Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Melissa Ward29 said:This is the honest truth of it! I’m talking about Dr. Ostojic, who has been such a massive disappointment—not just as a person, but as a surgeon too. My nose is a complete mess, yet he keeps trying to convince me it looks amazing. As soon as the splint came off, I could see it was crooked; there's actually a lump left on the right side. On top of that, he didn't respect my wishes at all and just did whatever he wanted! He shortened it and lifted it way too much... way, way too much. During a recent follow-up, he actually admitted the lump is there, but he's trying to tell me he can just fix it by using fillers on the left side to make it look symmetrical. When I asked him about how high the tip is, he told me that's just his style and it's meant to prevent a sagging look when I get older... honestly, who is crazy here?!

Out of pure desperation, I decided to go for a consultation with Dr. Gulic (after hearing through the grapevine that her clinic employs top-tier specialists for revision rhinoplasty). Well, I got a huge surprise there! Once she examined me and heard who performed my surgery, she told me that a ton of patients come to her specifically for revisions because of this exact same doctor... (and yes, he offers the filler thing too). She said the noses always end up looking identical because he shortens them so drastically, and once he actually opens the nose up, it's a total disaster inside. She confirmed everything I suspected: the remaining bump, the nose being far, far too lifted, and way too short. Even with the swelling still there, she warned me it might look even more upturned once the swelling goes down... oh my god!!! I also showed her my pre-op photo, and she was, to put it mildly, shocked at what a catastrophe my nose turned into...

I really could have kept this to myself, but I feel like it would be a sin not to warn others. Please, just decide for yourselves based on this information.

That being said, I am genuinely happy to see that some girls are thrilled with his work!!!

Just please, think long and hard about whose hands you are putting yourself in!!

I hope I haven't offended anyone...

Oh my god, that is truly awful. There is nothing worse than deciding to do something like this only to have it turn out this way. I really hope everything works out for the best for you when you go in for your next surgery.

Dana Alvarez said:Honestly, it’s just terrible—there is nothing worse than making a choice like that only to have things end up this way. I truly hope everything turns out okay for you when you head in for your next surgery.

My next procedure isn't scheduled for another six months or so. Until then... well, based on what I've been through, I am genuinely terrified of the next round... though, truthfully, it isn't the surgery itself that scares me—it's the results!!! My experience during and immediately after the actual operation was quite positive; waking up from anesthesia went smoothly, and removing the packing (which most people dread) was painless, but getting those molds removed? Absolute torture.😢

So, I am once again asking anyone who has unfortunately had to undergo a revision rhinoplasty to please share your experiences with those of us who haven't been so lucky...

I need to get surgery for a deviated septum—so, nothing cosmetic at all, just some functional repairs over at the local medical center... The doctor says it’s a routine procedure, maybe about half an hour or so. I was wondering what kind of technique they actually use... like, do they make an incision under the lip or is everything done through the nostrils from the outside? Since it's general anesthesia, will I be getting an IV drip afterward or what? And how long am I looking at staying in the hospital? I've also heard everyone talking about wearing some kind of splint or mold—will I have to deal with that too? Also, how many days will I have to keep those nasal tampons in? I'm a bit worried about bruising on my face... if I want to get back out there, how many days until I look pretty much like my old self again?...

Melissa Ward29 said:I had my rhinoplasty about a month and a half ago, and I honestly feel like the surgeon was rushing through it and completely botched my results. I’m asking anyone who has undergone a revision surgery to share their experiences, because it looks like a revision is inevitable for me.

@Thomas Alvarez5, you aren't alone.
Don't assume our local surgeons are top-tier just because they rush through procedures.
I went to Glumičić.
He isn't any better. He tends to over-rotate the tip, lifting it too much until the nose loses its natural look.
If we were being honest about Lana Condor's nose, it’s far too small for her face.
As a result, the nostrils become the focal point.
Maybe someone starting with an exceptionally large nose would be happy with those results, but I certainly wasn't.

The core issue with our domestic surgeons is that they fail to create a nose that complements facial harmony while still looking natural.
Personally, I felt I looked more attractive and natural straight-on before I made the impulsive decision to undergo this unnecessary procedure.👎
There are far too many cases where people end up dissatisfied precisely because the nose becomes a distraction rather than a feature.
Who actually wants that?

Besides, you're only six weeks out. Your nose is going to change and transform significantly; you might end up being satisfied with the final result.
Regardless of the outcome, there is always a solution. Honestly, I wouldn't trust a local "quasi-surgeon" with a revision. The first lesson was far too expensive.
I will definitely consider a revision down the road, but if necessary, I am prepared to go abroad to see actual specialists. Revision procedures are fundamentally different from primary ones. There's plenty of time.
Good luck.🙂

Rachel Barnes5 said:@Thomas Alvarez5, you aren't alone in this.
Don't go under the impression that our surgeons are somehow elite—they often rush through procedures without much thought.
I actually went to see Glumičić.
He isn't all that special. The results look artificial; they lift the nose too aggressively, causing it to lose any semblance of a natural profile.
If we were being honest about Blanka's nose, it’s far too small for her facial structure.
As a result, the nostrils become way too prominent.
Perhaps someone starting with an exceptionally large nose might be happy with those kinds of results, but certainly not me.

The fundamental issue with surgeons here is their inability to craft a nose that integrates with the facial harmony while still looking natural.
Personally, I felt I looked much more attractive and natural before I rushed into this unnecessary procedure.👎
There are countless cases where people end up dissatisfied precisely because the surgery draws too much attention to the nose—treating it like a centerpiece rather than a feature.
Who actually wants that?

Besides, you're only six weeks out from your surgery. Your nose is going to undergo significant changes and transformations; you might actually be satisfied once everything settles.
Regardless of the outcome, there is always a solution. Honestly, I am not sure I would ever trust a local "quasi-surgeon" for a revision. That first mistake was far too expensive.
I will definitely consider a revision down the road, but if necessary, I am fully prepared to travel outside the US to see actual specialists—since secondary procedures are a completely different beast than the primary ones. There is plenty of time.
Good luck.🙂

Rachel Barnes5, thank you for the kind words...
Right now, I am literally in the process of vetting doctors for a revision... Based on forum research and various consultations, I've narrowed it down to Dr. Ugljesic and Dr. Mladin—they are supposedly among the top specialists for corrective work. They both practice privately at a clinic, so I won't have to wander aimlessly through hospital systems...
If only I could turn back the clock... if only I had been smarter... but it is what it is.

Hey Thomas Alvarez5, check your inbox, you've got a private message.

Melissa Ward29 said:So, here’s the real deal!! I am beyond disappointed with Dr. Ostojic—not just as a person, but as a surgeon too!! My nose is a complete mess, yet he’s trying to convince me it looks great... As soon as the splint came off, I could see it was going all wrong—there's this bump left on the right side. Plus, he didn't listen to my wishes at all and just did whatever he wanted!!! He shortened it and lifted it way too much—way, way too much!!! I went in for a follow-up recently, and he actually admitted there's still a bump, but he's trying to sell me on fixing it with fillers on the left side to make it look symmetrical... When I asked about the upturned tip, he told me that's just how he does noses, claiming it's "preventative" so I'll have a youthful look when I'm older... I mean, who is actually crazy here?!

Out of pure desperation, I decided to go get a consultation with Dr. Gulic (after hearing through the grapevine that her clinic has top-tier specialists for revision rhinoplasty). And man, was I in for a surprise!!! After she examined me and heard who performed my surgery, she told me that a ton of patients come to her specifically for revisions from that same doctor... (and yep, he offers the filler fix too). She said his noses all end up looking the same—he shortens them radically, but once he opens the nose up, it's a total disaster zone inside. She confirmed everything I was worried about: the leftover bump, the nose being way, way too lifted, and far too short... Even with the swelling, she thinks it might actually look even more upturned once the inflammation goes down—oh my god!!! I also showed her my pre-op photo, and she was honestly shocked by what a catastrophe my nose became...

I could have easily kept this to myself, but it feels like a crime not to warn you guys—so please, just decide for yourselves based on this.

That being said, I am genuinely happy to see some girls are thrilled with his work!!!

Just really think long and hard about whose hands you're putting yourself in!!

I hope I haven't offended anyone...

Oh man, now I'm actually scared... Thanks for sharing this with us!

Preventing a youthful look in later years?🙄
Give me a break. As if we’re going to care about our nose shape when we're 75 and dealing with an already weathered face.
Reading the posts here, I got the impression that Ostojić was a solid choice for noses, which is why I regretted not considering him instead of Glumičić. Turns out they’re both cut from the same cloth.
It is frankly unacceptable that surgeons in this country don't utilize computer simulations before surgery, and instead insist on chasing that tiny nose aesthetic from the 70s and 80s.
It’s probably easier for them than actually worrying about looking natural.👎

For anyone in a similar situation considering revision surgery, I’m offering this advice in good faith: calm down first. Don't let initial impressions drive you. Let time take its course and avoid making impulsive decisions about a second procedure.
That doesn't mean you should just give up and settle, but you need to be extremely cautious during selection. Secondary corrections involving cartilage grafts—specifically because too much was done the first time—are significantly more difficult than a standard rhinoplasty or simple refinements.

There is a dedicated thread on the forum regarding secondary nose surgery (revision) where several women have shared their personal experiences.
It might be useful for someone in a similar predicament to consult them.🙂

Hey there,
So, it’s been 5 days since my surgery. Everything went smoothly, honestly—no real pain, just some discomfort from the nasal packing, which they actually just pulled out today, btw. It didn't hurt at all, but that liquid I have to spray in my nose keeps dripping down and stinging my throat... plus it tastes super bitter. As for the bruising, it didn't last long; now I'm just stuck with these yellow circles under my eyes. In about 4 days, I'm going back to get the cast removed and I seriously can't wait to see what my nose actually looks like. Later.

Rachel Barnes5 said:@Thomas Alvarez5, there are plenty more of us out there.
Don't go thinking our surgeons are the gold standard—or that they just rush through procedures without thought.
I actually went to Glumičić.
He isn't all that special—he tends to over-rotate the tip, which totally kills the natural look of the nose.
If we’re being honest about Blanka's nose, it's way too small for her face.
Because of that, the nostrils really pop out.
Maybe someone starting with a massive nose would love the result, but definitely not me.

That's the core issue with surgeons here—they don't know how to create a nose that actually fits the facial harmony while still looking natural.
Personally, I felt much more attractive and natural before this unnecessary procedure I rushed into.👎
There are so many cases where people end up unhappy because the nose becomes a distraction—like an ornament rather than part of the face.
Who actually wants that?

Anyway, you're only a month and a half post-op. Your nose is going to change and transform quite a bit—you might actually be happy with it in the end.
Whatever happens, there's always a solution. Honestly, I wouldn't trust some local "quasi-surgeon" for a revision. That first lesson was way too expensive.
I'll definitely consider a revision down the road, but if I have to, I am more than ready to head abroad to see actual specialists—since revision surgery is a whole different beast than the primary one. There's plenty of time.
Good luck.🙂

Did you tell Glumičić EXACTLY what kind of nose you wanted, or did you just leave it up to him to decide?

Kimberly Baker13 said:Did you tell Glumičić EXACTLY what kind of nose you wanted, or did you just leave it up to him to decide based on his own judgment?

In short, I told him I didn't want anything drastic, especially after he tried to convince me that nobody would even notice a difference. He was supposed to just slightly lower the bridge and shorten the tip. The issue is that I was reckless enough to agree to it.
I wouldn't call my nose a disaster, but it definitely doesn't look natural, which is the whole point. The tip is turned up way too much.
Honestly, surgeons shouldn't be cranking out these cookie-cutter noses without respecting an individual's facial structure.
A girl from Italy actually reached out to me; she’s dealing with the exact same issue after getting her nose done by him.

Anyway, it is what it is. I don't think I've ruined his reputation, but I have every right to speak up about my experience and express my dissatisfaction. Plus, his consultations are incredibly brief and there isn't any computer simulation involved.
The result will be softer... but not enough for me.

So, before committing to any surgery, think it through. Be extremely specific about what you want, don't just fall for the promise of "looking better," and actually research the surgeon's specific style.
Personally, I am not a fan of his work, and flashy advertising isn't everything.

Back on topic, let's hear about your more recent experiences.😉

Rebecca Gomez37 said:Shoot me a DM and I'll give you the full rundown...
So, for the most part, that second procedure went absolutely great—and honestly, I’m feeling seriously relieved and happy with how everything turned out...👍

George Robinson58,

Please, tell me where you went for your secondary rhinoplasty! It’s been a full three months for me now, and honestly... I'm spiraling. My nose looks way too short, it's turned up too much, and the tip is just a mess—all deformed, sunken in, and tilting to one side. It looks so thick, like I just have a massive bulbous tip instead of an actual nose. We're all in such a total panic over here, just completely shocked by the results... I seriously cannot wait for my consultation to find out if this can even be fixed!
So, I went in there feeling pretty bummed out, thinking I was just getting a simple fix for a deviated septum—you know, just a quick little tweak to clear things up. They kept telling me they’d just handle the minor stuff and that everything else would stay exactly the same... but man, was I in for a shock! It turned out to be way more than I bargained for...
Any help at all would be huge... seriously, I'm all ears!

I am truly sorry to hear that your surgeries didn't go as planned; that is honestly the last thing anyone wants to deal with after making such a big decision.

Hey everyone,

I stopped by the local hospital today regarding my nose. About five years ago, I had a septoplasty done by Dr. Bilic, but the results were pretty messy—now my nose sits crookedly to one side. I can’t even breathe through the left nostril because it’s so narrow, which has been such a struggle. Honestly, looking at photos is almost too much to bear 😢, so I find myself only taking pictures of one side of my face just to hide how lopsided everything looks; it’s truly a tragicomedy. Anyway, I’ve scheduled a consultation with Dr. Kalogjera to see about fixing this. Does anyone here have experience working with him, and what can you tell me about his approach? Also, does anyone know what the typical wait time is for surgery at a major metropolitan hospital like this?

feralbadger102 said:Hey everyone,

So, I swung by the Vinogradska hospital today regarding my nose. About five years back, I had surgery with Dr. Bilic to fix a deviated septum, but honestly? The results are a total disaster. My nose is basically crooked now, leaning heavily to one side, and I can barely breathe through the left nostril because it’s so narrow. It’s been a nightmare. I won't even show you pictures 😢, I literally only take photos of one side of my face just so people don't notice how skewed my nose looks—it’s actually tragic and hilarious at the same time... Anyway, I've booked a consultation with Dr. Kalogjera. Does anyone here have experience with him? What's the verdict? Also, does anyone know what the waitlist looks like for surgery at Vinogradska right now?

I am in the exact same boat as you... I was actually dying laughing reading your post, especially the part about only taking photos from one side to hide the damage 🤣

Joseph Edwards31 said:Unfortunately, that’s just not how it works... In public hospitals, doctors don't really have the luxury of time for the little details because they’re working against quotas and cranking through way too many patients a day. It means their focus slips, they're exhausted, and they're constantly rushing because management is breathing down their necks to clear the surgical schedule for the day. Private practices operate on a completely different wavelength—surgeons are well-rested, sharp, and they aren't rushing; they might only see one patient that entire day. To my endless frustration, I know exactly what it feels like to undergo nose surgery in a state-run hospital.

I’ve actually been through two surgeries at the public hospital under Dr. Mladin, who also maintains a private practice... so I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. Before my procedure, Dr. Mladin took the time to walk me through every single detail of what he was going to do, why there was an issue, and all that stuff. When I woke up, I didn't feel any pain during the first or second time, which was a huge contrast to a friend of mine who dealt with the exact same issues through a private specialist... she was in absolute agony, and her boyfriend was right there with her, suffering just as much after his own private procedure. And regarding your point about him only doing one operation a day privately—if that's true, he probably doesn't even have time for more, and I can't imagine when he finds time to sleep given the heavy workload he carries at the public hospital...
Every time I'm at the hospital and he walks by, he always stops, reaches out, and asks how I'm doing—all without any of that fake charm, expensive whiskey, or other nonsense...

I’m checking back in here to give a real update since it’s been seven months since my surgery, so let’s look at things realistically. I hate to burst the bubble for anyone hoping the tip of my nose would be super slim—it isn't. The tip isn't swollen; it’s just how your doctor shaped it. Before the procedure, my nose was pretty pointy and flat, but since he lifted it up, the tip looks a bit thicker. Honestly, does that make sense? When you're trying to fix an angle, you're aiming for a smoother, more rounded curve. Now, how much that actually changes the look is a whole different story...
The second thing is regarding the base. If you feel like there’s some "bone" swelling there—look, bone is bone. Bone doesn't swell; it either fractures or it doesn't. Think about it like getting hit in the leg during a game; once the bruising and swelling go down, you aren't suddenly going to see a dent in your shin. Everything stays exactly where it was, right? So, if what you're feeling is just skin thickening from swelling, that will eventually subside—mostly imperceptibly, but it will happen. The key is being honest with yourself about your expectations. Don't treat cosmetic surgery like some kind of alien technology or magic trick. At the end of the day, it’s just a standard surgery. There's healing, there's scarring, the swelling goes down, and the results after a few months are simply whatever a human body can realistically achieve. Don't go looking for miracles.
Besides, life isn't a fairy tale. Things don't always go exactly according to plan, and being overly nitpicky won't help anyone. Don't let a single millimeter throw you into a spiral of despair. At the end of the day, the goal is to have a less prominent nose, not necessarily a "perfect" one, right?

Sean Hill9 said:Hey there! How’s everyone doing today?
It’s been five days since my surgery, and honestly, everything went pretty smoothly! I haven't had any actual pain—just a bit of discomfort from those nasal tampons, which, by the way, they finally took out today. It wasn't painful at all, though that nasal spray I've been using does sting my throat quite a bit and tastes incredibly bitter. As for the bleeding, it didn't last long at all; now I just have some yellowish bruising under my eyes. In four days, I get to go back to have the splint removed, and I seriously can't wait to see what my nose looks like in its full shape. Cheers!

Could you tell us a bit more about which doctor you actually saw?🙂

By the way... Ketamine I honestly don't think I could agree with you there—because if you're only giving that a 10, where does that leave the rest of us? $0.00 When you're looking at surgery, shouldn't you be expecting top-tier results? I mean, why would anyone go through all that just to end up with something mediocre or underwhelming? You want it done right the first time.

Amanda Morris76 said:Can you tell us which doctor you went to?🙂

Btw Ketamin I wouldn't really be on your side here... if you're dropping 10 $0.00 grand or more on a surgery, you expect killer results, not just some mediocre job.

So, just took off my last bandage. The nose looks really cute, it's just still super swollen around my eyes and the middle, so I look a bit like a pig right now lol, but it'll pass. I went to Dr. Kincl, cost me about $1,700. Ask away if you wanna know anything else. Later!

Sean Hill9 said:So, I just took off my last bandage! The nose looks really lovely, though honestly, the swelling around my eyes and in the middle makes me look a bit like a pig right now—but hey, that’ll pass. I went to see Dr. Kincl, and the price was about $1,800. Let me know if you have any other questions! Bye!

I'm so happy for you!🙂And I hope you're feeling happy too. I won't be going until next year because things are just too busy right now. Plus, I haven't even decided which doctor to go to yet.
Can you tell me more about Dr. Kincl... is he based in the city or somewhere else?