Forever Grateful

I’d tried for decades to appreciate the grand bulbousness of my honker, to no avail. Seeing my own image left me self-conscious and sad. (Others’ teasing didn’t help.) I’d considered going under the knife for years, until finally finding the team that gave me courage to dare.

What first drew me to Dr Rizk’s door were his reviews in addition to abundant before and after pics from multiple angles—especially the front—with “before” noses that very closely resembled mine, and beautiful “afters.” Then I spoke with Dila in the front office, who shared that she’d worked with the doctor for many years. He had even operated on her and her family members. Our chat gave me confidence to move forward, because having a top surgeon who also was trusted and beloved by his staff mattered hugely to me.

Later, in the consultation, Dr Rizk gave the impression (without being mawkish) that he understood my pain. He was kind, calm, and respectful. He let me know the risks in advance and tempered my expectations by disclosing that my nose never would be totally symmetrical. Yet the changes he suggested were exactly what I’d been hoping for. Beyond that, Jola and Dila and the whole crew exuded warmth. Little touches like the albums overflowing with thank you cards in his waiting room reinforced my decision.

Fast forward to over a year post-op... The swelling has nearly all subsided. I can see what Dr Rizk did. He somehow balanced my face. The proportions of my nose are more pleasing. Its angles, more refined. So it doesn’t steal negative attention but shares the stage with other features—suddenly my eyes and lips stand out. And I breathe better!

The other plus is, the improvement is night and day without appearing dramatically different. How is that possible? People really cannot seem to tell I’ve done anything. (Still I share with most loved ones the story.) The results appear natural and just like me only more harmonious than what nature gave me.

I owe deep gratitude to everyone in Dr Rizk’s office. You might say they helped me see past my nose to the visage of the woman behind it. That woman, like before, isn't eager to grab attention for her looks. She simply is now free from an insecurity, to enjoy life and give back with one less perceived obstacle.

I’ll end by sharing that, If you suffer like I did, please know that doctors like Sam Rizk may be able to transform the “built-in” parts of your appearance that lend to your suffering—the parts you may have tried without success to accept. And if by chance you morph from an awkward duckling into a swan, remember what it’s like to be ridiculed, rejected, or passed over. Instead of letting your ego blow up, stay humble. Appreciate the beauty others overlook. Give respect indiscriminately, and treat everyone as worthy of love.