POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
Revision Rhinoplasty for Tip Irregularities and Deprojection
ORIGINAL POST
I had a primary rhinoplasty with another doctor in...
WORTH IT$14,000
I had a primary rhinoplasty with another doctor in 2008 to fix a deviated septum and deproject my nose. This left me with an asymmetric tip. Although my nose is still prominent, I am choosing to stay on the conservative side and only fix the tip, as I am satisfied with the length of my nose (especially compared to my original nose). I am scheduled for surgery on Dec. 22 and am very anxious and excited! I have done a lot of research in choosing a surgeon and finally decided to choose Dr. Kim in SF. Thank you to everyone on realself for the worthwile and supportive interactions! :)
clouds90's provider
UPDATED FROM clouds90
1 month pre
Consultation
The consultation with Dr. Kim went well. He listened to all my questions and explained the procedure in detail with schematic images of the nose. Upon request, he showed me before and after photos of a couple patients with severe bossae. Also, he did 3D morphs, which he later sent to me via email. Dr. Kim's mannerisms and overall attitude was very pleasant and understanding. The staff (Nanette, Natalie and Autumn) were all very nice and patient with me.
Replies (18)
November 23, 2014
am looking forward to seeing your results. It sounds like the consultation was very thorough and the doctor provided a lot of support, such as computer imaging to put you at ease. I am also in the process of getting revision surgery for similar issues. Can you please tell me how your doctor will fix the bossae ? Is he doing a graft ? Thank you and good luck with the surgery!
November 23, 2014
Thank you! Yes, I believe he will be using a strut graft and reconstructing the tip cartilage. I'll post the details of the surgery after I get it done :).
November 23, 2014
Thank you Elisa. I have also been told that a graft will be needed to cover up the cartilage in the tip and give the nose a more smooth appearance. That made me nervous, sounded so complex and involved. The surgeon reassured me that it is not and I shouldn't worry with a graft from my own tissue. Are you going to have closed or open rhinoplasty ? Thanks for all the feedback, so helpful. This was such a huge decision for me to make after 10 years, still nervous about the outcome.
November 23, 2014
It will be open for me (which I prefer). I think that no rhinoplasty surgery is easy, but tip work is especially challenging. Bossa tips are often not an easy fix...especially with thin skin. Grafts will make the nose stronger and will ensure long-term success. I hope our surgeries turn out well!! It was a huge decision for me too.....but I need the confidence boost. I want to feel more positive about myself while I'm alive. :)
November 23, 2014
I am glad we were able to share our experience, since we have similar cases. I also said I need to do this now while I am young!
January 1, 2015
I also had grafts to smooth everything out under my thin skin. You're ahead of me in the recovery game...do you have any advice or tips on swelling in the first few days? My nose feels like it is going to burst under the cast and tape.
January 1, 2015
Hmm my nose didn't swell that much under the cast (there was a bit of room between the flanks of the cast and my nose), but I avoided any added salt, ate anti-inflammatory foods, rubbed bromelain/msm gel under my eyes, slept upright and kept the room cool (so that my face was chilly rather than flushed). I didn't end up icing much, although it seems to help a lot of people. I'm sure you're fluent in the procedure and the rest is just time.... Best wishes and take care!
January 1, 2015
Also I would sneeze with my mouth instead of my nose (sounds weird...but somehow possible?).
January 2, 2015
Hmm, all good advice! I haven't had any salt since my surgery, but the room I'm in is rather warm. I am sleeping propped up in the corner of a couch and drinking lots of water, but my cast is verrry tight and taped over that in addition, and I feel like my nose is just pressing against the cast from the inside. I suppose every nose is different! This is such a fun process to learn about. Thanks for your input!
January 2, 2015
Indeed! Every nose is different. I hope the rest of your healing goes smoothly. Can't wait to see the cast off :).
March 20, 2015
This is all very helpful -- I've been reading your discussion, as I am considering having the procedure and mine is almost exactly as yours. This is such helpful information! Thank you so much for sharing this detail and your pics!!
November 24, 2014
I like how the consult was thorough. I hope you have a successful revision. I am excited to follow your journey.
December 11, 2014
I am very excited for you!!! Can't wait to see your results! !
UPDATED FROM clouds90
1 day post
Day after my surgery
Hi everyone! Yesterday was my big day! I have to admit I was insanely nervous (both the night before and the morning of my surgery), but the staff at the surgery center were so cheerful and comforting that I started to feel better.
Dr. Kim was very reassuring, confident and realistic (reminding me that my nose will not be perfect). He listened to my concerns and desires. We agreed that if there was enough septal cartilage, to go ahead and insert thin spreader grafts and reduce the height by a couple mm, but if there wasn't enough septal cartilage to just fix the tip.
Upon waking up, Dr Kim told me that there was plenty septal cartilage, so he inserted the thin spreader grafts and reduced the height. He showed me photos of my nose right after surgery (without the cast) and from what I remember they looked great.
Alicia, a lady recommended by Dr. Kim's office, took amazing care of me at my hotel. She was genuinely concerned for my physical and mental state, and told me comforting stories. I had no nausea or discomfort after I got to my hotel.
Today, I feel pressure in my nose... Other than that, I feel well. No bruising or swelling. Mentally, I'm also feeling quite positive. Just watching movies and eating soft food :).
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera-computer cord at home, so I won't post photos until I get back in a week (not like there's much to see anyway). Thanks for all your support and I will keep you updated!
Dr. Kim was very reassuring, confident and realistic (reminding me that my nose will not be perfect). He listened to my concerns and desires. We agreed that if there was enough septal cartilage, to go ahead and insert thin spreader grafts and reduce the height by a couple mm, but if there wasn't enough septal cartilage to just fix the tip.
Upon waking up, Dr Kim told me that there was plenty septal cartilage, so he inserted the thin spreader grafts and reduced the height. He showed me photos of my nose right after surgery (without the cast) and from what I remember they looked great.
Alicia, a lady recommended by Dr. Kim's office, took amazing care of me at my hotel. She was genuinely concerned for my physical and mental state, and told me comforting stories. I had no nausea or discomfort after I got to my hotel.
Today, I feel pressure in my nose... Other than that, I feel well. No bruising or swelling. Mentally, I'm also feeling quite positive. Just watching movies and eating soft food :).
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera-computer cord at home, so I won't post photos until I get back in a week (not like there's much to see anyway). Thanks for all your support and I will keep you updated!
Replies (16)
December 23, 2014
Glad to hear that everything went well and your recovery is going great. I am excited to see your results!
December 25, 2014
Today I woke up with a bad headache...otherwise doing fine. I'm starting to see that my nose is going to be huge when the cast comes off and that I need to be prepared for lots of swelling..... I just hope that after a month the swelling will only be noticeable to me.
December 30, 2014
Hi Elisa! I'm thinking of you as I prepare for my surgery and how strong you've been through this revision. I'm hoping your results are beautiful and that you're recovering well! How are you feeling?
December 30, 2014
Thanks so much! I had my cast and splints removed today. Although swollen, I really like what my nose looks like so far, so I'm feeling quite positive! :) I'll be thinking about you too! Good luck!!
December 30, 2014
Happy healing :) get lots if rest. I hope your nose will look amazing!
December 30, 2014
Thanks so much! Cast off today and so far so good :). I'll post photos soon!
Replies (20)
And thank YOU for paying it forward and starting your story. I had a revision rhinoplasty as well and was so pleased with how smoothly it went compared to the primary. I hope this goes really well for you. Please keep us updated!