Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Dana Johnson6 said:Yeah, sure... everything is just "individual" because every single case is its own special thing!
Maybe I shouldn't overthink this too much,😕 maybe I should just make a choice and go for it!

Just to be clear, I had this done 8 years ago, but my brother did it just last year. Honestly, I'm pretty shocked he's had such bad experiences, since we were both extremely happy with ours. Though, back 8 years ago, the doctor seemed way nicer and more approachable (sounds silly, I know) than he did last year when he was acting pretty arrogant and insisted several times that the procedure costs $1,500 out of pocket.

darknomad18 said:I should point out that I had my procedure eight years ago, while my brother had his just last year. Honestly, I’m stunned he’s had such a bad run with them, because we were both incredibly happy with the results. Though, looking back, the doctor was a much kinder, warmer person eight years ago than he was last year. Last time, he acted far too high and mighty, even going out of his way several times to brag about how that surgery is a private $1,500 fee alone.

You aren't wrong.😉 Thanks for being so blunt.🙂

No problem at all. Good luck, and if you end up going for it, let me know how it goes!

Hey everyone! 🙂
I’ve been mulling over getting a nose job for quite a while now, but I’ve finally hit the point where I’m actually diving into the research and trying to wrap my head around it all. Everything feels totally new to me, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost on where to even start.
Here’s my deal... truth be told, I don't really have a "problem" per se, which is why people always give me funny looks when I mention wanting to fix it. It isn't huge or bumpy or anything, but it just bothers me. I’m simply not happy with how it looks—it just doesn't feel right with the rest of my face.
So, what I’m wondering is: does a procedure exist where you just remove some excess skin on the nose? Like, I don't want anyone messing with the actual structure or breaking any bone or anything like that; I just want the skin tightened up. I know this sounds a bit silly, but whenever I look in the mirror and manually pull my skin taut, my nose actually looks pretty great! I have no clue what this would be called or what category of surgery it falls under. It sounds like it should be a much simpler, more straightforward thing, right?
If anyone knows exactly what I’m talking about, or if you’ve had something similar done, I would be so incredibly grateful if you could point me in the right direction 🙂 so I have a better idea of what to look for before I start hunting for a top-tier surgeon. Thanks so much! Bye! 😉

^Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it—I have the exact same issue! My nose looks totally fine until about halfway down, but then there's this weird little "dip" or gap, and the only way it looks right is if I manually pull the skin at the very tip upwards to smooth everything out...

I'll try to post some photos tomorrow 🙂

And honestly, I really don't want to drop like ten thousand dollars on this—which, let's be real, is a massive amount of money for a high schooler... I just wish there was a way to tighten up the skin on the upper part of my nose without the crazy price tag.

analogbison15 said:^^OMG I can't believe it, I have the exact same issue! My nose looks fine until about halfway down, then there’s this weird "dip," and the only way to get a decent shape is if I manually pull my skin upward toward the tip...

I'll post some photos tomorrow. 🙂

And honestly, I don't want to drop something like ten thousand dollars on this—that's a massive amount of money for a high schooler. I just want some way to tighten that skin on the upper part of my nose.

Why are you all struggling so much? Just go get a consultation with a doctor and be done with it.🙂

analogbison15 said:^^OMG, I can't believe it—that is exactly my problem too! My nose looks totally fine until about halfway down, then there’s this weird little "dip," and if I just pull the skin up toward the tip, it suddenly looks perfectly shaped...

I'll post some pictures tomorrow 🙂

And honestly, I really don't want to drop like $10,000 on this either—which is a massive amount of money for a high schooler... I just want a way to tighten that skin above the tip.

Exactly! So I'm definitely not alone 😬 nothing crazy, but once that skin is tightened or that extra bit is gone, I'd have a completely different looking nose that actually looks decent. It’s nothing extreme, but still... 😁

Dana Johnson6 said:Why are you guys stressing so much? Just go get a consultation with a doctor and get it sorted out.🙂

Well, I am definitely going to go! I just wanted to see if anyone else here deals with the same thing so I know I'm not crazy, and maybe swap some stories or tips.
😉

Hey everyone!
I wanted to share my experience with you all...
About seven years ago, I had my first nose surgery to fix my breathing. It barely touched the aesthetics, which was fine because that wasn't my goal at the time...
But four months ago, since my breathing had become absolutely unbearable, I finally decided to go under the knife again. This time, I went to a private specialist, John Smith, down in Monterey...
I specifically told him he could touch up the tip because I had this tiny bump that was barely visible to the naked eye...
I made it very clear: don't change the bridge height and keep the bone structure straight. It’s not a complicated request, but apparently, it was for him...
He ended up giving me a nose that looks like a slide, which totally clashes with my face—and I kept reminding him not to overdo it...
To top it off, a new bump appeared right on the bone...
I completely lost it...
I actually drove all the way from NYC to Monterey just to see him so he could try to smooth it out with some fat grafting. He didn't charge me for it, of course, because he knew he'd messed up my nose...
I read this forum quite often, and honestly, it's hard to have a real conversation here. As for him, his level of education seems incredibly basic; it's pretty obvious he only knows how to produce one specific "look"...

If I can offer one piece of advice based on my disaster: don't rely solely on this forum. Go get multiple consultations. I was foolish enough to drive from NYC to Monterey, pay for ten days in a hotel, and end up completely screwed before driving back to NYC...
I cannot recommend John Smith at all. He lacks proper training and simply won't listen to what you want; he'll just do whatever he pleases...
He's just so provincial...
If anyone wants to see photos, or if you're actually considering him, let me know and I'll send them over... though I can say with certainty you'll change your mind once you see them...
Diana

Anyone else dealing with stuff like this? How did you guys fix it?
So, my husband is having a really hard time breathing. He’s never actually gone to see a doctor about it, he just deals with it—but he’s constantly breathing super loud and heavy, like his nose is totally stuffed up all the time.

Does anyone here have firsthand experience with Dr. Klapan in Chicago? I’ve heard he does great work. My nose looks relatively normal on the outside, but there is a noticeable deformity; about two years ago, I took a nasty fall off my bike and it worsened an existing deviated septum. Now, I find myself having to use Olynth spray in my right nostril every 10 to 12 hours just to breathe properly—especially before bed, otherwise, getting any sleep is impossible. I am fully aware that overusing nasal spray isn't ideal, but I simply wouldn't be able to function without it. I've also noticed that the right side gets completely blocked whenever I go for a long walk or engage in intense physical activity. Does anyone know why that happens, or if there's a permanent solution? Please don't lecture me about avoiding the spray; I have no choice because I physically cannot breathe otherwise. That is exactly why I want to look into fixing this through surgery or something similar. So far, when I use the spray, everything feels fine and I haven't noticed any major side effects yet. Thanks!

Ryan Cooper37 said:Has anyone here actually dealt with Dr. Klapan over in Chicago? I've heard he's pretty good. I’ve got this nasal deformity—it looks totally fine from the outside, but internally things are a mess. About two years ago, I took a nasty spill on my bike and landed right on my face, which just made my existing deviated septum even worse. Now, I’m stuck using Olynth spray in my right nostril every 10 or 12 hours just to breathe normally. It’s especially brutal before bed; if I don't use it, there's zero chance I'm getting any sleep. I know, I know—using nasal spray that often isn't great for you, but honestly, I feel like I can't function without it. I also noticed that my right nostril gets completely blocked whenever I’m walking a lot or doing any kind of intense workout. Why does that happen? Is there any actual fix for this? And please, don't give me a lecture about how I shouldn't rely on the spray, because I really don't have a choice—I can't breathe otherwise! That's exactly why I want to get this sorted out, maybe through surgery or something similar. So far, when I use the spray, everything feels fine and I haven't noticed any major side effects yet. Thanks!

I went to see him for a private consultation quite a while back, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. I was trying to explain my specific issue to him, but he wouldn't really listen; he just kept telling me this general, generic story about respiratory problems instead of focusing on my case. To make a long story short, the end result was that he suggested a procedure that wouldn't have helped me at all (and might have actually made things worse), all while charging a hefty fee for it.
Now, I'm not saying he wouldn't be helpful for *you*, especially if what you're dealing with is a "textbook" fracture or a standard deviated septum. But if your situation involves something more complex—like a collapsed valve, for example—I suspect he might miss that entirely, and therefore won't be able to provide the right solution.
What you're experiencing sounds like the nasal cycle. One side is likely narrowed because of that crooked septum, so then the other side tries to compensate by swelling up and clogging. Long-term reliance on nasal sprays isn't going to solve the root cause, but you already know that. 😉

wanderingmason86 said:I had a private consultation with him quite a while back, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. I was dealing with an issue specifically involving my eyes—I even tried to walk him through what was happening—but he wouldn't really listen. Instead, he just kept rambling on about some general respiratory issues that had nothing to do with me. To make a long story short, the whole experience felt like he was just pushing for a procedure that wouldn't have helped my condition at all, and would likely have made things worse, all just so he could collect a hefty fee.
I’m not saying you wouldn't be helpful, especially if we're talking about a "classic" fracture or a simple deviated septum. However, if there's something more complex involved—like a collapsed valve, for instance—I don't think you'd quite catch that, which means you wouldn't really be able to help with those specific issues.
What you're experiencing is just a typical nasal cycle. One nostril likely gets congested because of a deviated septum, and then the other one compensates by swelling up to take its place. You already know this yourself, but using those nasal decongestant sprays long-term isn't going to solve the underlying issue. 😉

Thanks! Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed that weird sensation where one nostril clears up for just a split second only for the other one to clog right back up. It usually hits me first thing in the morning when I wake up, and then I'm stuck playing a game of whack-a-mole—trying to squeeze one side open just so I can get some air while I use nasal drops on the blocked side. In your opinion, what would be the real fix for this? And who should I actually go see about it? Is it true that even healthy people deal with one side clogging up occasionally, and you just don't notice it unless you have a deviated septum? Also, I'm honestly a little worried—can you develop something like cancer from using these nasal sprays too much? A doctor once mentioned that overusing them could eventually cause the nasal lining to shrink or something similar. But honestly, nothing else works when I'm blocked; none of those steam inhalations or saline sprays do a damn thing. I can't breathe through my mouth all day long, either. My only real relief is manually holding the "open" nostril wide so I can breathe, but obviously, I can't go around living my life like that. I even tried those nasal strips you get at CVS, but they just don't provide enough lift to make a difference.

I dealt with a deviated septum and faced the exact same issues. Using nasal sprays helped manage the cycle for a while. About six weeks ago, I finally went under the knife, and now my breathing is totally normal.
I recently asked about mucotomy—which is what I actually had done—but didn't get an answer. I know what it is, just don't get why they perform it...

Ryan Cooper37 said:Thanks, yeah, I’ve noticed that sometimes one nostril clears out just as the other one starts clogging up—it usually happens right when I wake up in the morning. Then I'm stuck having to use drops in the clogged side just so I can actually breathe... but what do you think the real solution to my problem is? And who should I actually see about this? So, you're saying even with healthy nostrils, one might periodically clog up, but you just don't notice it unless you have a deviated septum... right? Also, I'm worried—can you get cancer or something scary from using those nasal drops? A doctor once mentioned that over time, it could cause the mucous membrane to atrophy or something similar... but nothing else helps when I get blocked (not even steam inhalations, saline sprays, or anything like that). I can't breathe through my mouth constantly, and the only way I can function is by manually holding the other nostril open, which obviously isn't sustainable... I tried those nasal strips, but they don't open things up enough for me.

Well, go get a proper exam at a major hospital, not one of those small private clinics... maybe try the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, or a large municipal center like Cleveland Clinic (that’s basically the order I’d follow if I were in your shoes 🙂). If it turns out to be just a deviated septum, you'll breathe great afterward, though there's always a chance that after a successful surgery, some other hidden issue finally reveals itself. Either way, you absolutely have to get a professional evaluation first.
Most people actually deal with a nasal cycle, but since the total resistance during inhalation stays constant (because when one side closes, the other symmetric side takes over the load), they don't feel any discomfort. But for those of us with pathologically narrow nasal passages, we feel every single little shift or swelling in the wider nostril as labored breathing.
Nasal drops work by constricting blood flow to the mucous membrane, which eventually causes it to dry out. Using them constantly in the long run is definitely not a good idea... You aren't going to get cancer, but in the absolute worst-case scenario, you might end up with a perforated septum, though you'd have to be really heavy-handed with the drops for that to happen. 😁

I've got two suggestions for you:

Try "beefing up" those nasal strips—they contain a little plastic spring (maybe one or two), so once you peel them off, you could take those springs out and DIY your own custom strip using some blue medical tape. It works wonders for me, and it's incredibly cheap... I just pick up some tape every couple of months for a few bucks. 🙂

Or, look for a mechanical dilator online! Just be careful with that, as it might not do the trick for everyone. For instance, you could take a Q-tip (make sure it's clean, obviously!), fold it in half, and gently insert it shallowly into your nose so it sticks out in a "V" shape (widening the nostrils from the inside). Try wearing that when things get really tough instead of reaching for the drops, but please, be careful not to introduce any bacteria!

P.S. These are just my own "home remedies"; I've never had a doctor suggest them to me. But they work for me, and I haven't had any side effects! 🙂

I used to use Operil, but it’s been a long while since I last touched it. Assuming the nurse finished her job, I’m wondering how much recovery time she actually needs? It’s been about a month and a half since my surgery and my sense of smell and taste are pretty weak... just wondering if that's from the mucotomy or if it's just this cold, dry air.

Anthony White3 said:I used to use Operil, but it’s been quite a while since I last touched it. I’m assuming my nasal mucosa has finally had its fill, so I was wondering how long it actually takes to recover? It’s been about a month and a half since my surgery, and I’ve noticed my sense of smell and taste are pretty dull lately. Is that just a side effect of the mucotomy, or could it be this freezing, dry air we're having?

Thanks for all the replies! By the way, what exactly is a mucotomy, and which clinic did you go to for the procedure? I’m originally from Indianapolis... right now I’m using Olynth ha spray, which has hyaluronic acid and a moisturizing effect—it's actually a solid product, but obviously not meant for long-term use. That idea about using a little applicator seems pretty smart🙂...I'll give it a shot... though I'd much rather just fix this permanently with surgery. Could you tell me how long the procedure took, if there was a prep period where I had to stop using drops and things like that, how long the recovery lasts, and what the cost is looking like? Honestly, I can't make heads or tails of my nose right now—it feels incredibly clear at the moment, even though it usually stays stuffed up this time of year... and sometimes I'll sit up from the table and feel it clog up in seconds, but right now this clear feeling has lasted for like 10 hours straight.🤷

wanderingmason86 said:...

Grab a Q-tip—make sure it's clean and standard, obviously... fold it right down the middle and just gently tuck it into your nostril. You want it sitting shallow, sticking out in a little V-shape... basically just to widen the nasal passages from the inside...

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Ryan Cooper37 said:...

Honestly, this whole thing with the earwax removal tool... I think it might actually be a solid idea...🙂I guess I'll give it a shot...

Just a few more things to keep in mind... nothing major, just some extra bits of advice if you're looking for them... 👍 Look, everything else is fine, but this one... please, just don't. It’s a total disaster waiting to happen. Seriously, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt...

When I first heard about people shoving those sticks up their noses, I honestly thought everyone would realize how ridiculous and impractical that sounded immediately... but apparently, I was wrong. It seems to actually work... 😢

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I quit using nasal drops about a year before my surgery. My doctor didn't even realize I was on them, though it didn't really matter since he could see the deviation right away. I had the procedure at Mayo Clinic; if you have supplemental insurance, it doesn't cost you a dime. You stay in the hospital for five days after the operation, then they pull the tampons out and you head home. From the outside, you can't tell I had anything done—zero bruising. The only thing still bothering me is the scabbing; sometimes they get pretty large and settle in deep, making them tough to blow out. After being discharged, I just used Maxitrol and Sterimar spray. Mucotomy is basically removing the mucosa, but I've no idea why they bother doing it.

Donna Johnson16 said:At first glance, I thought the whole idea of shoving sticks up your nose sounded incredibly impractical, but apparently, I was wrong. 😢
...

Honestly, what can I even say? Look, I’m not running a preschool here, nor am I handing out medical mandates on what everyone *must* or *should* do. I’m just sharing an idea that actually worked for me. I think anyone with half a brain can figure out that swallowing a Q-tip or jamming one into your septum until you're bleeding isn't exactly a top-tier suggestion. And hey, if someone is truly determined to cause themselves harm, there are much faster and more efficient ways to go about it—good grief, I didn't suggest stuffing firecrackers or a scalpel up into your sinuses! 🙄

By the way, I really wish I could have received some actual practical advice from my doctors. Unfortunately, their surgeries didn't fix my breathing at all; in fact, they ended up doing more harm than good. Only one of them even mentioned that DisiLakse strips exist. Everyone else just droned on about corticosteroid sprays, which have absolutely nothing to do with my specific issue (though they did trigger nosebleeds after a few weeks of use).

Besides, the idea isn't nearly as impractical as the reality of being forced to breathe through your mouth for the rest of your life. When you're stuck in a situation like that, any idea starts looking good if it offers a bit of relief. Last time I checked, one DisiLakse strip cost about five bucks and lasts maybe ten hours max. In other words, fifty cents an hour just to breathe—pretty sweet deal, right?
On the flip side, people tell you: "Don't use drops, don't use dilators, don't do this, don't do that," while simultaneously preaching: "Just take deep breaths, get some exercise, stay positive..." Listen, folks, some things just don't go together! If nobody else is going to help, you have to find a way to help yourself. Otherwise, you can just opt for chronic pharyngitis and whatever else comes with lifelong mouth-breathing.

I’m not angry, and I’m certainly not attacking you, so please don't take this as an apology (whether you see it as one now or later). 🙂
It’s just that all this endless "don't do this, don't do that" advice gives me an allergic reaction, especially when my head is throbbing because of my nose. Sometimes you feel like drinking poison just to make it stop, let alone sticking a 1-inch dilator up your nostril for a moment. If I could turn back the clock, I’d rather walk around with a Q-tip in my nose for the rest of my life than let some idiot destroy my nasal turbinates with electrocautery—even if that leads to the "awkwardness" you're talking about. That would still be better than the actual, irreversible damage I'm living with right now.

Anyway, I'm heading off to continue mouth-breathing and try to catch some sleep. 🙂

@wanderingmason86/">@@wanderingmason86 - unfortunately, I know exactly what you're talking about from firsthand experience. I've been through the whole gauntlet—nose surgery, damaged mucosa, testing out every single drop, spray, Neti pot, and dilator imaginable. I've tried everything to get that lining to regenerate, mixing Panthenol, propolis, ointments... I won't even list them all. Antihistamines, sleeping with my head elevated, scrubbing every last allergen out of the house, etc., etc...

Right now, I stick to just using saline during the day, but before bed, one tiny, miniature squirt of Operil is absolutely non-negotiable. And no, my nasal lining hasn't collapsed and I haven't developed cancer because of it, even after ten years. It’s not cocaine, after all. I'm not saying my ENT loves it, but if there's a way to actually sleep... I'll take it.

As for that trick where you jam Q-tips up in there—I didn't say "don't do it" just to be contrary (which seems to be a common theme here, I see that myself), but more because it might work if you're sitting perfectly still in an armchair; however, if you drift off while watching TV on the couch and roll over onto a pillow—the risk of injury is huge. It's dangerous. If you hit it with a spoon while eating, or if you sneeze and jerk your head...

not a great idea, sorry.

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