3 months post op revision rhinoplasty, airflow is improved & nose looks better

I’m a little over 3 months post-op after having a revision rhinoplasty done by Dr. Griffin. I’ve had multiple surgeries attempting to correct my breathing, first a septoplasty and sinus surgery, then a rhinoplasty to correct nasal collapse after a referral from the surgeon that performed my septoplasty. I had an absolutely awful experience with my first rhinoplasty. They took cartilage from my ear to add to my nose and my ear still feels sore 2 and a half years later. My nose was lopsided, and there was so much scar tissue left in my nostrils that I was breathing much worse than before surgery. I remember crying on multiple occasions wishing I had never had surgery in the first place, despite the nasal collapse pre-surgery causing the outside nasal cartilage to touch my septum when I would take a deep breath in and my ears to pop. I’m a classically trained singer, so breathing properly is incredibly important. I had a “tweak” surgery done by the same rhinoplasty surgeon to remove some of the excess scar tissue in my right nostril, which looked collapsed in to me. I asked him about it and he said “it’s holding up just fine,” completing disregarding my concerns. I always felt extremely judged in that office. I was dejected and didn’t recognize myself in the mirror or pictures anymore. I thought I was stuck with a half collapsed nose that was significantly more difficult to breathe through than before.

Then I decided to do some research. I scoured reviews for different surgeons on Real Self, looked up Google reviews, researched doctors in other states, and landed on Dr. Griffin. From my first consultation appointment, I immediately knew I was in good hands. He explained that he doesn’t use ear cartilage for rhinoplasties since the cartilage in the ear doesn’t compare well enough to nose cartilage. I wish my previous surgeon had this kind of expertise and knowledge, especially considering the aftermath of the ear cartilage graft from my last surgery. Dr. Griffin also confirmed that my right nostril was indeed still collapsed. We talked about what my goals from having a revision would be and he used the computer to create an image of what I would look like after the surgery and I trusted him. His bedside manner is very reassuring and made me feel safe going into surgery rather than judged. He prepared me to feel a good amount of pain at the site of the rib cartilage graft, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, compared to the ear cartilage graft. I attribute this to Dr. Griffin’s excellent work and surgical experience. 3 months post op, I notice how much my airflow through my nose has improved and my nose looks better not only from before my revision, but before my original rhinoplasty and I know my “case” wasn’t easy. He evened out my nostrils, rounded out the nasal tip, and there is significantly less scar tissue left inside my nostrils this time, another sign of Dr. Griffin’s expertise. As horrible as my first rhinoplasty experience was, it led me to finding Dr. Griffin’s practice and feeling the most confident and breathing the best I ever have.