The day of surgery arrived and I checked into pre-op two hours before my surgery. They had me change into a gown, use the restroom, checked my vitals, and hooked me up to an IV. I cannot express in words how personable every staff member was. They all made me feel so comfortable, which really helped as this was my first major surgery. Dr. Cohen was my anesthesiologist and he came in to go over some health info. He also was very well-versed on me even though I had never met. He said something to the affect of "I heard your back after you had to cancel your first surgery due to your baby." I was really impressed that everyone on my care team took a genuine interest in me and did not treat me like just another number. I also met with some nurses who would be caring for me. Dr. Kim came in and made some small markings on my nose and ear and once again, made me feel super relaxed and calm.
When it was time to go into the OR, the nurse gave me a sedative to relax me. I remember being wheeled into the OR and moving into another bed. The nurse gave me oxygen and then I was out! The surgery took about 3 hours. When I woke up, I was in recovery and so alert. It felt like I had just had the best nap of my life, and as a mom with 3 kids, it was much needed! I remembered all of the care provider's names which surprised them and made them laugh. Even I couldn't believe how alert I was. Dr. Cohen and the nurse informed me that I had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics they gave me and I went into anaphylactic shock. They informed me how they got it under control and that the surgery otherwise went great. Never having an allergic reaction like that before, I was glad I was under the care of such skilled doctors. I was wheeled into my original room in pre-op and I rested a little bit and got dressed. My mom came to pick me up and I went home to rest up some more. My face was very swollen due to the surgery and the allergic reaction, but I otherwise felt great. My throat was sore the first day, like I had strep throat. I'm assuming from the breathing tube and the fact that my throats was swelling.
On day two, I had to go back to the hospital to pick up my steroids for my swelling, as we forgot to get them before leaving. My face was getting very hot and red. Dr. Kim was kind enough to squeeze me in between patients to take a look and also clean out my blood and gunk filled nose. He said it was just an affect of not taking the steroids right away and it was probably lingering allergic reactions to the antibiotics. He really made me feel at ease and took his time to answer my questions. I never once felt rushed just because he had other patients waiting on him.
It's still only day two, but I feel great overall. I would describe it as feeling like I have a cold. A little bit of a sore throat and a stuffy nose. Also with a little grogginess mixed in from the paid meds. The only bruising I really have is the tip of my nose and where my IV was. My face is swollen, but no bruising around my eyes, just the usual dark "I'm a mom" circles ;)
I will update more as I continue to heal!
Fixing my nose for function and cosmetic reasons have been on my mind since. In 2015, I decided to see an ENT who spoke with me for a full 10 minutes and wanted to schedule a surgery. I asked if the surgery would change the shape of my nose and she said no. Considering my nose was visibly crooked on the outside, her answer didn't satisfy me and I researched for a new provider. I found Dr. Kim at OHSU on Real Self and on Google searches. I was really excited to see that not only did he specialize in plastic surgery, but he also specializes in facial reconstruction. I called and set up an appointment and met with him in Dec 2015. He was SO thorough and so personable. He did an exam, took pictures (the other doctor never did), and agreed with my concerns about the crookedness of my septum. My insurance initially denied coverage and without skipping a beat, Dr. Kim appealed their decision and got my insurance to approve the surgery. I truly could see that he goes above and beyond for his patients. I scheduled a surgery for June 2016, and in April 2016 I found out I was pregnant. Whomp, whomp!
Fast forward to January 2018. My son is now one years old and contacted Dr. Kim's office again to schedule surgery for March 8, 2018. I went for my pre-op appointments on February 28, 2018. Dr. Kim really made me feel like he remembered me and did a great job of reviewing his notes. We were able to pick up where we left off as if no time had elapsed since my visit in 2015. He took new photos of my nose from all angles and discussed what I could expect. I then met with the pre-op team to get my vitals and gather any medical information that may impact how I handled anesthesia and surgery.
The day of surgery arrived and I checked into pre-op two hours before my surgery. They had me change into a gown, use the restroom, checked my vitals, and hooked me up to an IV. I cannot express in words how personable every staff member was. They all made me feel so comfortable, which really helped as this was my first major surgery. Dr. Cohen was my anesthesiologist and he came in to go over some health info. He also was very well-versed on me even though I had never met. He said something to the affect of "I heard your back after you had to cancel your first surgery due to your baby." I was really impressed that everyone on my care team took a genuine interest in me and did not treat me like just another number. I also met with some nurses who would be caring for me. Dr. Kim came in and made some small markings on my nose and ear and once again, made me feel super relaxed and calm.
When it was time to go into the OR, the nurse gave me a sedative to relax me. I remember being wheeled into the OR and moving into another bed. The nurse gave me oxygen and then I was out! The surgery took about 3 hours. When I woke up, I was in recovery and so alert. It felt like I had just had the best nap of my life, and as a mom with 3 kids, it was much needed! I remembered all of the care provider's names which surprised them and made them laugh. Even I couldn't believe how alert I was. Dr. Cohen and the nurse informed me that I had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics they gave me and I went into anaphylactic shock. They informed me how they got it under control and that the surgery otherwise went great. Never having an allergic reaction like that before, I was glad I was under the care of such skilled doctors. I was wheeled into my original room in pre-op and I rested a little bit and got dressed. My mom came to pick me up and I went home to rest up some more. My face was very swollen due to the surgery and the allergic reaction, but I otherwise felt great. My throat was sore the first day, like I had strep throat. I'm assuming from the breathing tube and the fact that my throats was swelling.
On day two, I had to go back to the hospital to pick up my steroids for my swelling, as we forgot to get them before leaving. My face was getting very hot and red. Dr. Kim was kind enough to squeeze me in between patients to take a look and also clean out my blood and gunk filled nose. He said it was just an affect of not taking the steroids right away and it was probably lingering allergic reactions to the antibiotics. He really made me feel at ease and took his time to answer my questions. I never once felt rushed just because he had other patients waiting on him.
It's still only day two, but I feel great overall. I would describe it as feeling like I have a cold. A little bit of a sore throat and a stuffy nose. Also with a little grogginess mixed in from the paid meds. The only bruising I really have is the tip of my nose and where my IV was. My face is swollen, but no bruising around my eyes, just the usual dark "I'm a mom" circles ;)
I will update more as I continue to heal!
pdxpisces24's provider
UPDATED FROM pdxpisces24
6 days post
Bandages are off!
Today was the day to get my splints and bandages removed. I was given a really awful tasting numbing spray that ended up numbing my whole entire mouth and throat, but was thankful for it when I saw the size of the splints. It definitely felt awkward to have them removed and they are a lot bigger than you imagine. The bridge of my nose seems to have a little bit of bruising and swelling, which is causing a bit of a hump. Hoping that goes away soon with some icing and arnica!
Replies (2)
March 31, 2018
Congratulations on your successful surgery! You look great already! A few questions, did you have to pay out of pocket at all? How much of your surgery was cosmetic? Was it more functional focused with a little focus on bridge shaving?
July 10, 2018
It was functional and I’m pretty sure my insurance paid it all. I actually didn’t even tell him any cosmetic instruction. I just said, “as long as my septum is straight, I’ll be happy!” Obviously, a straighter septum had a noticeable cosmetic effect though!
UPDATED FROM pdxpisces24
4 months post
4 months post-op
I always hate when I see a review and they stop updating, so I’ll try to not be that person! I am 4 months post-op and healing great despite my toddler repeatedly whacking me in the face by accident! My breathing has improved, but it’s not 100% yet. Now that there is more airflow, I feel like I get boogers that clog my nose ALL THE TIME haha! My nose feels firm on the tip and sides, which makes blowing my nose difficult. Q-tips will be your BFF at this stage of the game. The spot behind my two front teeth is still numb, but improving. All of the numbing I had above my lip is gone. There was a point in time a few months ago where I couldn’t purse my lips to blow out a candle (comical) or to put on chapstick. The bridge of my nose seems to have a little swelling and honestly looks similar to how it did before. I didn’t ask for a profile change, so I’m not sure at this point how different it will look as it continues to heal. My septum is straight as can be and I love it!
Replies (1)