It's Time to Stop Squinting! - Sydney, AU

I can't believe I'm actually submitting this review.... Like most of you, I have never liked my nose and the thought of admitting that on the world wide web is just so scary.... and why not add some terrible photos to reinforce it while I'm here?!? It's funny though, I've managed to trick myself into being 'ok' with it until I see the all-dreaded bad angle, usually a profile shot. I'm so self-conscious about it that, unlike some people, I can't joke around about it, so I have never said anything to anyone, hence my families shock when I told them about my decision. I have been with my now husband for 16 years and it was only in the past 5 years that I felt comfortable to tell him how I felt. I detest having my photo taken and that was the only part of my wedding day that I was petrified about... photographer and people staring at me! I can honestly say, I don't like ANY of my photos! My husband didn't want me to have the surgery beforehand which I can totally respect. So after years of wondering, I decided to bite the bullet! I'm sick of standing in front of the mirror squinting to try and see what I'd look like with a smaller nose! What don't I like about it? I doubt I need to list my dislikes after you've seen my photos, but this is very therapeutic... It's too wide, there are two bumps and it's SO round on the tip that it looks like I have a clowns nose! After googling rhinoplasty specialists in Sydney, I came across Dr Shahidi (Specialist Surgeon in Facial Plastic & ENT Surgery) and this website. After reading about him and his reviews, I booked my consultation. Upon meeting him and the Practice Manager, Raleigh, I didn't feel the need to meet any other surgeons. They have been professional, realistic, informative and so understanding. They were not pushy and I didn't once feel like they were trying to 'sell' me anything. I basically want a nose that actually fits my face, not the nose of my 80 year old grandfather (bless him)! I found out I have a deviated septum, so that will be rectified as well. The only concern I have is the whole thick skin limitation, it's playing on my mind a little. So the surgery is in one week and I can't wait! Thank you to the team at RealSelf and it's members.... you've made me realise that I'm not the only one with these feelings! It it weren't for this website, I wouldn't be having the surgery. I will admit that I REALLY didn't want to put up my review, but I owe it to the website and maybe I can help someone like I have been helped. Only my immediate family know about this and am not telling anyone else. If people ask what looks so different, I will tell them, but I'm sure they'll figure it out considering my nose takes up so much of my face! Thank you again RealSelf for the therapy and making me feel comfortable!!

Sitting at the airport waiting fly down Sydney after saying a tough goodbye to my ever-supportive husband. I won't see him for 4 weeks. Forget any pain or discomfort, I think my emotions are going to test me the most!

Sitting in the waiting room at the day surgery. Feeling a small flutter of butterflies. I'd give anything to have my husband sitting with me (I have my mum though). Can't wait for the next 7 days to pass and I haven't even had surgery yet!