Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

quietviper16 said:does anyone happen to know what the wait times look like at the Vinogradski clinic?

I ended up going private to see that doctor—paid $100 out of pocket... he’s only at that clinic one day a week, and I think it was about three days after I called him.
If I’d tried to go through the hospital using a referral, I would've been waiting about four months just for the initial checkup. And who knows how long the actual surgery would take...

To my fellow readers who have been following this thread for ages: I have spent years agonizing over whether or not to go through with surgery, but I have finally reached my breaking point and decided to just get it done. My septum deviation is quite severe; one nostril is completely blocked while the other barely allows any air through at all.

I am currently looking closely at the work of Tončić, Džepina, and Vinogradski. It would be an immense help if anyone could share some before-and-after photos from their own procedures.

Furthermore, if I opt for a functional correction at Vinogradski, is there a chance they will also address the aesthetics according to my specific wishes—wishes which I believe are perfectly reasonable?

For those who have gone through this, how long did you have to wait for a procedure with a private specialist versus waiting at a major hospital like Mayo Clinic?

Given that my case seems rather complex, I am searching for a surgeon with the highest level of experience possible, so I would truly appreciate any guidance or advice you can offer. 🙂

After reading through everyone's posts, I figured it was finally time for me to chime in on this. I've got a septorhinoplasty and turbinate reduction scheduled in a few months at Mayo Clinic. Diagnosis: deviated septum and a crooked nasal pyramid.

Breathing is a constant struggle, so I end up mouth-breathing all the time—especially when I'm sleeping or if the heater is running in my room. Plus, the headaches are relentless, particularly if I’m being active, even if it's just a simple walk. As for how it looks, my nose tilts to one side, and honestly, looking in the mirror, it's way too long and wide. Long story short: it’s neither functional nor pretty.

The functional stuff should be handled by fixing the septum and doing the turbinate reduction. My doctor mentioned that straightening the septum might help straighten the outside of my nose, but he wasn't exactly promising. He also said he'd shave down the hump, though that's actually my smallest concern since it's barely noticeable. I asked him if he could slightly reduce my profile or narrow the tip, but he shot that down immediately. Feeling a bit shaken by the idea that my nose might still look crooked even after surgery, I went for a second opinion at another clinic in the same area. That doctor said it *should* straighten out, but he agreed with the first guy—any kind of slimming or narrowing is off the table because it's "too much work."

So now I'm wondering, what actually counts as the aesthetic part of the operation? Is it just shaving the hump, or...?

To be totally honest, even though everyone was super nice to me, I'm pretty disappointed. From what I've gathered reading this thread, people often get high-quality aesthetic work done alongside their functional surgery. I'm not expecting a nose like what Glumičić does, but I was hoping they could at least take a few millimeters off or narrow it a bit if they're already going in there. There's still a chance it'll still look wonky afterward. Honestly, the whole idea of this surgery doesn't exactly fill me with joy, but I was hoping they could fix things enough inside and out so I don't have to go under the knife again later. Maybe I'm asking for too much... 😢

ruggedpuma11 said:Bravo! 🙂
I've been following your posts with genuine anxiety, and now I can finally breathe easy. It's almost like you were talking about me. 😁

Could you explain lymphatic drainage to me, from a wellness perspective? 😉

Hey 🙂
Look, this famous lymphatic drainage thing is really just massaging your nose with continuous, gentle motions—starting from the tip and moving upward toward your forehead.
That way, you're helping your nose clear out any buildup of lymph (which is basically just congestion), and you're also helping "shape" the nose.
The key is to apply some kind of cream right before you start the massage. That's the whole secret.
Hope that helps. 😉

Hey everyone, back again.
I have a question for those of you who’ve had rhinoplasty. Did any of you end up taking a hit to the nose right after the surgery?
My nose looks fine—perfectly straight, so far—but I can't tell you how many times I've accidentally bumped the tip, specifically that fleshy part at the end.
I'm just hoping I haven't caused any lasting damage.😢

Hello everyone... I just wanted to pop in and share my very latest experience regarding my nose surgery...🙂)
My main issue was breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum on the right side, along with a little bump that I really wanted to get fixed too... and so, after a very long time spent researching the topic, I finally decided to go through with the procedure... however, since money doesn't grow on trees, I couldn't justify seeing a private cosmetic surgeon, so I decided to visit my primary doctor and ask for a referral to have it done through our health insurance—I figured if I'm paying for supplemental coverage, I might as well make use of it... 😉 ) and while my first choice had been a major hospital like Mayo Clinic because I heard they have the most specialized experts and cutting-edge tech, the waiting list there was incredibly long, and I wanted to get this over with before I changed my mind, so my second choice was a local community hospital I'd heard good things about, so I thought I'd give it a shot... honestly, credit where it's due, I was seen within a week, the initial consultation went wonderfully, and Dr. Raguž is such a great young doctor who is so easy to communicate with 🙂
Then the day of the surgery arrived, and I was absolutely a nervous wreck, though not because of the surgery itself, but more about how everything would turn out visually...🙂 The whole thing took about 40 minutes, and I don't remember a single thing; when I woke up from the anesthesia, I was in such a fog that I didn't even know where I was, until I realized I was back in my own room... and then came the rough part, because I ended up vomiting blood about seven times—they told me that was perfectly normal... I didn't feel like myself for two days, the bruising was just intense, and I honestly couldn't even bear to look at how swollen everything was, let alone try to breathe through my mouth...🙂
The doctor checked on me regularly and assured me that all my reactions were completely standard... I had packing in my nose for five days, and I barely made it to the moment they finally took it out... strangely enough, it didn't hurt at all, and once the packing was gone, they put in a small mold, and I'm heading in for a follow-up tomorrow to see what they say... I caught a glimpse of my nose in the mirror and I am beyond thrilled; it's straight, and I can finally breathe—it feels like I'm standing on top of the Rockies with how much air I'm getting 😂
I also have to give a huge shout-out to the nurses at the hospital; they were so kind and genuinely wonderful, always there whenever you needed anything... it was truly lovely, and I would recommend both the facility and Dr. Raguž to anyone; he's a talented young man who is clearly excellent at what he does... so, that's my update, please feel free to ask if you have any questions...🙂)

Here are the photos from the first day until now, if I uploaded them correctly you should be able to see them...🙂)

http://imageshack.us/g/210/dsc03424fy.jpg/

Peter Mendoza3 said:After wading through all your posts, I’ve finally decided to weigh in on this topic myself. I’m scheduled for septorhinoplasty with turbinate reduction in a few months at a major hospital in Chicago. The diagnosis: a deviated septum and a crooked nasal pyramid.

The breathing issues are constant—I end up mouth-breathing all the time, especially while sleeping or if I'm in a heated room. Plus, the headaches are relentless, particularly when I'm being active, even if it's just a basic walk. As for the aesthetics—well, my nose tilts to one side, and if we’re being objective, it’s far too long and much too wide. To put it bluntly: it isn't functional, and it certainly isn't pretty.

The "functional" fix should cover the septum correction and the turbinate work. My doctor suggested that straightening the septum might incidentally straighten the exterior of the nose, though he couldn't give me any guarantees. He also mentioned shaving down the hump—which, frankly, is the least of my concerns since it's barely noticeable. When I asked if he could slim down my profile or narrow the tip, he flat-out told me no. Shaken by the possibility that my nose might still look crooked after the surgery, I went for a second opinion at another clinic in Chicago. That doctor agreed the exterior should straighten out, but he backed the first guy entirely—saying any actual reshaping of the nose was strictly off the table because it's simply too much work.

So, here is my question: what actually constitutes the "aesthetic" portion of this operation—the rhinoplasty part? Is it just sanding down a bump, or is there more to it?

To be perfectly honest, despite everyone being incredibly polite, I'm feeling quite let down. Based on what I've read in this thread, it seems like hospitals often bundle aesthetic improvements with functional ones, and usually quite skillfully at that. I’m not expecting a nose like the one Dr. Glumičić produces, but if they’re going to go in there and mess with it anyway, I’d hope they could at least shave off a few millimeters or narrow it slightly. There's always the chance it stays just as lopsided as it is now. Generally speaking, the idea of nose surgery doesn't exactly fill me with joy, but I had hoped they could tidy things up both inside and out so I wouldn't have to undergo a second procedure later. Maybe I'm asking for too much... 😢

As a rule, you don't just get an aesthetic upgrade at a hospital—it works differently. Usually, that's reserved for reconstruction after a major trauma, like a car accident or a facial injury. A standard septorhinoplasty covers the septum and the nasal bones that are physically obstructing your breathing; whether the surgeon decides to touch up the aesthetics—which have nothing to do with your ability to breathe—is entirely up to their good will. 😉 In layman's terms: if that hump resulted from a broken nose but isn't messing with your airway, the doctor isn't obligated to sand it down just to make you look better. 😉 (Though, let's be real, we'd all love a little extra cosmetic work thrown in for free 😬 haha)

Donna Bennett73 said:...
here are the photos from day one up until now—if I did this right, you should be able to see them..🙂)

http://imageshack.us/g/210/dsc03424fy.jpg/

Oh, bless your heart! >>Are you feeling any pain at all? And how’s that bruising around your eye looking?

Everything is coming together so fast, I'm actually losing my mind a little bit... 🙂>

ruggedpuma11 said:Oh, you poor thing! Are you in any pain at all? And how is that bruising around your eye looking?

Everything is coming together so fast, I feel like I'm losing my mind... 🙂

It looks pretty terrible, honestly, but there isn't any pain, so I've just been applying cold compresses and calling it a day... I'm really hoping the swelling near my face subsides soon... but my eye looks absolutely wonderful... teehee...

Don't worry, everything is going to be just fine...🙂

So, I’ve finally pulled the trigger and decided to go through with the surgery 🙂 now I’m just counting down the days until the holidays... and that’s that!
Honestly, my nose has caused me such a massive headache—literally—that I didn't even have to think twice about making this call.
I’ve got a super deviated septum on the left side and these crazy edematous (is that the right word? 🙂 ) nasal membranes. It makes breathing impossible, and it feels like my brain isn't getting nearly enough oxygen, which has been causing these brutal daily headaches and killing my focus (or at least, that’s what my neurologist, the ENT, and my primary care doctor keep telling me). On top of all that, my EEG results weren't looking great either.
I know the whole operation and recovery process is probably going to be a total nightmare, but if that’s the price I have to pay to finally breathe and sleep normally again, then I am all in!

Donna Bennett73 said:If you guys have any questions, feel free to ask!🙂)
http://imageshack.us/g/210/dsc03424fy.jpg/

Actually, I do! How on earth did you manage to keep your mouth closed in every single photo? 😁

Donna Bennett73 said:.....I really have to give a shout-out to the nurses at Mayo Clinic—they are honestly incredible. Their kindness is almost hard to believe; they’re always right there whenever you need them, no matter what... truly a blessing. I’d recommend Mayo Clinic to anyone, and specifically my doctor, Dr. Raguž—he’s young, sharp, and an absolute pro at what he does...

so, we finally have a fellow forum member reporting straight from Room 1🥳
it's about time someone actually shared some good news for once...

Amy Richardson86 said:Hi everyone, back again.
I have a question for those of you who have undergone rhinoplasty... did anyone else take a hit to the nose early on during recovery?
My nose looks fine—straight enough, at least for now—but I can't say I haven't bumped the tip a few times (thankfully, just the fleshy part).
I'm hoping there won't be any lasting consequences from this...😢

Amy Richardson86, you aren't alone. I was constantly on edge... terrified my six-month-old nephew might swing at me, or that my husband might accidentally bump me in bed (he isn't aggressive, he's just a restless sleeper... 🙂). Then, through sheer clumsiness—or perhaps an innate lack of coordination—I’ve managed to knock myself in the nose myself... more than once, actually... But it doesn't seem to be anything serious; I haven't noticed any shifting or swelling...
Still, one really should guard against impacts. I know a woman who, shortly after her surgery, found herself in some crowded pub where a fight broke out, and she took a hit so hard she had to go back under the knife for revision surgery. It isn't an urban legend, I promise... I know her personally. 🙂

Donna Bennett73 said:it looks terrible, honestly, but there's zero pain. I just use cold compresses and call it a day... hoping the swelling subsides soon... though my eye looks fantastic... hehehe

Don't worry, everything will turn out fine...🙂

Uffff, girl... you looked pretty rough... I can't even lie to you about that...🙂
But recovery is actually quite swift... and truly, it doesn't hurt at all...
I hope you're feeling wonderful now...😉

What strikes me more is how differently everyone reacts to such an invasive procedure. It seems pointless for those preparing for surgery to ask others what they'll look like... one only truly knows after the fact...
For me, it was just minor bruising trailing from the bridge of my nose down under my eyes. My facial proportions remained normal, with only slight swelling appearing a day after the bandages came off. My sclera were white as snow; two weeks post-op, I felt like a new person... though my nose felt incredibly tender, as if the surgeon had taken a hammer to every single millimeter of it...😉
Then again, some people's tissue can react wildly to even the slightest bone correction, leaving the face looking like a colorful circus...🙂

wanderingmason86 said:I have one too. I'm genuinely curious how you managed to keep your mouth closed in every single photo... 😁

Haha, honestly, that's all just for show...🤣

Laura Allen56 said:I really have to give a massive shout-out to the nursing staff over at Mayo Clinic; they are honestly so incredibly kind and compassionate that it’s almost hard to believe... they are always right there by your side, providing whatever you might need, and it truly makes such a difference. I can't recommend Mayo Clinic enough, especially my doctor, Dr. Raguž, who is not only brilliant at what he does but also quite charming and handsome in his own way...

So, it looks like we finally have a regular contributor joining us from Room 1... 🥳
It is truly refreshing to see someone finally take a moment to write a few kind words in our favor...

Yeah, room number one is definitely the way to go... even if the kitchen is a bit of a trek from there, it really isn't a big deal at all...🙂))))
I honestly have nothing but wonderful things to say about every single one of you... there isn't a soul here I wouldn't sing the praises of...🙂)))))

Susan Foster45 said:Amy Richardson86, you aren't alone. I used to be terrified of everyone around me... worried my six-month-old nephew might accidentally smack me, or that my husband might hit me in bed by mistake (haha... he isn't aggressive, he just tosses and turns while he sleeps 🙂), or even just end up hitting myself because I'm naturally clumsy. And I have actually managed to knock myself right in the nose more than once... quite hard, too. But it’s nothing serious; I haven't noticed any swelling or anything.
But seriously, watch out for those hits. I know a girl who, right after having nose surgery, ended up at some dive bar where a fight broke out, and she took a hit so bad she had to go back under the knife. It’s not an urban legend, I swear, I know her personally 🙂.

Susan Foster45, please. It's a relief knowing I'm not the only one.🙂
I have this incredibly sweet eighteen-month-old son who actually clipped the tip of my nose today, and I've managed to do the same to myself a few times already.
I honestly can't believe this keeps happening when I am being SO CAREFUL
. Luckily, I haven't actually hit the bony part yet, so I'm clinging to that small mercy.
But, dammit! Why me??!!
It's really getting to me...

Sam Kim12 said:Usually, you can't just walk into a hospital and demand cosmetic surgery. It works a bit differently—it’s typically reserved for after major trauma, like a bad car accident or an injury. A standard septoplasty, which includes fixing the septum and nasal bones that actually interfere with your breathing, might include some minor aesthetic tweaks if the doctor is feeling generous, but that’s up to them.😉 Basically, if the bump on your nose came from a break but doesn't affect how you breathe, the doctor isn't technically obligated to smooth it out just to make you look better😉 (though let's be honest, we'd all love a little extra polish while we're under the knife 😬 hehehe)

I honestly have no clue if they'll need to break bones or if they'll just work on the cartilage. My surgeon actually suggested shaving down the hump himself, but as for whether that hump is causing my breathing issues... I wouldn't say so. He also mentioned reconstructing the septum because it's too short and my columella looks hollow, so he'll probably have to harvest a piece of cartilage from somewhere.

Also, does anyone know about turbinate reduction? If you've had it done, is there any chance it makes you more sensitive to dry air?

Alright guys, I’ve got a bit of a situation. For years now—literally years—my nose has been constantly stuffed up. I have absolutely no clue what's causing it or why it’s happening, but it’s just my life at this point. I end up sounding like I'm talking through a wall because of it. I've been scouring the forums trying to figure out where to even ask about this, and honestly, this place feels like my best bet. I'm thinking I probably need to go see an ENT specialist to actually get some answers on why this blockage won't quit, but has anyone here dealt with something similar? Or does anyone know someone who’s gone through this kind of thing??

Thanks in advance,,,,,,,,,,,,,

wiredrider9 said:Hey guys, I’ve got a bit of an issue. My nose has been constantly stuffed up for years now. Honestly, I have no clue why or what's causing it—it's just been like this forever. I sound all nasal when I talk and it's getting old. I've been searching through various forums to see where to ask about this, and this seems like the best spot. I think I probably need to go get my nose checked out to figure out the cause of the blockage. Has anyone here dealt with something like this? Or does anyone know someone who has gone through it??

Thanks in advance,,,,,,,,,,,,,

You won't really know what's going on until you see an ENT. It could be anything from allergies, where they might just hand you a nasal spray, to a deviated septum or even polyps, which might lead to surgery. Either way, you're going to get a real answer only after a proper exam. People on forums can only guess.

Peter Mendoza3 said:Look, you aren't going to get anywhere here—it's all just guesswork. You’ll actually find out what's going on once you sit down with an ENT. It could be anything from a basic allergy where they just hand you some nasal spray, or it could be something more annoying like a deviated septum or polyps that might require surgery. Either way, stop guessing on a forum and just go get a professional opinion.

thanks............