Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty experience

I have known that I wanted rhinoplasty for the past 15 years. It was never a question of if but when. When I was a little girl up until the time I was probably 13 my nose was okay. Then what seemed like overnight it all changed. To be honest I don't remember noticing until one day in grade 9 one of the guys in my class said I had a huge nose. When I went home that night I immediately looked in a 3 way mirror and was shocked when I saw the side view of my nose. I had developed a big hump and it was very obvious. How had I not noticed it? From that point on I became incredibly aware of it and very self conscious. It seems like over time it just got worse. The bump got bigger and my nose was also crooked which ironically enough, I didn't really notice too much in the mirror. It was once I saw photos of myself that I noticed how much it veered off in one direction.

I would try anything to attempt to hide my nose or at least downplay it. My hair has kind of become my security blanket. I usually wear it down and always have some kind of bangs. I have also tried contouring my nose with makeup to make it appear smaller which suprise suprise is not very effective. When I was a teenager I always tried to avoid people seeing the side view of my face (Easier said than done!) To this day I fear that cars will drive by me and see the side view of my nose. High school was probably the worst. I was made fun of for my nose. I had people tell me that my nose is crooked and one of my coworkers at a job had asked me when I had broken my nose. Not even if but when! You do get past these comments but you never forget what it feels like when someone draws attention to the very thing that you hate most about yourself. For me it just kind of amplified how I already felt about my nose.

I recently turned 30 and decided that it is the perfect time for me to do this. Everything is happening quickly and it is very exciting and scary! I will be posting more regarding my consult and the surgery.

I started researching the procedure and surgeons about 3 months ago. I wanted to be very prepared and informed about this surgery. I think it can be scary because you are overwhelmed with info but for me it was so important to make myself aware and be very cautious in choosing a surgeon. I had read articles about ensuring that the surgeon is board certified and is a plastic surgeon not just a cosmetic surgeon. I looked up a lot of different doctors in the Vancouver area. My first thought was to schedule a couple of consults and to go with the doctor that I felt most comfortable with. In the end though I only contacted one doctor for a consult. I had read a lot about Dr. Buonassisi and had a really good gut feeling about seeing him for a consult. I called in the beginning of May and booked a consult for May 23rd.

Beforehand I kind of wrote up a list of things that I didn't like about my nose and questions I wanted to ask. The day of the consult I was terrified! It was weird because it is simply a time to get to know the doctor and and ask questions (Just on a side note ask questions! I felt bad thinking I was asking too many but it is an important part of the consult) Anyways I think I was so nervous because the consult makes it feel so much more real and you've really taken the last step before the surgery itself.

The consult went really well. I had many photos taken from different angles of my nose. When I met with the doctor I told him the things I didn't like about my nose. For one the hump, the crookedness, and how when I smile the tip drops down a lot towards my upper lip. I told him that I had no qualms about having an open rhinoplasty. I know a lot of people prefer closed because the scarring is less but I actually prefer the open and from what the doctor said in my case it would be necessary for the changes to be made. I also stressed that I wanted to have a general anesthetic. I read a lot about having a local with sedation which is apparently called "twilight sedation". From the sounds of it a lot of people do the procedure this way and they are fine. For me its a personal choice for this operation. I want to be knocked out, asleep, not aware of anything. It does cost more money because they bring in the anesthesiologist but for me it is worth it just for the peace of mind.

I have to say that I found it fascinating to go through the the photos with the doctor. They take many different photos of your nose from different angles(I found when I looked at them I kind of shuddered and wondered why I hadn't done this sooner!) The doctor sat with me and went through the images with me asking me questions about my nose. I had read beforehand that apparently it can be hard to straighten a crooked nose. There can be improvements but it usually won't be perfectly straight. Dr. Buonassisi did confirm that. He also explained that they would actually have to do a septoplasty to straighten the nose, which would be combined with the rhinoplasty. I loved his approach because he said what he is able to do and what he is unable to do. He didn't downplay the risks at all and the best part was doing the computer digital imaging. He showed me what changes he could make and how it could look. I was blown away. It still looked like me but with a nicer nose! From researching this doctor I read a bit about his technique. He focuses on small changes to the bridge and tip of the nose for the most natural looking result.

It was weird when I saw how my side view looked with the digital imaging I loved it but when I saw the front view I hesitated a bit. It looked better but different. I wasn't sure if I liked it but then I realized that we are probably so used to seeing our noses everyday and when any change is made it looks "off" because you are not used to it. Even though I hate my nose its different to see it look a little more normal!

After the great experience at the consult I decided I wanted to do the surgery. I felt completely at ease with the doctor, his approach, and his honesty. It seems so surreal still. I booked the surgery for June 11th which is only 5 days away!

I've been reading a lot of posts on here which has been really helpful. I am also trying to prepare myself with a lot of books, magazines, and movies. Still have to buy one of those U shaped travel pillows. I've heard that these are helpful. Oh and lip balm! Does anyone have anymore advice on things to have to make the recovery easier/more bearable?

I am a bit concerned about the role that my seasonal allergies may play in this procedure. I hadn't been experiencing allergies much this year so I wasn't too concerned but then about a week ago it started. They are brutal! I sneeze probably about 10-15 times an hour and my nose just literally runs like a tap all day. On days that I am at home and not going out I shove kleenex up both nostrils and leave them there. Gross right? However it seems to be the only thing to stop the running. The whole time I was experiencing these allergies all I could think of was trying to heal and recover and how terrible that would be with those kind of allergies. Then I of course got paranoid and was worried that I wouldn't be able to do the surgery!

I did talk to the office staff and they were helpful. They said that it is a common concern. I did get some Reactine Extra Strength 24hr from them. Usually the allergy meds don't seem to help me. This does seem to alleviate the symptoms but not fully.

Has anyone had a similar experience to this? If so what measures were taken to help? I'm terrified that I will be sneezing like a maniac after surgery because I know that if you do sneeze you have to do it through your mouth( Isn't that how most people sneeze anyways though?)

Only 2 more days. Very scared and excited!