Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Hey, quick favor—if anyone here actually went under the knife with Dr. Zambelli, could you please drop your experience? I’m dying to know if you’re actually happy with the results (assuming there are even any of you out there on this board lol). Usually, we're just a bunch of people either venting about a bad first experience or psyching ourselves up for our very first one. Ha ha ha. So yeah, seriously, if anyone can help me out, pleeease let me know.
OBLAK 19, still waiting on those post-op pics from you🙂

Alright, so I’m gonna try this one more time.
I'm 16 years old and dealing with a deviated septum. I already went through the whole deal—consultations, the rhinometry tests, all that—and after looking at the results, Dr. Zlatko Kljaic recommended surgery, so I gave him the green light. I went to get myself scheduled over at the local university hospital, though if I had my way, I’d probably head to a top-tier clinic in New York City instead. The procedure is set for September. They told me I’ll be stuck in the hospital for a week and then need two weeks of downtime at home to recover. My big question is: are they actually going to shape my nose the way I want? Like, will they actually shrink it down, shave off that bump, and make it straight, or are they just going to fix the breathing issue and leave the rest alone?? thanks

James Kelly49 said:So, here goes nothing—trying this again.
I'm 16 and dealing with a deviated septum. Just finished my exams and rhinometry, and after looking at the results, Dr. Zlatko Kljaic recommended surgery—so I’m in. I went to set everything up at the Mayo Clinic, though honestly, I'd rather just get it done back home in Chicago. The procedure is scheduled for September. They told me it'll be a week in the hospital and then two weeks resting at home. My big question is: will they actually shape the nose the way I want (making it smaller, getting rid of the bump, straightening it out), or are they strictly just fixing the deviation? Thanks.

Why don't you just ask your doctor?
I highly doubt they'll change anything unless you specifically tell them to. 🤷

casualbison3 said:And what do you think, huh? You really think you should just wing it without checking in with your doctor first? Honestly, it’s like people walk into a pharmacy, grab whatever looks flashy on the shelf, and expect to feel like a superhero by dinner time. It’s reckless! You wouldn't just go out and try to fix your own transmission with a butter knife and some duct tape, would you? No, you'd take the car to a mechanic who actually knows what they're doing. So why is it any different when it comes to your actual health? Seriously, go talk to a professional before you end up making a massive mess of things.
I’m telling you, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you—honestly, I highly doubt he’s going to lift a single finger unless you’re right there breathing down his neck and demanding he actually does something! 🤷

The whole thing is just driving me up the wall because I honestly have no clue who is actually going to be performing my surgery! I’ve got this appointment scheduled for September 9th at 9:30 AM, but there isn't a single word in any of their paperwork about which surgeon is taking me under their knife. It’s like they’re operating in total secrecy or something! Nobody has even bothered to reach out and tell me if I need to show up for some pre-op consultation first, either. All I got was this vague instruction to just show up at the hospital at the designated time, along with this massive, overwhelming stack of papers listing a mountain of tests I'm supposed to get done twenty days before the actual procedure. It feels like I'm being sent into a black hole without a map, you know? Just total chaos and zero communication!
So, I was looking through the list of everything they need to get done, and man, it’s just a massive laundry list of hoops to jump through! We’re talking a full-blown gauntlet here. You've got your standard EKG, then you have to deal with urine samples, blood pressure checks—both the regular kind and that internal stuff—plus there's the whole KG thing, various lab tests, getting cleared by an anesthesiologist, and even an aPTV check. It feels like you need a PhD and a week of free time just to prepare for one single appointment! It's honestly exhausting how much paperwork and testing goes into this stuff nowadays; it’s like trying to get cleared for a mission at NASA instead of just a routine medical checkup.

Honestly, if you're the one who requested the procedure, then you should be the one responsible for managing the surgeon.
Nobody can read your mind, so when you're talking to the operator, you really need to make sure you're both on the exact same page regarding what needs to happen.
Another thing to consider—objectively speaking, they won't handle the bone work until you hit 18. So, if you're still dealing with those other issues you mentioned, it might actually be smarter to wait a bit, unless that deviation is so bad that you can't even breathe through your nose without putting in some serious effort.

Betty Edwards22 said:Look, if the nurse is the one who signed you up, she’s the one who should be holding the scalpel, right?
But let's be real—nobody is reading your mind here, so unless you've had a deep, soul-searching conversation with the surgeon himself, you're basically flying blind.
And honestly, looking at it objectively, they don't even touch the bone structure until you're at least 18, so if you've got other issues going on like you mentioned, you might want to just hang tight for a bit—unless that deviation is so bad that you can't even breathe through your nose without gasping for air like you're running a marathon.

The nurse at the front desk was the one who checked me in, but I mean, she's definitely not the one performing the surgery... I don't know... a few people have already told me I'm just overthinking it and that my nose isn't even that big, plus maybe fixing the shape will make that weird bump where the cartilage meets the bone totally disappear or at least much less noticeable... anyway, here's a photo so you guys can tell me what you think... I hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting this... http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/19/e4ave8ed.jpg

Just give the hospital a call and tell them you want a consultation before the surgery—it’s honestly not weird at all, and definitely nothing to feel awkward about. You have every right to know exactly what kind of procedure they're running and how it's gonna affect you down the road.

James Kelly49 said:The nurse at the front desk was the one who scheduled my appointment, but she definitely isn't the surgeon... I'm just not sure... A few people have told me I'm overthinking things and that my nose isn't even that big. Plus, fixing the shape will probably make that bump where the cartilage meets the bone much less noticeable or maybe even disappear entirely. I've attached some photos so you guys can take a look and give me your thoughts... I hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting this... http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/19/e4ave8ed.jpg

Let’s look at this logically: go grab the paperwork you received from Dr. Zlatko Kljaic and check the section regarding recommendations. It will specify whether they're suggesting a septoplasty or a nasal reconstruction. That tells you he’s the one who actually ordered the procedure; the nurse was simply following his medical orders when she checked you in.
Since it seems like you're still quite in the dark about the details, I really suggest you get up to speed. If you don't go into this knowing exactly what the issue is, you're setting yourself up for a lot of frustration later on.
Bottom line—if you aren't clear on what needs to be fixed, things aren't going to turn out the way you want.

Betty Edwards22 said:Look, let’s get one thing straight here: go grab that paperwork you got from Dr. Zlatko Kljaic and actually read it. Look for where it specifically recommends a septoplasty or a nasal septum reconstruction. That’s the doctor making the call, not some nurse just following orders or checking boxes.
Since you clearly don't have a clue what's going on, I’m telling you right now—just shut it down, because if you move forward like this, you're heading straight for a massive medical disaster and a whole lot of regret.
Plus, if you don't even understand what the actual issue is, things are absolutely going to go sideways.

My bad if I'm out of the loop here, okay? But look, I'm only sixteen years old. I'm sitting in business school which has zero to do with any of this medical stuff, and I'm basically dragging myself from one specialist to the next because my mom is tied up taking care of my grandma who can't really help herself, and my dad is stuck at work. The specialist's report definitely says "septoplasty." So, what does that even mean?

James Kelly49 said:Forgive me if I'm out of the loop here, but I'm only 16. I go to a business high school that doesn't really cover this stuff, and I've been running around doctor's offices on my own because my mom is busy looking after my grandmother who can't help herself, and my dad is at work. The specialist's report mentions a septoplasty. What does that even mean?

I’m not trying to "pull your ear," I'm just pointing out that you clearly lack experience here, and I’d advise you not to jump into anything blindly.
It doesn't matter what kind of school you attend; for medical stuff like this, you really need an adult there with you. Honestly, I don't get how someone could even schedule an appointment for you without parental consent. That’s actually against the law here in the States.
I am truly sorry to hear about what your family is going through right now, but surely there should be at least half an hour available somewhere to properly inform you about the situation.
Surgery isn't something to play around with, and you should read up on the potential consequences mentioned here. That doesn't mean every procedure ends badly, but the most important thing is knowing exactly what you want and getting a clear answer on whether it's actually possible to do.

A septoplasty basically means reconstructing the nasal septum, depending on what the specific issue is. Generally speaking, it doesn't involve messing with the bridge of the nose—meaning it won't fix a hump or a nose that is completely crooked down the middle.

So, what is the actual problem you're dealing with?

Betty Edwards22 said:Look, I’m not trying to "pull your ear" or patronize you, I am seriously just warning you because it is blindingly obvious you don't have the experience here, and I'm advising you not to dive into this headfirst without thinking.
It doesn't matter which hospital or clinic you're looking at; for stuff like this, you absolutely need an adult by your side to navigate the process. Honestly, I can't wrap my head around how anyone could even book this for you without parental consent! That is strictly illegal under US law.
I really am sorry to hear things are rough at home right now, but surely you can carve out thirty minutes to actually get properly informed about what's going on.
A surgical procedure isn't some kind of game, and if you read the consequences listed here, you'll see why. It doesn't mean every surgery ends badly—not at all—but the whole point is knowing exactly what you want and getting a straight answer on whether it can actually be done.

Septoplasty basically means reconstructing the nasal septum depending on what the specific issue is. Usually, that doesn't involve messing with the bridge of the nose, like fixing a hump or dealing with a nose that is completely crooked along the midline.

What is your actual problem here anyway?

The thing is, my nose shifts way over to the right, and because of that, the doctor said there's "resistance," which makes it incredibly hard to breathe; I end up mouth-breathing most of the time and sleeping with my mouth wide open. The nurse told me that on September 9th, my parents will come in with me to sign off on the surgery and give their consent. As far as I'm concerned, the shape of the bridge is totally fine. I know surgery isn't a joke, but I was just following the logic that if something major was on the line, the doctor would tell me, rather than me having to act like some kind of medical expert and constantly questioning everything. I don't understand any of this stuff, I just want a normal nose and to be able to breathe normally. Here, I've attached a profile picture of my nose.
http://i39.tinypic.com/jtvy10.jpg

Thanks for the help.

Reporting that I’ve completely lost my sense of smell.... (day 5 post-op)
I know this can be temporary, but I'm curious—how long did it last for you guys?
What's actually considered normal here?

"The hump" actually involves a mix of bone and cartilage—which is why, generally speaking, you shouldn't be messing with it right away.
I'm not sure, but in New York City, you can't even get on a medical list without a parent's signature first.
Given what you mentioned, your best bet would be to just fix the septum and leave the rest of your nose exactly as it is. Once you're a bit older, then you can look into the cosmetic side of things. At the end of the day, making sure you can breathe properly is the most important part.

Hey guys, quick question for you. I just took out my nasal tampons today, and I’ve got my splint coming out this Thursday. Just wondering about two things:

1. It feels like there are these massive scabs right inside my nostrils, super close to where the stitches are—so I'm honestly a little hesitant to mess around in there too much. What should I do? Should I try to clear them out somehow, or just wait until the splint comes out? My doctor has me using Operil spray for my nose, so

2. Are they gonna pull the stitches out, or will they just dissolve on their own? They're kind of sticking out under my nose like little whiskers, and I'm feeling pretty awkward about heading out in public looking like this :S

I’ve been using saline rinses quite extensively for my sinuses. Following my surgery, my doctor recommended a five-day course of antibiotic drops. Personally, I found that using Operil just ends up irritating the mucous membrane too much.

Betty Edwards22 said:Just flush things out with saline—it really helps. After my surgery, they actually suggested five days of antibiotic drops. Honestly, using Operil just ends up irritating the mucous membranes too much.

Well, my doctor told me not to even touch saline for seven days straight!
(I had swabs taken on Friday, and then there's the mold/culture test tomorrow)...
Since I’m feeling so incredibly congested and can barely breathe, I was thinking about using some saline to clear everything out... so, does anyone actually recommend doing it?

The local clinic recommends using a Vinogradska wash. But honestly, how should this be cleaned properly? And also, what’s the best way to handle things once everything has dried up, especially since there isn't even any tamponade left to use right now?

Betty Edwards22 said:The Mayo Clinic recommends it. I mean, how else are you supposed to rinse things out? Especially once everything dries up—you know, since there isn't even any tamponade available right now.

Honestly, it makes total sense to me.
I actually went ahead and asked—you know, right after taking my tampon out—if I should rinse with some saline solution or maybe something like Aqua Maris or whatever... and they told me a flat-out NO... 🤷

My doctor told me to stick strictly to saline rinses, but I might try using a Neti Pot too—can't hurt, right? It honestly feels like everything inside my nose is just swollen up, and I’m low-key terrified to touch anything... like, what if I accidentally pull a stitch or something? Does it actually feel easier to breathe once this splint comes off? How does that part even work?

brightangler18 said:My doctor told me to stick strictly to Operil, but I think I’ll give saline rinses a shot too—can't hurt, right? It honestly feels like everything inside my nose has been scraped raw, and I'm low-key terrified to touch anything in case I pull some internal thread or something. Will it actually feel easier to breathe once this splint comes out? What's that even like?

Look, speaking from my own messy experience, Operil is definitely not the move. I spent almost six months stuck on it because my nose basically forgot how to function without it. Seriously, don't do it. The ingredients kind of mess with your nasal lining so that you become dependent on it, which is why they say you shouldn't use it for more than a week. If you want your membranes to actually heal and keep those nasty crusties from forming, just do heavy saline rinses. And don't blow your nose! Just lean your head over the edge of the bed, pour the saline deep into your nostrils, and if you do it right, you'll feel it hit the back of your throat. Then just spit it all out along with the mucus and whatever else it washed out. Sounds a little gross, I know, but seriously, try it—it works.
As for the Operil... thank God I haven't touched it in six months, and my breathing is finally back to normal.