Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Brenda Green10 said:Hi everyone
Can anyone help me out? I have a deviated septum, and I’m really looking to get it fixed privately rather than dealing with the hospital system. But here's the thing—I'm only 17. Is being a minor going to be a massive hurdle for this kind of surgery? It's making breathing such a struggle, not to mention the hit to my self-confidence. 🙂
I was thinking about seeing Dr. Glusac or maybe someone over at the Mayo Clinic? Does anyone have a rough idea of what the total cost might look like?

It'll run you about $2,400 all in... and honestly, if you've got that kind of cash on hand, just go see Dr. Glusac. He'll take you in right away and have those problems sorted out before you know it.

Brenda Green10 said:Hey everyone
Can anyone help me out? I have a deviated septum, and I really don't want to do the surgery at a hospital—I'd rather go private. But, I'm only 17. Is being that young a huge deal when it comes to this kind of procedure? It's making breathing such a struggle, not to mention my insecurities about how it looks. 🙂
I was looking into Mayo Clinic or maybe a specialist in NYC? Does anyone have an idea of what the cost might look like?

My advice? Just hold off for a few more years. You're way too young for this, and there's a massive chance the deviation will just come back because your nasal bones keep changing until you're around 21. If it's JUST the breathing issue bothering you, then just get it done at a hospital. Why pay extra for nothing when it's a routine procedure for them? Now, if you're looking for cosmetic changes, that's a whole different story.

Hey everyone, how long did it take before you were actually allowed to blow your nose after surgery?

rowdyfalcon35 said:Hey everyone, how long did it take before you were finally allowed to blow your nose after surgery?

My doctor told me I could go back to blowing my nose normally once two weeks had passed since the procedure... so I just followed those instructions and everything turned out perfectly fine...🙂

Does breathing feel the same to you now as it did before the surgery?

rowdyfalcon35 As stated by...
Does it feel like you're breathing any differently now than you did before the surgery... or does everything just feel back to normal again?

No, I’m actually breathing so much better since the surgery... One side of my nose was always completely blocked, but now that both sides are open, it’s like I'm breathing in the crisp air of the Rocky Mountains...🙂

Hey everyone! 🙂
So, I have this wide, fleshy nose...
In my profile picture, it doesn't look huge—it’s actually quite normal. It isn't one of those cute, tiny little button noses, whether you're looking at it from the front or in profile, but strictly speaking, from the side, it's fine—at least according to me. People who actually have large noses tend to think mine is small when viewed in profile, though it really isn't; I even managed to convince them of that by showing off my sister's tiny nose...
As for it being "fleshy"—I wouldn't change that, I'm okay with it—but I would love to slim the whole thing down because the tip is just as thick as the bridge, and the nostrils are pretty wide too...
Ever since I can remember, I've wanted surgery. When I was a kid, I hated it so much that I’d laugh with my hands over my face because whenever I giggle, my nose flares out like crazy... eventually, I grew to accept it, realizing it isn't *that* wide—it's just a bit "piggy" and, well, "African-looking" (I really hope I don't get banned for saying that; I'm not trying to be offensive toward anyone, I'm just describing my own features and don't know how else to put it... anyway, it blends in okay because I have full cheeks and prominent cheekbones, so the nose survives well enough. I've finally reached this stage where I'm being honest with myself about it...
But—and there's always a "but"—I still want the surgery. I'm finally starting this thread because back when I was obsessing over it—up until about three years ago—there wasn't really anything like this online... so, I’m hoping some of you who dealt with similar issues might be able to answer a few questions for me 🙂

1. I read everywhere—including here—that it takes a full year for the nose to fully settle and that everyone goes through a phase where it looks a bit "piggy" and upturned. So, what I'm wondering is... during that year while it's settling into its final shape, does it look better than it did before, or is that year actually worse—like, even wider and more upturned than it was initially?
2. How long do the splints usually stay on? I'm asking for work reasons—basically, I need to figure out how long I'll have to take time off...
3. If you're narrowing the bridge, do they have to break the bone?
4. Since nose narrowing is done via an external incision (at least, that's what I've gathered, though I might be wrong), does that scar really disappear, or is it still visible? And how long does it take before it becomes unnoticeable?
5. Oh, and one more thing... I actually have a deviated septum (I didn't even realize it until recently), so I was wondering if that makes things cheaper? You know, using the medical necessity excuse? (Please don't report me for suggesting this, but I know plenty of people use it to lower the cost, so I thought, why shouldn't I? I realize some people truly suffer because of it, whereas others, like me, might not have major issues...) Anyway, regarding that—if I go through with the surgery under that pretext... would I have to go to a public hospital, or could I see a private specialist and have insurance cover part of it? And if I go to the hospital, do I still end up paying a portion out of pocket?
6. Has anyone had nose surgery done in Cincinnati? What was your experience like? (Feel free to DM me 🙂 )

Thanks!!! 🙂

I’m looking to connect with anyone who has had nose surgery performed by Dr. Kalogjera. If you have, would you mind shooting me a private message? I'd love to ask a few quick questions for a short interview... 🙂

Thanks so much!

Donna Bennett73 said:No, I’m breathing way better after the surgery. One nostril was always blocked, but now both sides are wide open. Honestly, like I said before, I feel like I'm breathing in the fresh mountain air of the Rockies. The amount of oxygen I'm getting is insane.🙂

I’m breathing through both sides too, but honestly, it feels weird. Like everything is muffled or heavy. There's this constant rushing sound whenever I inhale. Is that actually normal? Tomorrow marks exactly two weeks since my surgery.

rowdyfalcon35 said:I can breathe through both sides now, but it feels a bit strange, almost muffled, and there’s this slight wheezing sound when I inhale... is that normal? Tomorrow marks my second week since the surgery.

I honestly can't give you a perfect answer because shortly after they discharged me from the hospital, maybe on the second or third day, I caught a cold and everything felt a little congested, though I didn't have any wheezing... tomorrow makes three weeks for me and everything is (knock on wood) going perfectly fine...🙂 but I suspect once everything settles down and heals properly, that wheezing sensation will eventually fade away...🙂

urbanlynx23 said:Hey everyone! 🙂

1. I’ve been reading everywhere, including here, that it takes about a full year for the nose to truly settle, and that everyone ends up with a bit of a "piggy" look during that time... so, what I’m really wondering is... during that whole year while it's finding its shape, does it actually stay prettier than it was before, or does it just get worse, like looking even wider or more upturned than it originally was?
2. How long do the bruises usually last? I'm asking because of work, so I need to know how much time I'll have to take off...
3. When they narrow the nose, do they have to break the bone?
4. Since I understand the narrowing is done through an external incision (at least, that's my understanding, unless I'm wrong), does that scar really become invisible, or can you still see it? And how long does it take before it fades away?
5. Also... I actually have a deviated septum (I didn't even realize it until now), so I was wondering if having that might make things cheaper? You know, since I have breathing issues and all that... (please don't tear me apart for suggesting this, but I know people use it as a way to lower the cost, so it crossed my mind—why shouldn't I? I know there are plenty of people who genuinely suffer from it, and I know many others, like myself, don't really have major issues)... anyway, regarding that, if I go in under that diagnosis... would I have to go to a hospital, or could I go to a private clinic and have insurance cover part of it? And if I do go to a hospital, do I still have to pay a portion out of pocket or something?
6. Has anyone had their nose done in Cincinnati? What were your experiences like? (Feel free to DM me 🙂)

Thanks!!! 🙂

Well, I'll try to answer based on my own experience...🙂
1. My nose looks sooo much better than it did before surgery... honestly, it's gorgeous right now, and it's only been three weeks since the procedure... my tip is still a little swollen, but the doctor mentioned that will be the very last thing to subside... but overall, it is just stunning...
2. The bruising lasted me about a week and a half... though I tried everything to speed things up, like putting potato slices, bananas, or chamomile on my eyes... it's fine now, though I still have some dark circles, but once you apply concealer, you can't even tell...🙂 There's a link on the forum to my photos so you can see exactly what I looked like before...🙂))
3. I'm not entirely sure about this one, but I think they do... they narrowed my nose and definitely worked on the bone, but then again, I had a prominent hump to deal with as well...
4. I have external incisions, and I can tell you that they are visible... it's not terrible, but I can see them, though over time they should pull together—I've been using a certain gel... basically, I have one small incision on each side, one near the bridge and one down by the nostrils on that middle part (I'm not sure what the technical term is...🙂))
5. I had a deviated septum and all sorts of breathing issues too... and I made sure to tell them right away that I wanted the septum fixed as well... I had my surgery at the Mayo Clinic and I truly cannot recommend them enough... and I didn't have to pay anything extra afterward... my supplemental insurance covered everything... so if you decide to go the hospital route, I think it's quite easy to work out with the doctor...

Well, I truly hope that my response managed to provide you with at least a little bit of clarity...😉

Oh my gosh, your nose is absolutely stunning!!! 🙂 I actually went back and hunted down your before and after photos—seriously, they are phenomenal! 🙂
But those are all just profile shots... do you happen to have any front-facing ones? I’m dying to see how much they actually narrowed it from the front.
I finally managed to find a photo of a nose that looks exactly like mine—it's the one on the left—and then there's the one on the right, which is basically my dream nose:
http://www.plasticsurgerypa.com/Disp...noplasty_1.jpg
So, I have to ask—has anyone else here dealt with a nose like mine (the left picture) and successfully had it turned into what's shown on the right? And does this type of procedure involve breaking the bone too?

Hi everyone😉

Just wanted to check in. It’s almost been a month since my nose surgery, and honestly, that first month felt like an eternity. But if I'm being real, don't stress about how you look right after the procedure. I spent so much time worrying, but the swelling goes down surprisingly fast and things start looking much more natural sooner than you'd think. Personally, I'm thrilled. My nose actually fits my face now. I look brighter, more open—not exhausted. With my old nose, I always looked tired and sad (it was pretty long, and since my face is also long, it didn't help that the bones were crooked/deformed). Now? I'm beyond happy. There's still some swelling on the sides and at the bridge that needs to settle, but overall, I'm satisfied.
So, for anyone getting ready for surgery: just know it takes time to get used to a new look. You're going to deal with swelling and a distorted appearance at first, but that's just part of the recovery process. You can't skip it. Just trust me—it passes, and you're left with a beautiful nose. 😍
Kisses and bye😍

Amy Richardson86 said:Hey everyone😉

Just checking in. It’s almost been a month since my nose surgery. Honestly? That first month felt like an eternity. But look, I'll tell you straight: don't stress about how you look right after the procedure. I spent so much time worrying, but the nose starts looking better and more natural way faster than you'd think. I am totally happy with how it looks now. It fits my face perfectly. I actually look brighter, more open, and less tired. Before, because of my old nose, I always looked completely exhausted and sad. My nose was pretty long, my face is long too, and the broken bones made it look really deformed. Now? I'm beyond thrilled. There's still a little swelling on the sides and at the bridge that needs to settle down, but I'm happy.
So, if you're getting ready for nose surgery, just remember: give yourself time to get used to the new look. Yeah, you're going to be annoyed by the swelling and the weird shape at first, but it's part of the recovery. You can't skip it. Just trust me—it passes, and you're left with a beautiful nose. 😍
Kisses and hugs to all!😍

Can you smile from ear to ear yet? And is your nose still tingling at the bridge?

rowdyfalcon35 said:can you actually smile from ear to ear, and does your nose still feel tingly at the bridge?

hey😉
My nose only tingles if I tap on it. I didn't have any numbness when smiling at all. It felt numb to the touch for the first three weeks, though. Not anymore.

Amy Richardson86 said:ugh😉
My nose only goes numb if I actually bump it. It wasn't numb at all just from smiling. It was numb to the touch for the first three weeks, though. Not anymore.

I look like a toothless old lady when I try to smile😁
it tingles like crazy inside, and now that I can't even laugh properly, everything is just hilarious to me😂

I had surgery with Dr. Glusac about three years ago, and honestly? It was a total bust. I still can't breathe—actually, I feel like I’m breathing worse now than I did before the whole ordeal. I went back to see him a few times, but he just keeps insisting everything is perfectly fine, refusing to admit anything went wrong. Even the aesthetics aren't great, though that's a secondary concern compared to the breathing issues. I ended up getting a second opinion from Dr. Cikojevica over at the Mayo Clinic, and his take is that if I actually want to breathe again, I’m going to need another surgery. Apparently, my septum is straight, but the tip of my nose is blocking the airflow completely. Visually, the nose looks bumpy, but the bridge is so sunken that my glasses constantly slide right off my face. The doctor said one side of my nose basically collapsed, and they’ll need to rebuild it from the inside using cartilage from the septum. I really wanted to trust Dr. Glusac—he seemed so reliable—but I guess even the "experts" mess up sometimes. It just wasn't okay how he spent two years making me feel like I was crazy for thinking something was wrong instead of just owning the mistake. Good luck to everyone else out there...

wiredcrane12 said:I had surgery with Dr. Glusac three years ago and, unfortunately, it was a failure. I still can't breathe—honestly, it’s worse than before the procedure. I went back to see him several times, but he just insists everything is fine and refuses to admit any mistake was made. Aesthetics aren't great either, though that's a secondary concern now. I went to see Dr. Cikojevica at the Mayo Clinic for a consultation, and he said if I actually want to breathe again, I need another surgery. The septum is straight, but the tip of my nose is blocking the airflow. Visually, the nose looks bumpy, but the bridge is so flattened that my glasses constantly slide right off. The doctor mentioned one side of my nose collapsed slightly, so they'd need to rebuild it from the inside using cartilage from the septum. Dr. Glusac really inspired confidence initially, but I guess not every surgery goes perfectly. Still, it wasn't okay for him to spend two years treating me like an idiot, claiming everything was perfect when it clearly wasn't. Good luck to everyone...

Man, I am so sorry to hear that.😢
Honestly, the hypocrisy is the worst part. Treating people like they're crazy when things go wrong... look, this is a massive investment. You pay out of pocket for nose surgery, and there's absolutely no room for sloppy work from a surgeon. Even if they mess up, a decent human being would own the mistake and fix it on their own dime. To them, that money is pocket change, but for us regular people, we can't just pull that kind of cash out of thin air. It doesn't grow on trees.
Really hoping you get this sorted out as soon as possible.

wiredcrane12 said:I had surgery with Dr. Glusac three years ago and honestly? It was a disaster. I still can't breathe—actually, breathing feels worse now than before the surgery. I went back to see him a few times, but he just insists everything is fine and refuses to admit any mistake was made. The aesthetics aren't great either, but that's secondary right now. I went to see Dr. Cikojevica at Mayo Clinic for a consultation, and he said if I want to actually breathe again, I need another surgery. My septum is straight, but the tip of my nose is blocking the airflow. Visually, the nose looks bumpy, but the bridge is so diminished that my glasses won't even stay on. The doctor said one side of my nose collapsed slightly and needs to be rebuilt using cartilage from the septum. Dr. Glusac really seemed trustworthy, but I guess not every surgery goes perfectly. Still, it wasn't okay how he spent two years making me feel like I was crazy when everything was "fine" instead of owning the error. Good luck to everyone...

Your post actually scares me. I’m having trouble breathing after my surgery too, though it’s been two and a half years since mine, so who knows... I was also operated on by him. For the first time, I can breathe through both nostrils, even if the left side is weaker, but I don't feel air reaching my upper sinuses like I used to. The pain was intense and I have massive swelling. He told me my nose structure was compromised during the procedure because of a bad injury I had as a kid, and that I wouldn't breathe properly until the mucosa heals this summer, with things being "ideal" by next summer. 🤷 I really hope I'm not just imagining things. I've realized he just doesn't like admitting when he's wrong, and that's just not right.

rowdyfalcon35 said:Honestly, reading your post actually gave me a bit of a scare because I’ve been struggling to breathe after my surgery too. Then again, it’s been two and a half months since mine, so maybe I don't know... I had my procedure done by him. For the first time ever, I can actually breathe through both nostrils, though the left side still feels a bit weak. The thing is, I don't feel that air hitting my upper sinuses like I used to. Everything just feels achy and inflamed, and the swelling is massive. He told me my nose basically fell apart during the surgery because of some heavy impact I took back when I was a kid, and that I won't really be breathing clear until summer once the mucosa heals—that next summer would be the sweet spot. 🤷 I just hope things aren't going south for me. I've realized he's the type who hates admitting when he messed up, which is just shitty.

He told me the exact same thing.😂
But I actually went to the hospital to get a second opinion... and the doctor there told me the deviation is gone, but my mucosa is still super swollen and needs time to recover. I totally wrecked it with those nasal sprays... Look, we don't just breathe through our noses; the mucosa plays a huge role in how well you actually catch your breath. Even Glusac told me... after two liters of ocean air, sunshine, and sea breeze... that I’ll be breathing at my best. Still got one more summer to go before then, so we'll see.😁