Cosmetic Rhinoplasty, So Far Really Happy - Zagreb

Like probably 99% of people who undergo cosmetic rhinoplasty, I too, hated my nose for as long as I can remember. No one actually told me it was big, but it wasn't small either and it was somewhat pointy from the side with a moderate hump. It gave me a less profound look than I felt would fit my other facial features.
Being from Croatia, I am lucky the overall cost of cosmetic surgery is still significantly lower than in other parts of the EU, not to mention US. Still, we have renowned surgeons and the quality of the service is as high as abroad. I was happy to choose a surgeon who is certified by several national and international medical boards.

The procedure was done under local anesthesia (sorry don't know what the exact term for it is in English, but I was moderately sedated so I dozed off during the procedure, but it wasn't as under general anesthesia where you're completely asleep and unaware what's going on). No pain involved whatsoever. The procedure went great and took only about 40 minutes. Dr Toncic was very pleased how it went and that was a total comfort. I went home after two hours.

Now, the first three days are just HELL. Not being able to breathe normally, eat, sleep, ANYTHING. I bruised moderately under my eyes and on my eyelids but didn't swell until day three.
Things got dramatically better after day 5 and removal of packing (day 4) but I still looked pretty bad so I stayed home...really really bored.

Day 7 - splint finally removed! WHAT A SHOCK. As the splint for some reason was really long for my nose, it was severely squeezing my nostrils after packing removal - and boy, did I wish somebody warned me that the tip and nostrils will look deformed the first few minutes until they 'inflate' because of having a tight cast on for a week like that.
The nurse removed the cast and took me to a mirror and I started shaking and almost cried because at first, the nose looked WAY to narrow, almost Micheal Jackson- like. Seriously, this was a huge shock and I forgot to mention this to the surgeon but I most certainly will on my next check-up in two months. Just give people a heads-up in such cases, doc :) I almost suffered a heart-attack :)
Any way, the nurse let me recover and sat me down and after a few minutes the nostrils inflated to its normal size and things started to look REALLY good!

So...today is day 8 and now I see why everyone is writing about post-op swelling of the nose so much. It is really swollen. But still - it looks great and I am so happy I got it done!
I was able to put full make-up on yesterday and go see my friends who are thrilled with the outcome. So happy.

Will post regularly on healing :) Cheers from Croatia!

...and I went back to work. Funny thing is, nobody noticed anything, or even if they may have noticed something different about me, no one said anything! I really don't know how to explain this, I guess people just don't expect you to go on vacation and get a nose job. On the other hand, I never really had a BIG nose but still, there's a big change, especially from the side. Speaking of which, I will post some pics when I get a chance.
Anyway, my recovery has been really good so far. I have more swelling in the morning than later in the day and therefore I am still sleeping on two pilllows with my head elevated. Also, the swelling is inequal although it's probably something only I notice, but 90% of the time I'm absolutely in love with my new nose, especially when it's less swollen. At times I am a little concerned it may look crooked as sometimes one side swells somewhat more but usually it looks alot different the following day. I guess it is best not to examine the nose too much at this point as it will only make me crazy....

promised some pics so here they are! before (left) and after (right)...