Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Alex Hayes68 said:Hi everyone,
I decided to share my experience with nose surgery with you all.
Basically, I had my first nose job (purely cosmetic) about 9 months ago at a private clinic in Washington, D.C. I chose that specific clinic because so many girls I knew recommended them for nose jobs. I was pretty brave about it—handled the consultations and all the surgical details via email. I didn't actually meet the doctor until the day of the actual procedure.😲.
The surgery itself went perfectly fine (general anesthesia). I woke up without any pain, and just a few hours later, I was heading home with the cast and packing still in my nose. I should mention that I didn't even have much bruising on my face, despite having a full reconstruction... basically breaking the nose, repositioning it, smoothing out the hump...
After seven days, once the cast and packing were removed, my nose looked perfect. It was swollen, sure, but perfect. I figured I just had to wait a few months for the swelling to go down completely... but it didn't. Even after eight months, the tip of my nose stayed swollen and a small bump appeared.
I shared my dissatisfaction, doubts, fears, and questions with the doctor who did the initial surgery, and we scheduled a revision appointment very quickly. It’s been over a week now, and I can say that so far, I am really happy... I'm just waiting for the swelling to fully subside before I can say it's finally done. So... there you go... straight from the source.

Man, 😢 I really hope you had better luck this time around, and that the surgeon actually used some skill and common sense. 😁
Can you tell us who performed the surgery? And what did they tell you was the reason that bump showed up after the first operation?

Let’s be honest—these forums are usually just a collection of people nursing negative experiences or folks who haven't even started the process yet and are just fishing for advice...
My doctor didn't give me any specific, concrete reasons as to why I developed that hump or why the tip of my nose stayed so swollen... he just brushed it off by saying it was an incredibly complex surgery and that every single tissue heals and regenerates in its own unique way.
He was actually quite approachable when we finally sat down to discuss the possibility of a revision surgery—which, frankly, was everything to me. For the second procedure, he performed it under enhanced anesthesia, and honestly? It was smooth sailing—absolutely no issues at all...
If I'm being truly vulnerable, my absolute biggest fear wasn't the pain or the recovery—it was the moment I finally got the cast off and had to actually look myself in the mirror....

Hey everyone, I’ve been scrolling through this whole thread and just wanted to toss out a few questions. If anyone’s feeling extra kind and could help me out, I’d really appreciate it! 🙂

1. Is there anything a bit "out of the box" that might make a hospital stay more bearable? I’ve already jotted down some basic stuff on my list, but what am I missing?

2. Besides standard saline solution, is there anything else I can grab over-the-counter at a pharmacy before surgery that might help with recovery? Also, regarding that antibiotic ointment people mentioned—is that something you can only get with a prescription after the procedure is done?

3. My friend had her consultation at a major hospital in Washington, D.C., and it was just with a resident; she hasn't actually met the lead surgeon yet. When she brings up wanting to have the bump on her nose removed (since she's getting a septoplasty), will the actual surgeon be the one performing the visit before the operation?

4. This might sound a little silly to some, but it’s such a common thing here in the States... What’s the vibe at big hospitals like this? Is it still common practice to bring the doctors or nurses little gifts, like drinks or a box of chocolates, after a successful surgery?

🙂

Alex Hayes68 said:Hey there.
So, I’ve decided it’s finally time to sit down and share my whole experience regarding my nose surgery with all of you.
So, here’s the deal: I went under the knife about nine months ago for my first nose job—purely cosmetic, mind you—at a private clinic over in Washington, D.C.

After seven days of dealing with that heavy cast and those uncomfortable nasal tampons, I thought I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. My nose actually looked pretty flawless—sure, there was some swelling, but it was that "good" kind of swelling that you just have to wait out for a few months until everything settles down. But apparently, reality had other plans, because it hasn't subsided at all.It’s been eight months now, and I’m still dealing with this persistent swelling at the tip of my nose, along with a small bump that showed up out of nowhere after the fact.

I ended up laying out all my frustrations, my doubts, and those nagging fears directly to the surgeon who handled my initial procedure, and after walking him through everything, we managed to coordinate a date for the revision surgery pretty quickly.It’s been over a week now, and I can honestly say I’m feeling pretty satisfied with how things are playing out so far. That said, I’m holding off on making any grand declarations until the initial dust completely settles and I can see the long-term results. I’ll be sure to report back once I have the full picture—nothing beats a first-hand account....

So, you actually went through the trouble of signing up just because you saw an advertisement? 🙄

It feels like we’re missing a bit of basic logic here—if that swelling didn't subside even after eight months of waiting, what makes anyone think a single week is going to magically fix everything or that things are suddenly back to being "five out of five"? It seems a little optimistic to assume the inflammation will just vanish this time around.

redcyclist99 said:Hey everyone, I’ve just finished reading through this entire thread from top to bottom, and I find myself left with a few lingering questions. If anyone happens to have a moment to lend a hand and share some insight, I’d truly appreciate it. 🙂

Is there anything a bit more unconventional that might actually make a hospital stay more bearable? I’ve already jotted down some basic notes, but I feel like I'm missing those little things that actually matter when you're stuck in a room all day.

Aside from the saline solution, is there anything else available over the counter at a pharmacy before surgery that might actually help with the recovery process? As for that antibiotic ointment you mentioned, is that something I can only pick up with a prescription once the procedure is already behind me?

Regarding the Vineyard location—the exam was conducted by a surgical resident, someone she hasn't actually met yet (she's a friend of his). If she eventually decides she wants to have that bump on her nose removed (since she's looking into septoplasty), does the actual surgeon perform the consultation before the procedure?

This might sound a bit ridiculous to some, but it’s a deeply ingrained tradition here in America. I was wondering what the standard practice is at Vineyard Hospital—is there an expectation to bring anything for the doctors or nurses after a surgery? You know, things like a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates?

🙂

When you're packing for the hospital, don't overlook the basics of what you'll actually be wearing. You really need to prioritize tops with wide necklines—something loose enough to slide on and off without any risk of tugging at a swollen, post-op nose. It’s a small detail that makes a massive difference in comfort. Also, pack more shirts than you think you'll need; things can get messy, and bloodstains are a reality you don't want to deal with when you're already feeling low. Lastly, stick to lightweight pajamas or lounge gear, because those hospital rooms tend to stay uncomfortably warm, regardless of the weather outside.

You really ought to pack some wet wipes and moist toilet paper for both basic hygiene and the restroom; once you’re out of surgery, you aren't exactly going to be sprinting to the shower anytime soon. It’s a bit like being sidelined after an injury where you can't even get the area wet—she had a burn on her hand that she had to keep bone-dry, so a full soak just wasn't on the table.

You might want to pick up some of those disposable toilet seat covers—the kind you use when you’re feeling completely out of it and can't exactly manage to balance yourself properly over the bowl. You can find those little packs, usually with that distinctive green branding, at places like Miller or even Walmart for just a couple of bucks. It wouldn't hurt to grab a pack of disinfectant wipes too, just to give the seat a quick scrub beforehand; I'm pretty sure they carry those at Miller or Walmart as well if my memory serves me right.

I should probably pick up some slippers for the bedroom and grab a pair of rubber flip-flops for the shower, just to be safe—you really don't want to risk catching some fungal infection or something similar while stepping into the tub.

If you’re planning to get any decent rest, you should probably bring your own pillow along. It's also worth throwing two extra pillowcases over it, just in case things get messy and there's some bleeding; that way, you aren't leaving a bloodstain for the next person to deal with by soaking directly into the cushion.

I’d suggest heading over to a local CVS or Walgreens to pick up a bulk pack of gauze pads—probably around 100 in a box. They usually come in standard sizes like 3x3 or 3x3.5 inches, though you're probably better off grabbing the larger ones if they have them. You can use these instead of tissues whenever there’s a bit of bleeding or spotting coming from your nose, whether you're still recovering at the hospital or back home. Gauze is much softer and gentler on the skin surrounding the nose, whereas paper tissues tend to feel pretty abrasive and harsh once your nose is already tender and sore from the procedure.

If you find yourself dealing with that stinging, raw sensation in your nose after too many tissues, honestly, nothing beats grabbing some calendula ointment from Walmart to soothe the irritation.

When you're recovering from surgery, don't go playing doctor with whatever ointment you find sitting on a drugstore shelf. You’ll likely be prescribed a specific antibacterial ointment for your nose, which the hospital staff will dictate as part of your post-op care plan. It’s best to follow their lead exactly; don't just grab something off the shelf at a local CVS or Walgreens without checking first. Just make sure to ask your surgical team for clear instructions before you leave the hospital—you need to know exactly what to apply and how to manage things once you're back home.

Whatever you do, don't go blowing your nose after surgery—that is strictly off-limits. I can't recall the exact timeline, but I'm fairly certain it’s at least a month, so you really ought to double-check with your surgeon to be safe. Instead of blowing, you have to rinse your nasal passages frequently throughout the day using a saline solution or a slightly more concentrated version—think salt and baking soda mixed in—exactly how your doctor prescribes. It’s honestly worth picking up a Rhino Horn or a similar sinus rinse device; it makes the whole process much more manageable. Since blowing is out of the question, you basically have to let everything drain down your throat and spit it out. If there’s anything stuck right at the opening of your nostrils, you can carefully clear it away with a Q-tip, but that's about as close to "cleaning" as you get.

Once you're through with surgery, there’s a certain discipline required regarding that blood you might feel trickling back toward your throat; you really shouldn't be swallowing it, as it can mess with your system. It's much better to just spit everything out as it comes.

I honestly don't understand how she could have missed seeing the surgeon. I mean, you aren't just handed over to some random person off the street; you're being operated on by your own doctor—the very person who’s been managing your care and with whom the entire procedure was coordinated. It’s not like you're walking into a walk-in clinic and getting treated by whoever happens to be on shift.

I make it a point never to offer any kind of kickback or bribe. However, once I was discharged from the hospital and went back for my first follow-up appointment at the department, I brought along some cookies, and I also picked up a little something for the doctor as a gesture of gratitude. If you happen to know the surgeon personally, you might have an idea of what they appreciate—maybe a nice bottle of wine, some high-end chocolate, or perhaps a premium olive oil... just whatever you feel is appropriate without overdoing it.

Wishing my friend the best of luck 🙂

redcyclist99 said:Hi everyone! I’ve just finished reading through this entire thread and I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to help me out with a few quick questions 🙂

1. Is there anything else out of the ordinary that might make a hospital stay more comfortable? I've already jotted down a few things on my list, but I'm open to suggestions!

2. Aside from saline solution, is there anything else I can pick up over the counter at a pharmacy before the surgery that might help with recovery? Also, regarding that antibiotic ointment you all mentioned—is that something that requires a prescription after the procedure?

3. At the local hospital, the initial exam was done by a resident, and I haven't actually met the surgeon yet (this is for a friend). When she mentions wanting to have that bump on her nose removed (she's getting a deviated septum correction), will the actual operating surgeon be present during the pre-op visit?

4. This might sound a little silly, but it's a pretty common custom back home: what's the typical etiquette at the hospital? Have any of you brought gifts like drinks or boxes of chocolates for the doctors or nurses after a surgery?

🙂

Regarding 1 and 2—I'm sorry to say that, generally speaking, the equipment situation isn't the best, so please feel free to bring absolutely anything that makes your life a little easier. It's sad to have to say it, but that's just the reality. One thing that comes to mind is some lip balm; since you'll be breathing through your mouth, your lips are going to get incredibly dry very quickly.

3. In most major US hospitals, the rule is that the primary operator handles the patient from the start, so in this case, the resident would be her surgeon. However, they never work entirely alone; they are always under the supervision of a senior staff member—in this scenario, an experienced rhinoplasty specialist. Regarding the curvature issues, if they've only agreed on a septoplasty, it complicates things because they'd need to use a different surgical approach depending on what they find during the procedure.

Alex Moore62 said:I don't do bribes, but after I was discharged from the hospital, when I went back for my first follow-up appointment at the department, I brought some cookies, and I also brought something for the doctor as a way of saying thank you (if you know the surgeon personally, you might have an idea of what they like—maybe a nice bottle of wine, some high-end chocolate, or a great olive oil... whatever you think is appropriate, just don't overdo it).

Best of luck to our friend 🙂

It seems like you guys have turned the whole coffee thing into some kind of mythic saga, which honestly confuses me given your own approach (bringing cookies!). If my impression is wrong and I'm misreading the situation, could you explain a bit more about what you specifically meant by that?

Alex Moore62 said:Hospital clothes need a wide neckline so you can get them on and off easily without messing with a swollen, operated nose. Bring extra shirts; they tend to get blood on them. Pack light pajamas since hospital rooms get warm.

Bring wet wipes and moist toilet paper for hygiene. You won't be able to shower immediately after surgery, and if you have bruising on your hand, you shouldn't get it wet.

Grab some seat covers so you can sit on the toilet when you aren't fully steady on your feet yet. You can find mini packs at Walmart for a few bucks—look for the little green label. Also, maybe some disinfectant wipes to clean the toilet seat beforehand (Walmart or Target, if I remember correctly).

Pack slippers for the room and rubber flip-flops for the shower to avoid picking up fungus or whatever in the communal tub.

Bring your own pillow to actually get some rest. Bring two pillowcases too, just in case there's bleeding, so you don't ruin the pillow.

Go to the pharmacy and buy a pack of gauze pads (100 count, maybe 3x3 or 4x4 inches—better to go bigger). Use these instead of tissues when there's minor bleeding from the nose at the hospital or once you're home. Gauze is soft and gentle on the nose and surrounding skin, whereas paper tissues feel pretty rough when your nose is throbbing.

If your nose hurts from cleaning it, Neutrogena cream from Walmart helps irritated skin the most.

The antibacterial ointment you put inside the nose after surgery is prescription-only; the hospital will tell you what to use. Don't take anything on your own whim. Ask the staff exactly what to do once you're back home.

Do not blow your nose after surgery. It is strictly forbidden (I think for at least a month, ask your surgeon for the exact timeframe). At home, rinse your nose frequently with saline or a reinforced saline solution (extra salt and baking soda) per your doctor's instructions. It’s smart to buy a Rhino Horn; sinus rinsing is much easier with one. Since you can't blow your nose, you have to let everything drain down your throat and spit it out. Anything you can reach carefully with a Q-tip is fine.

After the operation, do not swallow the blood draining down your throat. Spit it all out.

I don't understand how she hasn't seen the surgeon? Your doctor, the one treating you and the one who scheduled the procedure, is the one performing it. Not just anyone.

I don't do bribes. But after being discharged, when I went for my first follow-up, I brought cookies to the ward and something for the doctor as a thank you. If you know the surgeon, you might know what they like—a bottle of decent wine, high-end chocolate, or a nice olive oil. Whatever you think is appropriate, just don't overdo it.

Good luck to your friend.🙂

Thanks for these detailed tips 🙂. I have to admit, I hadn't planned on half of this, nor would I have brought it if you hadn't mentioned it. Now I see it's necessary. 😍 Thanks

Alex Moore62 said:Whatever you do, don't blow your nose after the surgery. It's strictly off-limits—I think it’s at least a month, though I can't remember the exact timeframe, so definitely check with your surgeon.

Honestly, every specialist seems to have their own take on this. My doctor actually told me I could start blowing my nose very gently as soon as they took the packing out.

Thanks so much for the advice, you guys have been a huge help, seriously 🙂

And then it turns out her surgeon is actually a specialist, I guess she just totally misread the situation. Thanks again 🙂

Betty Edwards22 said:It feels like you’ve framed the question of bribery in mythological terms, which I don't quite grasp given your previous comments about gifts. If my impression is off and I've misinterpreted your conclusion, could you perhaps elaborate on what specifically you meant?

You've misread me. I made it clear that I'm not talking about bribes, nor do I have any information or suggestions regarding them—aside from those persistent rumors that some doctors accept dirty money under the guise of "gifts," a topic I won't dwell on since, fortunately, I haven't experienced it myself. Unlike a bribe, a small gesture of appreciation or thanks for professional conduct and a job well done is, in my view, exactly what I was referring to. I suppose there isn't one standard way to handle this; everyone likely judges based on their own discretion and what they can afford. It usually depends on how well you know your doctor—maybe you bring them some bourbon if they like spirits, or a bottle of wine, or some local artisanal goods, or maybe just something from a farmer's market. 🤷
In any case, none of the surgeons I've dealt with prior to my surgery—people I entrusted with my physical well-being, having unfortunately undergone more procedures than I care to count—ever asked for anything; they simply performed their jobs professionally, and that is something I deeply respect.

However, there was one instance where I wasn't operated on by my scheduled surgeon—apparently, they shuffled the teams during a morning briefing at the hospital—but instead by some senior professor I had never met before. To put it bluntly, he didn't actually do the job, which resulted in me having to undergo a repeat surgery 🙂 . When I intentionally went back for a follow-up to look that idiot in the eye, besides the nonsense regarding my health issues—which he insisted didn't even exist—and his "recommendations" for further treatment that sounded more like something out of a fortune teller's handbook, he was incredibly blunt. He gave me a litany of vague excuses for why he failed to perform properly, and then told me directly, without any hesitation, that I really should have made an effort to get to know him and visit him before the surgery. It was made crystal clear to me that I should have essentially greased his palms. This was a doctor from Mercury, and his specialty had nothing to do with ENT; it was a completely different field altogether.

crimsonpanther8 said:Thanks for all this exhaustive advice 🙂. I have to admit, I hadn't planned on half of this, nor would I have thought to pack it if you hadn't mentioned it, but now I see it's necessary 😍 Thanks

I've been through two nose and sinus surgeries, so you pick up a bit of experience along the way 😁. Of course, it's not exactly fresh in my mind, so I might have missed something, but it's certainly solid advice to bring something like some Labelle items.

redcyclist99 said:I really appreciate all the advice here; you guys have been incredibly helpful. 🙂

It seems like her surgeon, who happens to be a resident, might have caused some confusion during the process. Thanks again 🙂

Don't mention it 🙂 I remember being in this exact same spot before my first surgery, absolutely terrified, and finding answers and firsthand experiences from people like you was the only thing that kept me level-headed.

Did she see this specific doctor frequently, or was he just the one she booked the procedure with? Usually, when you schedule an appointment, you're booking a specific physician 🤷 At a major hospital like Mayo Clinic, it’s entirely possible for a resident to handle the intake exam once you've been admitted for surgery, though I can't say for certain how their specific protocol works.

Alright, let's just clear this up once and for all—we need a solid definition of "mythology" here. The female forum member we're talking about was strictly referring to what you've categorized as mere "attention-seeking behavior." Given that context, it didn't make any sense for me to start lecturing about actual mythology when nobody was even bringing it up or hinting at it in the first place.

Just a little extra advice here: besides grabbing those wet wipes for those days when you can't exactly hop in the shower, I’d say go ahead and pack some of your own standard toilet paper, just to be safe.

Betty Edwards22 said:Alright, let’s just settle this one point—specifically the definition of mythology, since the woman being discussed was exclusively referring to what you’ve categorized as mere "attention-seeking." Given that context, it felt pointless to me to dive into mythology when nobody was actually bringing it up or even hinting at it in the first place.

No big deal, hopefully everything is clear now. 🙂

Even if it wasn't spelled out explicitly, I made a conscious effort to highlight the distinction.

One quick request—we all use you here on the forum, and informal communication is basically the standard regardless of how old we are, so there's really no need for any formal titles or being overly polite. 😉

Alex Moore62 said:Did they see that specific surgeon before, or is this their first time booking an operation with them? Usually, you have to schedule those appointments with a particular doctor. 🤷 I think it’s possible for a resident to handle the intake exam when someone’s being admitted to a department, especially if they're already checking in for surgery, but I couldn't say for sure.

They scheduled the surgery right after the first appointment because her condition was so obvious there wasn't any point in waiting for a second opinion. After she finished her blood work and met with the anesthesiologist, the doctor mentioned that the guy who did the initial exam was "just" a resident. I guess she took that to mean he wouldn't be the one actually performing the procedure. 🤷

As for gifting doctors—yeah, let’s call it what it is: bribery. In a country where you're practically walled in by a single border, that kind of "incentive" isn't just common practice; it’s the unwritten rule. You won't even get a look-in without it, even if your life is hanging in the balance. It's especially blatant in surgical wards where they know you need urgent intervention, and they use that leverage. Some of them actually have their own price lists; I've seen it firsthand. That's exactly why I asked. I'm terrified that a single bottle of wine might be the deciding factor in whether they do a sloppy job or not.

analogotter43 said:In reality, her surgery was scheduled right after that first consultation because the issue was so clear that a second opinion felt redundant. After she finished her blood work and met with the anesthesiologist, the doctor mentioned that the person who initially examined her was "just" a resident, which I suppose led her to conclude that he wouldn't be the one actually performing the procedure. 🤷

As for gifting doctors—which we're calling bribery here—in a country where you're separated from the rest of the civilized world by just a single border, it isn't just common practice; it’s practically a prerequisite if you want to be taken seriously. It doesn't matter if your life hangs in the balance; especially in surgical departments where urgent intervention is needed, they leverage that necessity. Some of them even have their own set price lists, and I know that from firsthand experience. That's precisely why I asked, out of a genuine fear that a single bottle of wine might be the deciding factor in whether a job is performed sloppily or not. :/

I can't speak for the local hospital in Washington, D.C., but if the medical center claims the person who examines you is the one who operates, then she should probably just ask for confirmation from that specific doctor. 🤷

Like I said before, I have no personal experience with bribery, nor do I intend to engage in it. Obviously, in the desperate situation you're describing, you might feel forced to hand over cash just to survive, which is a complete catastrophe. If everyone were in that position with no other choice, we'd all be doing it. Over here in the States, that's unthinkable, but in the North America, it's treated like a folk tradition, and immoral, unethical doctors clearly exploit that. Fortunately, not everyone is cut from that cloth.

However, if you know there's an established price list somewhere, then that is straight-up bribery paid in advance. What I was referring to was a gesture of appreciation, a small token given after the procedure as a way of saying thank you because I chose to do so, not because anyone demanded it.

I know two people who had surgeries at the ENT department in the big city hospital, and neither of them ever breathed a word about bribery. I imagine they would have spoken up if they had encountered anything like that. 🤷

Alex Moore62 said:I can't speak for Vineyard Hospital, but if the health department says the person who examined you is the one performing the surgery, then that's her doctor. She should probably just ask 🤷

Like I said, I have zero experience with bribery and no intention of ever dealing with it. Obviously, in the situation you're describing, you'd have to pay up just to survive, which is a total disaster. We'd all do it if we were backed into a corner like that. Over here, that isn't even an option, but in the North America, it’s practically a local custom, and clearly, some unethical doctors take advantage of it. Fortunately, not everyone is like that.

But look, if there's an official price list, paying extra is just a bribe. I was talking about a small token of appreciation—a little something I chose to give after my procedure as a thank you. No one asked for it.

I know two people who had ear surgeries at Vineyard, and neither mentioned anything about bribes. If they had experienced that kind of thing, they probably would have brought it up. 🤷

I started posting from a different account, but whatever, we get the point. 😁

Yeah, after my own surgery, I gave the nurses on the floor a little gift when I was leaving because they were genuinely wonderful. I certainly didn't count that as a bribe.

Thanks again 😉

Quick question for anyone who’s had surgery at a private clinic: can someone tell me exactly what's written on that consent form the doctor hands you right before they go in? Thanks!

You're probably thinking of the surgical consent form. Basically, that's the paperwork where you acknowledge and accept all the specific risks involved with undergoing general anesthesia.

I if there’s even such a thing as a general rule when dealing with private companies...