POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty Reviews
Dr. Toriumi Saving the World One Nose At A Time
UPDATED FROM Eclectic55895
1 year post
More updated photos
WORTH IT$30,500
I just spoke with Dr. Toriumi the other day and he said that I am right on track in terms of my healing process.
So far I am pleased with my results - I can breathe without a problem, my nose isn't running all the time, and my nose looks more normal and evened out compared to what it was before.
I still highly recommend Dr. Toriumi and am so glad that I went to him for my 4th (and hopefully last!) surgery.
So far I am pleased with my results - I can breathe without a problem, my nose isn't running all the time, and my nose looks more normal and evened out compared to what it was before.
I still highly recommend Dr. Toriumi and am so glad that I went to him for my 4th (and hopefully last!) surgery.
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Replies (5)
Did you have any skin issues or blood supply issues? This is what I am running into now and not sure if I can be helped.
Hmmm... No, I didn't have blood supply issues thankfully.
In terms of skin issues, the only thing I have noticed over time is that my nose seems to breakout a bit more than it used to in the past. I don't know if that is a result of the surgery alone, aging / hormonal changes or a combination of both, but it has been somewhat noticeable - to me at least. I naturally have thin skin so now that I am 2 years into my healing process the skin on my nose really thins out by the end of the day and I can see the rib graft on the left side of my nose and a small bump on the bridge of my nose more so than when I wake up in the morning. Overall, I can still breathe amazingly well and my nose isn't running all the time and my nostrils are even compared to what they were prior to the surgery so I am still grateful.
The nose is frustratingly complex and unpredictable so I am sorry that you are running into these skin / blood supply issues. I hope that you can talk to Dr. Toriumi to see if there are any alternatives during your healing process. Wishing you the best of luck.
In terms of skin issues, the only thing I have noticed over time is that my nose seems to breakout a bit more than it used to in the past. I don't know if that is a result of the surgery alone, aging / hormonal changes or a combination of both, but it has been somewhat noticeable - to me at least. I naturally have thin skin so now that I am 2 years into my healing process the skin on my nose really thins out by the end of the day and I can see the rib graft on the left side of my nose and a small bump on the bridge of my nose more so than when I wake up in the morning. Overall, I can still breathe amazingly well and my nose isn't running all the time and my nostrils are even compared to what they were prior to the surgery so I am still grateful.
The nose is frustratingly complex and unpredictable so I am sorry that you are running into these skin / blood supply issues. I hope that you can talk to Dr. Toriumi to see if there are any alternatives during your healing process. Wishing you the best of luck.
Thank you for your reply. I just wondered if that was why your columella got infected. I have a lot discoloration on my tip so I think that is what that means. I will have to go and see him I think. Good luck and thank you for your reply
You're very welcome!
You might be confusing me with someone else as I never had an infection in my nose at any point in my life thankfully. :)
Yes, please go see him and see what he says. I think that is the best plan of action at this point. Good luck!
You might be confusing me with someone else as I never had an infection in my nose at any point in my life thankfully. :)
Yes, please go see him and see what he says. I think that is the best plan of action at this point. Good luck!
I think I mixed you up with another review! Your nose does look fantastic! I do want to see him for a consult. Can I ask you one more thing?
Did he do your surgery at his office or in a hospital?
Did he do your surgery at his office or in a hospital?
Haha! No worries. There are A LOT of nose stories so I can see how someone could easily mix up the details.
He actually did my surgery in the same building where he is located. There is a surgery center on the 15th floor.
It was pretty convenient since I stayed at the Talbott down the street. If you have any other questions, feel free to pass them along.
UPDATED FROM Eclectic55895
10 months post
Updated Photos
Just adding some updated photos as I previously promised in my initial review. These are from August up until January 2024. My nose is still on its healing journey, but the swelling has gone down a bit so that has been nice. I am still doing my nasal soaks (1x daily) and then my nose compressions per Toriumi's request.
Replies (3)
What do you mean by nose compressions? Taping?
It's basically just me using my index finger to gently press against my nose several times a day since the rib graft deviated slightly to the right which I guess is common when rib cartilage is used.
I did that for over a year at his suggestion. Made no difference. He eventually had to revise it. It’s just to keep you busy instead of complaining.
Yeah, I feel like the compressions made a bigger difference in the beginning of this process, but as of right now (1 year later) I don't feel like they are that effective. My nose isn't deviated to the right by that much thankfully so I am not super concerned. I am sorry that you had to get a revision. That's frustrating.
After Toriumi finally revised it, were you happy with it?
No
Beautiful result. So happy for you.
Thank you!
It looks great! Would you mind posting front pictures closer up? Thank you!!
UPDATED FROM Eclectic55895
2 months post
Roughly 3-Months Post Op
I have posted photos so that you can get a sense of my recovery / progression. My nose is still quite large and swollen which makes sense since it was my 4th surgery coupled with the fact that Dr. Toriumi used a ton of grafts. Aside from that, the swelling overall has definitely gone down a bit compared to when I first got my cast removed. My breathing has improved immensely and my nose doesn't seem to be running as much as it used to prior to the surgery. I have to wait a few years to see how things play out in the long run, but so far I am happy with my results and I feel grateful for the enhanced functionality of my nose.
Please note: If some of the healing looks asymmetrical it is because Toriumi has been having me do nose compressions on only one side of my nose (my right side) as a result of some natural deviation after the cast was removed.
Circling back on a point I made in my last review:
I want to clarify a point that I made in my original review that those who think that Toriumi is too quiet or too unskilled or too arrogant are merely being irrational. I was actually referring to people who make quick judgments about him without even having met him in person, or for those who have never had any surgical experience with him, yet find themselves running around various online forums speaking poorly of him and/or giving him bad reviews/1-star ratings. I in no way was insinuating that anyone who has actually had a poor outcome as a result of his surgery (or multiple surgeries done by him) is irrational. Everyone is entitled to their own experience(s), but I think that verified reviews and photos to back up one's claims, along with actual in-person and virtual consultations are the best bet for anyone interested in moving forward with this type of complex surgery. Reviews that are posted merely to complain for the sake of complaining should be taken with a grain of salt in my opinion.
Please note: If some of the healing looks asymmetrical it is because Toriumi has been having me do nose compressions on only one side of my nose (my right side) as a result of some natural deviation after the cast was removed.
Circling back on a point I made in my last review:
I want to clarify a point that I made in my original review that those who think that Toriumi is too quiet or too unskilled or too arrogant are merely being irrational. I was actually referring to people who make quick judgments about him without even having met him in person, or for those who have never had any surgical experience with him, yet find themselves running around various online forums speaking poorly of him and/or giving him bad reviews/1-star ratings. I in no way was insinuating that anyone who has actually had a poor outcome as a result of his surgery (or multiple surgeries done by him) is irrational. Everyone is entitled to their own experience(s), but I think that verified reviews and photos to back up one's claims, along with actual in-person and virtual consultations are the best bet for anyone interested in moving forward with this type of complex surgery. Reviews that are posted merely to complain for the sake of complaining should be taken with a grain of salt in my opinion.
Replies (5)
I actually see a lot of 5 star ratings for this doctor without any photos or very unclear photos at weird angles. Also years is a long time to wait for a result.
Two years is pretty standard healing time for a revision rhino. Of course most of the swelling goes down in a few months, but it really takes two years to see the final result.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share- so helpful!
Really appreciate you sharing your photos/updating the review. You didn't say exactly how far out you are, but I'm guessing you're 4 ish months post-op (given one of your other comments). So you still have a lot of healing to go, but your nose as is looks great. I really like your nostril shape.
Wow, I'm so blind. Your update says you're 3 months ish post op. Anyways, good luck healing
We're human and we just don't see things all the time. It's all good. :)
Thank you for sharing, your nose looks great! Do you know what kind of grafts he used (like lateral crural strut grafts etc?)
Thanks for your kind words!
I don't know the exact medical terminology, but my Dr. Toriumi took a graft from my rib, also used some cartilage from my ear, used some fat from my stomach, and then banked the remaining rib cartilage behind my ear. The surgery was 6 hours in total so it was definitely extensive.
I actually just had a virtual consultation with him earlier today since tomorrow is exactly 3 months post-op and he is pleased with my recovery and my efforts to follow his suggestions / advice. He said that the swelling is still significant and reiterated that it will definitely take a good two years to fully settle. I still have to keep up with the nasal antibiotic soaks (2x/day) and my nasal compressions, but overall that's about it.
Thanks again for your kind words!
I don't know the exact medical terminology, but my Dr. Toriumi took a graft from my rib, also used some cartilage from my ear, used some fat from my stomach, and then banked the remaining rib cartilage behind my ear. The surgery was 6 hours in total so it was definitely extensive.
I actually just had a virtual consultation with him earlier today since tomorrow is exactly 3 months post-op and he is pleased with my recovery and my efforts to follow his suggestions / advice. He said that the swelling is still significant and reiterated that it will definitely take a good two years to fully settle. I still have to keep up with the nasal antibiotic soaks (2x/day) and my nasal compressions, but overall that's about it.
Thanks again for your kind words!
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Your results are looking really good. Did he have to raise your bridge by any chance? Thanks so much!
LOL - No, he can't fine you. In regards to the in-person visits, 3 months after my surgery I was able to meet in-person with Dr. Toriumi when he was at a conference in Southern California so that he could check the progress of my nose. I just flew from the Bay Area to SoCal and back the same day so that was easy. There was another trip that I made to his office in Chicago about 6 months after my surgery - I just spent the night at a local hotel, saw him the next morning, and then was on a return flight that afternoon. Other than those additional in-person visits, I have done all of my follow-ups with Dr. Toriumi over a Telehealth platform that he uses online so that has made the process convenient.