Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Lisa Edwards said:You should ask your doctor for an ENT referral and schedule an exam; that's the only way to know if you actually have a deviation (most people have one, it's just that for some, it's severe enough to cause breathing issues) and whether it’s truly the cause of your problems... or if it's just sinuses or allergies. I guess nobody believed me about my own deviation until I went to the ENT and proved it... everyone just thought I wanted cosmetic surgery.🤣

Yeah, they fix the deviation and you can breathe normally again, though recovery for the nose itself takes maybe 6 months to a year. As for sports, I suppose you could get back to it after 2 months (if I'm wrong and someone corrects me) or whenever your doctor recommends, depending on what you play... personally, I was back after 4 months.😁

If you aren't too worried about how your nose looks, go to a public hospital (though if you find a good doctor there, they might handle the aesthetics too); there isn't much to lose since you'd be using Medicare. If you have extra cash and care about the look, then go private.😁

I deal with sinus issues too, sometimes pretty bad ones
, but I'm fairly sure this is strictly a breathing issue; I can't imagine keeping my mouth shut for even five minutes and breathing through my nose, it's just not possible.🙂
I talk through my nose.
I play soccer—I'm a goalie, so I take hits to the face; not constantly, but it happens. The longest I can really step away is probably 2 or 3 months during the off-season.🙂
Look, a nose is a nose. It's a bit large in profile, but it's not that ugly. For now, I guess the appearance doesn't matter as much as just being able to breathe properly.
So, going to a public hospital seems worth it. I'll see what my doctor says this September.
Thanks for the response.

Lisa Edwards said:Exactly—a deviated septum can absolutely be corrected via surgery even at seventeen. At least in public hospitals; I wouldn't know how things work with private clinics.
And honestly, if you opt for the procedure through a public hospital, everything is covered by Medicare if the deviation is medically necessary. While you're at it, you can always try to negotiate whether they’ll handle the aesthetic side of things too; if they won't, well, then you just keep looking elsewhere. As for private practices, I'm really not sure—maybe ask someone else or do a bit more reading in this thread...
It doesn't actually hurt... and frankly, I want to be able to breathe with my lungs full, which is why I'm going back in myself.😁

I realize people can get a bit intense when these questions come up, but I am genuinely curious: does anyone have firsthand experience regarding which doctors are reliable under Medicare coverage? Specifically, are there any willing to perform a little cosmetic touch-up on the nose during the process, or is that still an option in our public hospitals?

So many people mention great surgeons, yet it seems nobody ever speaks up about those who will tackle the aesthetic improvements for free!

placidcobra842 said:I know people get annoying with these kinds of questions, but I’m wondering if anyone has experience with which doctors covered by Medicare are actually decent—and specifically, if any are willing to do some cosmetic touch-ups on the nose while they're at it? Is that even still an option in our hospitals?

A lot of people bring up good doctors, but nobody ever mentions the ones who'll fix the aesthetics for free!

I had my nose fixed at the beginning of the year at KB Merkur in New York City. Their ENT department has several specialists, so it really just comes down to which one you see for the consultation and who ends up performing the surgery. I got lucky—one of the doctors agreed to handle the aesthetic part too. He wasn't originally looking to do it, but I pushed for him to correct the shape while he was at it... and he did. I’ve definitely known cases where doctors flat-out refused to do any cosmetic work, and they didn't—there were girls in the room with me during my consult who dealt with that. So, yeah, it all depends on how you negotiate during the exam.

-Doctors under Medicare...- Well, their job is to fix the deviation—that's what they're paid for—not to play sculptor. It really boils down to your communication and whatever deal you strike with the specific doctor. And look, not all Medicare doctors are the same. Some will want you to pay extra for the aesthetic side (not sure about those specific cases) and some won't. 😁

In my first surgery, they fixed the deviation, but my stubborn nose tip ended up crooked again, so I'm basically back to square one. At the follow-up, they told me they'd operate again, but this time just for the cosmetic part of the tip. If you have more questions, shoot me a PM 😬😬

Lisa Edwards said:I actually had my nose done at the beginning of the year at KB Merkur in New York City. At their ENT department, you have several otolaryngologists to choose from, so everything really hinges on which specialist you see for the consultation and who ultimately performs the surgery. I was quite lucky—one of the doctors agreed to handle the aesthetic side of things for me, even though he originally didn't want to; I just had to be persistent about getting the cosmetic correction done at the same time. I’ve known cases where the doctors flat-out refused to touch the aesthetics, and they didn't—I actually saw some girls in my room at the clinic go through that. That's why I say it all comes down to how you negotiate during your initial exam.

-Regarding doctors covered by Medicare... They are primarily incentivied to fix the septal deviation (that's what they are paid for), not to perform cosmetic work. It truly depends on your communication and the specific arrangement you make with an individual doctor. Now, not every doctor under Medicare operates the same way; some might ask for an out-of-pocket fee for the aesthetic portion—though I don't know much about those specific arrangements—while others won't. 😁

In my first surgery, they corrected the deviation, but my stubborn nose tip ended up curving in such a way that I'm right back where I started. However, during my follow-up, they told me they could operate on the tip again (strictly for cosmetic reasons this time). If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM. 😬😬

Thanks so much for the reply!!!

Anyone here dealt with an ENT in San Diego? Also, what’s the deal with nose surgery age requirements? I've heard conflicting stuff—some say you can go in at 16, while others claim you have to wait until 22!

steelangler88 said:I’m happy to report some pretty significant progress in my recovery. The swelling is finally starting to go down, and my nose is actually looking much better! I still have that follow-up surgery scheduled for 11 months from now, but honestly, I am just so thrilled with how everything turned out so far. I just wanted to share the good news!😁

That's wonderful, I'm truly so happy for you. 😍

steelangler88 As specified by:
Look, it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. I actually had my first eye exam done through a private specialist. $0.00And it turned out to be an absolute disaster, didn't it? To a friend in the hospital. (Free advice) I actually ended up with some internal deformation, but honestly, the result turned out great. There’s still plenty of work left to do from that first surgery, but the outcome is significantly better now. Hats off to the doctor in every possible way—the staff was absolutely wonderful to me as well. In short, if you're going to pull the trigger, do your homework. Research thoroughly, go for consultations, and really dig in. Pay close attention to negative reviews, because some plastic surgeons are incredibly mediocre at what they do. Unfortunately, I had to learn that lesson the hard way. As for the procedure itself, don't be afraid; the recovery isn't painful or long, and if you truly trust your surgeon, you won't have anything to worry about.

Which hospital were you at?
I was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Kalogjera (one of the Sisters of Mercy) during my sixth month. I ended up postponing the procedure because of some travel plans involving the ocean, though if I’m being honest, it was more about the fear. 🙄 The surgery is scheduled for September, so I find myself wondering: has anyone here had experience seeing Dr. Kalogjera? What has your experience been like?

I actually had surgery—maxillofacial stuff
@Ashley Gomez/">@@Ashley Gomez thanks🙂

crimsonbadger89 said:The media keeps pushing nose surgery as if it's just some cosmetic fix, but let's be real—it's actually about restoring vital functions that we take for granted in our daily lives.

Look, this kind of surgery is intense. It requires a full surgical team and general anesthesia, so my advice is to stick to public hospitals. Specifically, go to an ENT department where they’ll handle everything properly and according to standard medical practice—plus, it's covered by Medicare.

I’d personally recommend the ENT department at Vinogradski. Honestly, any of the specialists there are better than what you'll find in private clinics. Private practitioners can't touch the skill level of the public hospital staff in any part of this procedure, no matter how much they overcharge unfortunate patients or how much they spend bribing journalists to look good.

Well, I wouldn't exactly go along with your idea that all the "geniuses" at Vinogradski are top-tier. One such "genius," Dr. Vladimir Bedeković, completely messed up my procedure, and I actually let him try to "fix" it a second time.😠
From what I hear, he was actually fired from the hospital because they caught him taking cash for surgeries that were supposed to be covered under insurance (he was apparently in cahoots with the head nurse). Now he’s opened his own private clinic, Orlando. He charged me full price even though I had my paperwork in order. Just a heads-up: stay far away from him! 😉

I'm just tucking money away right now—counting down the days until autumn rolls around! 🙂 You guys should really keep sharing your experiences regarding Dr. Glušac; honestly, every little bit of info helps. 👍🥳 Hey there to all my fellow nose enthusiasts!

What kind of experiences have people had with nose surgery in Indianapolis or Pittsburgh?🙂

la Diosa, I’m honestly losing it over how good this looks... your technique is seriously a perfect 10!!!! Out of all the pics I’ve scrolled through on this forum, this is hands down the best work yet. I’m not on here all the time, so I can't remember if you mentioned something about that famous little bump or nub or whatever you call it? Did that show up for you too before it disappeared 🙂...Anyway, major props to Dr. Toncic 🙂

@redcobra92/">@@redcobra92
I don't think it's right to go around dragging certain doctors through the mud like this. I had my surgery performed by Vladimir Bedeković, and he did an incredible job. I also know two other women who had beautiful noses done by him, and they are both thrilled with the results. I'm truly sorry you aren't happy with how your surgery turned out. Just to set the record straight, Orlando has been around since 2004, so Bedeković didn't just pop up out of nowhere from Vinogradski or start Orlando himself. A lot of doctors from Vinogradski work at Orlando, and Bedeković just goes there occasionally—I actually called them, and they told me he mostly handles facelifts there when they request him, maybe a few times a year.
Don't take this as me trying to lecture you or being rude, but I just felt like saying it isn't fair to smear people's reputations like that.
Best,

Laura Booth56 said:It’s pretty much the same story for me—🙂
My surgeon told me I can't touch a tanning bed for at least 3 to 4 months. Apparently, the UV rays and the heat could cause my nose to swell up again.
But honestly, I'm desperate to get a tan, so I was thinking about trying a lying-down bed instead—since standing ones seem impossible right now—maybe just turning off the facial lamps and throwing a scarf or something over my face.

Andddddddddddddddddddd???? Are you happy with how it turned out????
Wait, they actually told *you* that you have to wait 3 or 4 whole months?! 😲😲 Well, I’m heading in in a couple of days, so I’ll let you know if I actually survive it. 🙂 I’ve waited long enough! 🙂 🙂 Thanks for the reply. 🙂

Hey everyone! Has anyone here actually gone through a septoplasty with Dr. Parazajder at the Holy Spirit hospital? I'm looking for some honest feedback on his work and what the whole experience is like with him in general.

Here’s my update following the surgery.😁 I had it this past Tuesday, and everything went smoothly. Bruising and swelling have been minimal, and I haven't dealt with any dramatic side effects from the general anesthesia. No nausea, just feeling pretty wiped out afterward. I finally made it home on Friday, and I can feel myself getting stronger with each passing day—I've learned you shouldn't just stay in bed all day, or you'll never get your energy back.😁 I'm taking the splint off tomorrow, so I'm genuinely curious to see the final result. I'm just hoping there isn't a massive wave of late swelling in the nose... how did things go for you all once the splint came off?
Oh, one thing: the only lingering effect from the anesthesia and meds is some occasional heart arrhythmia. Honestly, though, I knew I had that coming—it runs in my family, unfortunately—and since it seems to be tapering off every day, I'm not losing much sleep over it. 😁

restlessjackal112 said:Here’s my update following the surgery.😁 I had it on Tuesday, and everything went smoothly—minimal bruising and swelling, and the aftermath of the general anesthesia wasn't too dramatic. No vomiting or anything, just felt pretty wiped out afterward. I made it home on Friday, and I can feel myself getting stronger every single day (honestly, you shouldn't just stay in bed all day; if you do, you'll never get your energy back).😁 Tomorrow they take the cast off, so I'm dying to see how everything looks... I just hope there isn't a ton of late-stage swelling in my nose. How was it for you guys once the cast came off?
Oh, and the only thing I've got from the anesthesia and meds is some occasional heart palpitations—but I knew that was coming (unfortunately a family trait)—and since they're becoming less frequent every day, I'm not worrying too much about it. 😁

I actually headed straight into the city the very same day they took my cast off. I barely had any bruising or swelling at all. Your nose will definitely be swollen, but honestly, you won't even notice it. Just keep in mind that your nose shape will continue to settle over time. For me, nothing changed drastically. You absolutely have to check back in and let us know! 🙂 🙂I really hope you love the results.

Has anyone here ever traveled by airplane right after having surgery?

I recently went on a trip, and during takeoff—and honestly, for a good chunk of the flight too—it felt like my nose was actually going to explode. It didn't last the entire duration, but I was in quite a bit of pain for at least thirty minutes. 😲

On top of that, it still feels pretty swollen. 😢

wearycyclist18 said:Which hospital were you at?
I had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Kalogjera (one of the Sisters of Mercy nurses) back in June. I ended up pushing my surgery back because of some travel plans, though if I am being honest, it was mostly due to nerves. 🙄 The procedure is set for September, so I am wondering if anyone else has seen Kalogjera? What has your experience been like??

Still no replies, and I have just over eight days left until my surgery date!🙂

Does anyone know what the rooms are like in the ENT and rib department?