Posts by Donna Castillo7

I just got off the phone with them; I’m heading over in a few days to pick up my invoice. My sister did give me a heads-up, though—she says the IRS won't touch anything billed under Glumičić because the second they see that name, they know it's just for cosmetic procedures.
Has anyone here actually gone to Glumičić or maybe Ostojić? Did you actually manage to get your tax refund approved?

Kate Thompson45 said:Donna Castillo7, on the day I was leaving Ostojić's office, I actually got my discharge papers (two whole pages—he really took his time detailing everything 😂 ), the receipt, and all the other paperwork related to my case.

Did you get any discharge papers? I know some doctors refuse to hand over any documentation at all... Were you seeing Glumičić?
Anyway, glad to hear you're happy with your nose!

Maria Mia, fingers crossed for you! Let us know how it goes!

He didn't give me a receipt or any discharge papers. During our consultation, he assured me, "Yes, yes, you'll get a standard receipt," but now they're playing dumb unless you specifically demand it. I'm calling them tomorrow. I can't believe I let this slip. As for the discharge summary, I asked my sister before the surgery and she said they don't usually write those.

Does anyone know if that receipt can be used for a tax deduction? I'm thinking if I state it was for a septoplasty due to medical reasons?

Rebecca Gomez37 said:Honestly, things are going to change for you—hopefully for the better...
For me, things have gone downhill. Even my doctor admitted it. When everything was still swollen, you couldn't see what's visible now that it's hardened. It's been four months, and that's why I’m facing another surgery soon;((
My nose is just completely distorted—that's the reaction to the process. Now they’re going to break the bone and do a full reconstruction.
Please, if anyone has experience or knows someone who does, let me know about recovery after an OPEN type surgery.
I read that they only do that for really severe cases because the reconstruction allows full access to the cartilage and bones...........

Thanks for the reply..

Regarding open surgery—it sounds silly, but look at the footage from the red folder where Dr. Smith operated on Ava Karabeg; that was an open procedure. Personally, I don't know anyone who has had nose surgery, but judging by how Ava looks, there isn't even a scar, and she was already out and about just a week later.
What I do know is that open surgery isn't strictly reserved for extreme cases. It's simply a method that gives the surgeon a much better view of the nasal anatomy, especially when you've already had surgery before.

Kimberly Baker13 said:😲Wait, so if I go to Johnson, only half the job actually gets done?!
Donna Castillo7, what’s your take, considering you had the exact same issue with your nose🤷?

I wouldn't say only half the work is done. Surgeons usually don't bother cutting the lip muscle for long noses because those noses already have a tendency to droop when you talk or laugh—that's just how they're built. After surgery, the tip is lifted (slightly, obviously, we aren't aiming for a pig nose), and since facial expressions happen when you smile, you can't exactly freeze your entire face just to fix a nose. But generally, the nose ends up much shorter, so there isn't much left to "droop." It's the opposite for short noses that need a hump removed; since the nose is already short, they have to cut that muscle so the tip doesn't pull the lip up, or the lip doesn't drag the tip down.
Honestly, it all comes down to how the surgeon executes it. From what I know, Smith is the only one in the NYC area who actually cuts that muscle.

I'm getting my splint off tomorrow, so I'll let you guys know how everything looks. So far, so good. You can already tell the nose is significantly smaller, which helps since I have a small face.

Zachary Nguyen29, sounds like a perfect choice for you then..

I have a question for those of you who have had your mold taken: based on your experience, how much does the nose actually change? Does it just shrink further, or has anyone seen it actually grow?

Noah Moore4, I’ll try to put something together using those photos... but don't go getting scared. I haven't let any of it get to me, regardless of the usual nonsense people spout; "you're beautiful as you are," "you don't need this," "it'll be over before you know it," or how they'll just give you some sedative before surgery so everything goes smoothly—as if that helps. Just great..
Even now, looking at myself with the mold—yellow and blue—I'm happy with my nose, but I honestly can't wait to see the final result.
When I was in for my consultation with Glisac, I didn't even get a chance to mention that my biggest annoyance is how my nose stretches out like a track when I laugh, and he just jumped right in; "Yeah, I bet it looks even longer when you smile..." The man already knew everything; I had nothing left to say..
Smith is going to excise the muscle above my upper jaw, right below the lip, specifically so the lip doesn't pull upward once he lifts the nose during the correction.. Try it yourself right now—use your finger to lift the tip of your nose—and you'll see exactly how it pulls your lip up.

Sorry for any typos; I was trying to get all this down too fast and things got messy, but—you get the idea.

Yeah, honestly, the only real annoyance in this whole ordeal was breathing through my nose. It was a bit rough during the second night because my mouth felt completely parched, but I'll get through it
e...it's just like what women say after giving birth—you go through hell, but once you see that tiny little thing, you forget all about the pain 🙂I've never had any breathing issues before, normally. As for the bruising, yeah, I've got them. I look like I took a few heavy hits from a heavyweight boxer... but again, I expected it to be worse. They're already starting to fade, and they weren't even all over my face, just these swollen dark circles under my eyes. They looked like little cushions at first—deep blue, then indigo, then purple, and now they're slowly turning yellow..

Hey everyone!
I registered on this forum just so I could share my experience getting my nose done. I had my surgery the day before yesterday with Johnson. Honestly, leading up to the big day, I spent my time reading your posts, and I really appreciate how much you all helped ease my mind. I want to do the same for anyone else currently prepping for their own procedure.
I went in strictly for cosmetic reasons—my profile looked off because my nose was too long for my small face, especially with that little bump on the tip. It’s something I’ve wanted forever, but I never quite had the guts or the cash to pull the trigger. Eventually, something just clicked. I realized this desire wasn't going anywhere (I gave myself ten years to think about it!), so two months ago, I told myself: it's now or never. And I chose now. Most importantly, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. No regrets.
Even though I'm still wearing the cast—which comes off in a few days—I can already see that beautiful, small shape I've always dreamed of.
I decided on Johnson right away, regardless of what some of you were saying about him. I never even considered Smith because I absolutely did not want anyone cutting that muscle above my lip (ugh, just thinking about it gives me the chills). As for Thompson, for some reason, he doesn't strike me as a top-tier expert, especially seeing how much he promotes himself through those Botox parties he organizes... plus, I read about poor Suzuki's experience...
Anyway, during my first consultation, Johnson told me straight up that I was a great candidate for a rhinoplasty. I didn't demand a specific look; I just told him I wanted a small, well-shaped nose that actually suits my face. He promised me we’d make it small and sexy, and that I'd be happy with the results. Honestly, it felt stupid to bring in a photo of someone else and say, "I want this." That's like going to a stylist and asking for a blowout when you have straw for hair.
The surgery itself went perfectly. Their anesthesia is top-notch; I woke up feeling like I’d been partying all night or just hadn't slept enough, but without any nausea or bruising on my arms. The Anesthesiologist is a wonderful doctor, and I want to give props to everyone working there. After the procedure, God spoke to me through the surgeon, basically telling me everything turned out great and I could sleep peacefully. Then I just finished my IV and headed home. I haven't had any pain at all. Removing the packing was the only slightly uncomfortable part—I have a pretty low pain tolerance, so I was a little nervous—but it was a quick moment and then it was over. This was actually my first surgery ever. I was completely calm because I wanted this so badly that nothing could shake me.
My parents complained about this for years. In the end, I just presented them with a fait accompli. We didn't even discuss it; I just told them, "I'm getting my nose done on this date." My dad broke into a sweat, and my mom was furious...
Looking back, I'd do it all again. I trusted Johnson, I never doubted him for a second, and I didn't know anyone who had a bad outcome with him. Knowing he's been operating on noses for 15 years was more than enough for me.
So, feel free to ask anything. I had a million questions before my surgery, and I found most of the answers right here.
And I'll leave you with the most important thing: it isn't nearly as scary as you think (provided you are certain about your decision).
:-)