My Rhinoplasy experience.

Hello everyone!
Here’s a little about me and the courage I found to get this procedure, if you’re unsure about yourself, read this:
(If you just want to know what was going on with my nose and what I’ve done to improve it, scroll down)
After doing months of research over the last couple years I finally made a decision to get a rhinoplasty. I knew that if I didn’t get it now, I would never get it. I’ve been insecure about the shape of my nose since I was probably about 16. I’ve considered getting a nose job since then but I knew I was too young and indecisive at that age so I decided to wait and see if I felt the same way in a few years. I’m now 20 years old and I’ve grown to appreciate my nose but still was very insecure about the nasal tip. I didn’t necessarily have a problem with my nasal bone as it doesn’t protrude outwards but it definitely was wide and overall affected the thickness of my nose. I also have a bit of a crooked nose, it’s hard to tell at first but after pointing it out or just a minute of staring, it’s easy to see.
I have always mentioned to those around me how unhappy I was with the shape of my nose. I went through the disapproval from my friends and family when I told them that I was getting the procedure as they thought that I had an already attractive nose and would be wasting my money. I just want to put out there to anyone going through a similar situation: DO NOT LET OTHERS SWAY YOUR DECISION TO DO SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY. I know I didn’t want a rhinoplasty because of what others may or may not have said about my nose. If I cared about what other people thought about my appearances then I would be getting a breast augmentation instead. I’ve been made fun of for my smaller than average chest since middle school by friends, family and even lovers who have dumped me over what I looked like on the outside. I still have no desire to change that aspect of me because I’ll find someone who loves me despite my appearances. This decision for this procedure wasn’t to tweak my appearance for other people but to make me more comfortable with my body, my profile and my smile. The decision to do this was not made lightly and it’s certainly not a waste of money if it makes YOU happy.
No one took me seriously, they all thought I wouldn’t do it. Even after I had a consultation, no one really thought I would go through with the financing and the procedure itself, especially because it all happened so fast for those around me. I can understand their surprise and frustration as they may have thought I rushed into this but it was all well- thought out.
Pre-Op:
What I didn’t like:
- My nose was slightly crooked.
-My nasal bone was wider than the cartilage in my nose.
-My nostrils and tip of my nose were droopy
-When smiling, the bridge of my nose grew wide.
-When smiling, I felt that my nose looked like it was a beak, rather than a nose.
-The tip was not supported, defined, or “cute” as I would say.
I made an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Steiger in Boca Raton on June 3rd. I felt out of place as it was mostly older women who were there getting Botox. I started to doubt myself. I was by myself (as I said before, no one took me seriously). Despite how nervous I was, the staff immediately greeted me feel welcome. A technician called me in and sat me down and asked about my medical history, she took my pictures (for digital imaging), and went over the basics of surgery, really thoroughly explained it. She was extremely nice and was approachable which made me feel even more comfortable. I was then greeted by Dr. Steiger who assessed my nose and he explained the procedure, post-op care and covered all questions I had asked. He showed me the digital imaging and I spoke with someone about my payment options. Three days later, I called and scheduled my procedure. To my surprise they had a last minute opening on the 26th of June which was only a few weeks away. Being a college student, this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up considering their next availability would only be only a few weeks before college starts up again. It felt so soon but I knew what I wanted and went for it.
***After my family and friends realized that this was something I was serious about, they began to support my decision despite their own personal thoughts on it. They took me to my appointments and have been taking great care of me since before my procedure!
The next day, I went in for a pre-op appointment and signed paperwork, given Rx and explained again what the everything before, during and after the procedure entails. The technician / nurse went into detail about do’s and don’ts prior and after surgery. She explained how to take care of myself after surgery and was super sweet and made sure I understood everything before signing. More pictures were taken this day (for before and after photos) and I paid for the full procedure that day and was on my way.
The day before my procedure, the same technician / nurse
On June 26th, it was surgery day. I wasn’t nervous until this day. I hadn’t had surgery since I had my tonsils removed at the age of 4 and even then I barely remember the pain if there was any. I was afraid of going under anesthesia and no having the autonomy of my own body. I like the control I have of being awake. I arrived with my sister at 7:00AM, I was instantly greeted and was told to go into the bathroom and remove clothing, place on a a gown and comfy slippers. They also test to make sure your not pregnant so they make you urinate in a cup, just a heads up!
I grew more nervous with every door I passed, I even passed a post-op patient (and thought to myself “And I thought that I had gotten up early”). I was sitting in a room with my sister and the nurse that would be assisting on my surgery. She took my vitals, asked some questions and told me my blood pressure was a little high, most likely because of how nervous I was. She introduced me to the anesthesiologist who was extremely nice and calmed me down. I was afraid that I wasn’t going to be completely out and he reassured me that I wouldn’t even know I’m out. Dr. Steiger popped in and began making conversations and drew on my nose, answering any other last minute questions I may of had. I told them all how nervous I was and they totally understood. My anxiety became less and less with each person who walked trough the door to speak with me.
We walked into the operating room around 7:45, I was placed on the “table” which was really just a super comfy, cushioned chair, leaned all the way back. I said goodbye to my sister. I was extremely nervous. The nurse had placed a hair cap on me and put vital detectors (unsure of the proper name at the moment) not my chest. The anesthesiologist placed the IV in my arm which was probably the most painful part of the whole experience. Everyone in the room made conversation with me and I slowly fell dizzy and eventually was just out.
I woke up in a different room, in a chair. I was out of it! I was confused how they moved me if I was still out of it but I guess they did! I honestly didn’t even realize how long I was out. I was so groggy I kept asking the nurse the same question 2-3 times and I wouldn’t realize until I had asked. I knew I had asked the question I just totally forgot the conversation. I had reclothes myself (which I don’t remember doing). It was sometime between 9:45AM-10:15AM. My sister greeted me. They had finished the surgery at 9:10AM. They showed her what I needed to do to clean my incision and ice my face. I unconsciously told her to record it because I knew I wouldn’t remember. The video was extremely funny because I was acting like a child, I was so embarrassed and I give props to that nurse. She really had great patience.
I was wheel chaired to my car. I began to be aware of what was going on but would forget little details here and there. Overall, I wasn’t in any pain. I could breathe clearly through my nose and I felt fine! I was starving and we stopped at Chick-fil-A for some lunch.
My nose was not packed, my stitches are dissolvable and I had very minor bruising after surgery.
Day 1 Post Op:
I wasn’t in any pain throughout the day. I had barely any feeling in my nose. There was a lot of blood leaking on my bandage. I had to change it probably once an hour. I iced my face as instructed. I honestly didn’t ice it as much as I was told because of how cold it was but did it as much as I could throughout the day. I didn’t start to feel discomfort until I had to take my pain meds again. The most pain I’ve felt was some stinging where my incision site was but that’s about as much pain as there was. It was definitely more uncomfortable than painful and I was starting to feel heavy headed and congested towards the end of the day. It was a little hard to breath through my nose just because of the gunk inside that you can’t really clean out so I was breathing my mouth occasionally. Just to let you know, I still had my sense of smell!!! I only lost it when I began mouth-breathing but my sense of smell is definitely still in tact. I cleaned my incision site and added ointment. It was a bit scary as you don’t want your stitches to rip out but you get use to it the more you do it. There was a lot of dried blood. As soon as I took my pain meds, I went to bed. If there’s one thing I recommend you buying before surgery, it’s chapstick! My lips are extremely dry.
Day 2 Post Op:
Woke up feeling great. No pain, very minor discomfort. I definitely didn’t get as much sleep as I wanted to but I’ll probably take a nap. I’ll keep you updated throughout the day!

Day 3-6 of post op were painless. I was mostly uncomfortable and very congested. I also worried that I would sleep wrong and hurt myself. Luckily, I slept on my back with two pillows on either side of me just in case. I’ll add a screenshot of what I would do throughout the week as instructed by my surgeon. It cuts off on Wednesday, however, all was repeated daily and in the order that the list is in.

I took Bromelain for bruising starting 3 days before surgery until it completely subsided. I took Amnica starting the day of my surgery for bruising starting the day of my surgery until it completely subsided. Once a day as instructed. Bromelain on an empty stomach. Bruising wasn’t bad but still noticeable after 1 week post op, I’d say 2 weeks post op, there was hardly any. By the third week, it was definitely gone and I started a new job that week.

Medical Gauze and Tape were used for bleeding until it completely subsided. For me that was after the first day.

Antibiotics were taken as instructed, with food twice daily starting the day before surgery. I think I only had to take it for maybe the first few days (2-3 post op) but definitely not longer than a week. I believe that I had to take the pill twice a day. It was small. This is to protect from any infections. An anti-nausea pill was prescribed since the antibiotics could easily make you feel sick. I thought I could handle it since the surgery went so smoothly and I wasn’t in any pain so I made the mistake once of taking the antibiotic with just a banana and within 20 minutes started to feel nauseous, tried to take the anti-nausea medicine and was dry heaving on the toilet 10 minutes after. If you are prescribed Doxycycline, take it with more than just a banana.

Celebrex was taken for pain every 12 hours while Zofran was used every 6 for nausea (if needed). I honestly didn’t use the anti-nausea often aside from what I said above. The Celebrex was used just out of precaution.

CLEANING:
I cleaned out my nose 2 times daily for a week.

1. I used a netipot as a saline rinse. I’ll attach a photo of it as well since it was recommended from the surgeon and different from the one I expected. The first few days it was a lot of gunk coming out but it feels SO nice afterwards. Also, do wash your nose out with anything but a saline mix, otherwise you will be ready eyed and possibly hurt yourself!!!

2. After rinsing, I would take a Q-Tip and lightly place hydrogen peroxide along on the inside lining of my nose, on my stitches (helps with dissolving and cleaning crusted fluids) and on the incision site. It honestly tickles so I would apply light pressure when swabbing with the q-tip to avoid from wanting to itch those areas.

3. After that, I would apply the Mupirocin ointment with a q-tip on stitches and incision site.



Vaseline was used to lock in moisture and keep your nose from drying out. Medrol dose pack was used for congestion.

Here’s Day 7 post op. I cleaned my stitches as I did before in the last update so it would be less painful once the nurse / tech came into to clean the rest.

I didn’t know I was going to get stitches removed until I saw the girls who were in the post-op room from the day of my surgery crying when theirs were being taken out. Honestly, LATHER YOUR STITCHES IN THE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IF YOU WANT IT TO BE LESS PAINFUL.

I think she only had to pull out the stitches outside my nose and one on the inside that was difficult for me to clean. I also had no idea that I even had stitches on the outside of my nose since it was covered in a scab under my cast. Honestly, this part does hurt and makes your eyes water but if you just get it over with the pain is not any worse than waxing.


I was complimented on how well my healing process was going since I had minimal bruising. I had my after pictures taken. I was in love with my nose. She was beautiful. In the next update I will be sharing all the pictures.