Early 40s, 7 weeks post-rhinoplasty & thrilled with the outcome

I am 7 weeks post-rhinoplasty and would like to share my experience for others in Australia seeking the very best surgeon. Though I am in my early 40's, rhinoplasty is something I never thought I would do as I have a non-traditional concept of what is beauty and was quite comfortable in my skin even though I had a large masculine nose, visible mostly in my profile. Nevertheless, I was certain about this decision once I made it. I heard Dr Damien Grinsell was one of the best so I trusted I was in capable hands. His offices were extremely professional and the reception and nurse staff always so incredibly kind, patient and in good spirits. He was so confident in his skills, so sure about how to work with my nose and very thick problem skin, and so thorough in his explanation of my options that I trusted his judgement completely after our first visit. I had very little idea what I wanted, and sought and took his assured advice on each decision. The day the cast came off 2 weeks later, I was comfortable in public with the result even with the swelling - the healing cuts were so hidden that no one could tell I had anything done even friends I'd known my entire life. A testament to how natural the result was and how skilled Damien is.

Side note: on the internet, I thought the pain was overplayed (say no to potentially addictive opioid-based painkillers, you really should only need over the counter painkillers), but thought the discomfort was downplayed. It is such a quick recovery considering the work that has been done. The first week or two is confronting physically as you deal with your constant bloody nose and mentally as you come to terms with the fact that you butchered your face, so you need to be 100% certain of your reasons for doing this to get through that time. My decision was fast, and my discomfort with my old nose minimal, so I had a tough time reassuring myself so instead, I distracted myself with hours of documentaries, sitcoms, podcasts, reading and walking around the patio. I suggest that in the first high charged week, you do not think too much about your anxieties and so not feel too much into any negative emotions and distract your mind as much as possible. It will pass once the cast is removed as the worst is over. Regarding my questions about physical changes and issues, the nurses at Horizon were so responsive and reassuring as I emailed them for advice. This included: for about 5 weeks afterwards I had a runny and congested nose, and so I was mouth breathing at night which led to waking up feeling like I swallowed razor blades (normal). I had a splitting sinus headache for days in week 2/3 (the nose did not hurt) which I eventually informed the nurses about (don't wait to notify your surgeon if this happens to you), and I received another round of antibiotics - my headache improved almost immediately. I had a worrying droopy eye which self-corrected these past few days so I assume it was due to swelling as the nurse at Horizon advised.

I am thrilled with the outcome and am very happy I took Damien's advice on the form. If I understood correctly, Damien said the skin was much tougher to work with than anticipated and indicated that the outcome much better than expected with consideration for the thickness of the skin. He is truly one of the best.

One last piece of information - I think what was helpful for my recovery is that I switched to a very high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant diet. I also ate a lot of foods high in Vitamin C and the high in the building blocks of collagen, and was drinking 3 litres of water a day.

Thank you Damien and thank you staff at Horizon.