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I am a 30 year old marketing professional that has...

I am a 30 year old marketing professional that has hated my profile for many years. My nose has a bulbous tip and a large bridge that I would like to refine. My chin is where the major problem lies - family genes have left me with what I call my "slope chin" and quite frankly it is just going to get worse if my family aging patterns are any indicator. I have very low definition between my jaw and neck, and a weak chin with extra fat.

I went in for an initial consultation for my chin and also mentioned my nose. I figure if I am going to do a surgery and pay, I might as well fix the areas of my nose that bother me as well.

I don't think I am an unattractive person, but I want to feel confident in myself from every angle. I workout and eat right and I always think my chin makes me look so much fatter then I am.

I am scheduled for surgery on June 4, 2015 for a rhinoplasty, small chin implant and a liposuction of my chin and neck with Dr. David LaPatka.

I am very nervous, but also excited. My main areas of nervousness lie in the healing time ( I am a very active exerciser and haven't gone 4 -8 weeks without exercise in like 10 years) and I am also nervous about the "after", meaning how will I, and my friends and loved ones, react to the new me.

I am inspired and grateful for all of the posts that everyone on here is sharing and I wanted to share my story too. Wish me luck! And please! I would love to hear from everyone about your experiences, advice and any questions.

Tell me your story: Healing time, eating and getting back to exercise.

Hi Everyone,
I would love to hear your experience about getting back into exercise after surgery. Don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of taking it easy to heal, but I am curious about your story. Were you able to go for walks afterward? When did you start back at the gym? Anyone struggle with taking a break from exercise after surgery?

I ask these questions because I love exercise and it is a huge component to my well being. My hope is that I can relax into the idea of not working out and try to heal as quickly as possible.

Also, I would love your advice on healthy eating post surgery for quick healing and mitigated weight gain.

Thanks!

Pre-Op Appointment

I had my pre-op appointment yesterday with Dr. LaPatka and his RN, Heather Grieco. I am getting very excited and also a little nervous now.

I have been instructed to take Bromelain and Arnica for inflammation and swelling now until my surgery in two weeks. I am to also reduce my caffeine and alcohol consumption now until surgery and after as well to reduce swelling, bruising and bleeding.

Dr. LaPatka is great. He reassured me about my decision and answered all of my questions. He also explained to me why numbess and movement can be affected after a chin implant. I am the type of person who like to know the "why" so that made me feel better.

I will be receiving a silicone implant in my chin, neck lipo and an open rhinoplasty. During my rhinoplasty Dr. LaPatka will shave down my bump and fine tune the tip of my nose.

Heather, Dr. LaPatka's RN, was also so great to talk to. She has gone through similar procedures herself and it's a great sounding board. She also warned me of the emotional roller coaster that comes before and after surgery.

In the mean time, we are heading out of town for the holiday weekend to relax.

Provider Review

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
215 Pesetas Lane, Santa Barbara, California
Overall rating
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Answered my questions
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Dr. LaPatka is a face genius. He knew immediately what would work for my face to give me the look I wanted without looking like I had anything done. Dr. LaPatka let me text message him before and after surgery whenever I had a little concern. My husband also was able to get a hold of him right away when we had a question about pain killers. My post surgery concerns have always been addressed and Dr. LP is always very honest with me about the healing process and the results. The office is clean and friendly, almost a spa like setting. His staff was amazing. They were gentle and kind and made sure I was comfortable the entire process. Overall, I love my results. I think my photos say more than I can, honestly. He gave me a beautiful, natural looking nose and chin and I can't thank him enough!