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Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Started by Maria Diaz79 · · 👁 53 views · 932 replies

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Participants Maria Diaz79Grace Hernandez66brightotter21Carol Lopez28stormyraven46Laura Castillo7Charles Hall10jadecrane3rustypilot68Adam Johnsoncasualrider37Carol Peterson71steelangler88placidmooseOlivia Gonzalez11Daniel Howard11Zachary Howard2Karen Thompson13Amanda Ramirez42Lisa Ross6Morgan Carter83Olivia Mendoza27Ashley Nelson5Jamie Mitchell13 …
Bryan Gomez27 Bryan Gomez27 Member
25 messages
joined Nov 2008
#501 ·
neondriver18 said:Is it really that much effort to type out a single sentence, or better yet, a single word?🙄

Oh, you people are just a ray of sunshine, truly nothing to see here.🤣

Excuse me for a moment, I have some much more important business to attend to elsewhere.👋

I already pointed you toward my previous posts because there is an exhaustive amount of information already laid out there, but if you honestly believe you can wrap your head around this entire issue by consuming just one solitary sentence or word, then fine... suit yourself. It's your funeral.
electricwolf6 electricwolf6 Member
14 messages
joined Mar 2009
#502 ·
So, here’s the update;

After a lot of thinking and several consultations, I finally pulled the trigger on surgery. It happened last Friday, April 24th.
I was under general anesthesia, and the whole thing took about an hour. When I woke up, there wasn't any pain at all—and honestly, there hasn't been much since.

The swelling really peaked around the second or third day, but since then, it's been slowly but surely going down.
I wore the splint for five days, and they removed my nasal packing the very next day. Since I didn't have much bleeding, I didn't have to wait until Monday to get it out...

All in all, the whole experience was pretty painless.
There's no real pain, just those nasal packs being a bit uncomfortable, but nothing too unbearable.
If only I could just roll over...

But now...

My nose is still quite swollen, and to be honest, I'm not exactly loving how it looks right now.
I'm just hoping everything settles into place properly. Once the swelling finally subsides, will the shape look a bit different?

I had the procedure done by my surgeon, and I'm happy with the choice.
I actually asked him not to lift the tip too much, and he listened—so excluding the swelling, for sure, it looks totally fine.

I'm curious to hear from those of you who are further along in your recovery: does the profile soften up significantly after a few weeks or months? Or is what I see in the mirror right now essentially the final result? (I'm trying to tell myself the swelling is doing most of the heavy lifting here!)🙂

Is the end result always a little different than this stage?
Ashley Morgan73 Ashley Morgan73 Newcomer
9 messages
joined Mar 2009
#503 ·
electricwolf6, what exactly did they do to your nose? Are you at least happy with the shape? Did the surgeon follow through with what you two originally discussed? I was actually just in for a consultation myself... He told me he wouldn't lift the tip, but rather just straighten the bump and narrow the tip slightly. I think I might be scheduling my surgery this Monday, but honestly, I'm feeling pretty unsure right now...😢
Laura Castillo7 Laura Castillo7 Active Member
142 messages
joined Dec 2008
#504 ·
electricwolf6 said:That’s how it stands.

After a long period of deliberation and several consultations, I finally made the call to go through with the surgery—which took place last Friday, April 24th.
I underwent general anesthesia for a procedure that lasted roughly an hour—and honestly, once I came around, there was absolutely no pain. Not during the recovery, either. It was remarkably seamless.

The swelling hit its peak around the second or third day—and since then, it's been steadily, albeit slowly, receding.
I kept the mold in for five days—they didn't even bother pulling the nasal swab until the following day. I wasn't bleeding heavily, otherwise, I would have been stuck waiting around until Monday...

All things considered, the whole ordeal went off without much of a sting.
There’s no pain quite like it—tampons in the nose are uncomfortable, sure, but they aren't exactly a catastrophe.
Well, that’s enough to make anyone want to throw in the towel—or at least take a long, hard look at the wreckage. Honestly, sometimes you just have to sit back, take a breath, and wonder how things reached this level of absurdity. It's one thing to deal with minor setbacks, but this? This feels like a total collapse of common sense.

So, here we go...

My nose is still swollen—and frankly, I’m not exactly thrilled with how it looks right now.
I’m hopeful that everything eventually settles into place—once those swelling subsided, your nose will likely end up looking quite different regardless.

I underwent surgery under Dr. Miller's care—and honestly, I couldn't be more satisfied with the results.
I specifically requested that they don't perform a rhinoplasty—and thankfully, they didn't. Aside from the inevitable swelling, my facial structure looks completely normal.

I’m looking for some input from anyone here who has been through this—specifically those whose experience is a bit further along than mine. Does the appearance of the nose actually soften up after a few weeks or months? Or is what I'm seeing in the mirror right now essentially the final result? Right now, I'm just trying to convince myself that the swelling is doing most of the heavy lifting and that things will eventually settle down.🙂 )??

Is the end result actually anything different?


By Monday, I’ll be hitting the two-month mark since my surgery—I had the exact same procedure with my surgeon. Your nose shape is going to change. You might not realize it right now, but everything you're seeing at this stage is just swelling; it’ll take several weeks before the actual structure starts to define itself. At least, that was certainly the case for me. Now, a friend of mine keeps telling me that every time she sees me, my nose looks different. I don't even notice it myself because I'm staring at it every single day, but clearly, it takes months for everything to finally settle into place.
electricwolf6 electricwolf6 Member
14 messages
joined Mar 2009
#505 ·
Ashley Morgan73 said:electricwolf6, what exactly did they do to your nose? Are you happy with the shape at least? Did the doctor follow the plan you both discussed? I was actually just in for consultations myself. They told me they wouldn't lift my nose, just flatten the bump and slightly narrow the tip. I think I might book the surgery this Monday, though I'm still feeling a bit indecisive.😢

I’m really happy with the results.

I truly appreciate his approach. He did exactly what I asked for, but more importantly, I feel he has the expertise to know which nose shape best suits a specific face.

I was honestly terrified they might shorten it too much or tilt it up too high... I'm definitely not the type who looks good with a perky, upturned nose.

And truly... looking at my nose from the front, it looks just like it used to.
I wasn't looking for a massive transformation; I just wanted the bump removed and the tip refined.
And that is exactly what happened.

The nose is still quite swollen right now, which makes sense since it's only been a week. But overall, I am satisfied! I would do it all over again.
It's worth mentioning that I'm not some impulsive kid; I'm in my 30s, and making a decision like this was much harder than it would have been when you're young and reckless. :-))
But I'm glad I did it.

Right now, I'm very pleased—both with the surgeon and the nurses, especially the one I worked most closely with.
Beyond just the professionalism, I felt a genuine sense of humanity. When you're being wheeled into an OR, and even when you're waking up from anesthesia, that matters immensely. At least, it matters to me.
electricwolf6 electricwolf6 Member
14 messages
joined Mar 2009
#506 ·
Laura Castillo7 said:By Monday, I’ll be two months post-op. I actually went to the same surgeon you did, and trust me, your nose shape will shift. You might not notice it right now, but everything you see currently is just swelling; it takes a few weeks for the actual shape to emerge. That was certainly my experience. Now, my friend tells me every time she sees me that my nose looks different every single time! I don't even notice it because I look at myself in the mirror every day, but clearly, it takes months for everything to settle into place.

Thanks, Laura.🙂

I know the nose will eventually reach its final shape—even though I can already see changes happening—but I really wanted to hear from someone who has actually been through the whole process...

Are you happy with your results from that surgeon?
In my opinion, he's pretty much the go-to specialist for noses around here.
At least, based on all the research, reading, and word-of-mouth I've done...

My first choice was actually a different doctor, but he suggested a procedure to trim the tissue between my upper lip and teeth, and I just wasn't feeling that approach.
I'm not saying he isn't talented; it just seems like he prefers creating more upturned, "pixie" style noses, which just wasn't my vibe.
The current surgeon gave me exactly what I asked for.
Laura Castillo7 Laura Castillo7 Active Member
142 messages
joined Dec 2008
#507 ·
electricwolf6 said:thanks Laura Castillo7🙂

Look, I am fully aware that the nose shape will continue to settle into its final form—even if the changes are already becoming apparent—but I really wanted to hear perspectives from someone who has actually navigated this entire process already...

Are you happy with the surgeon's work?
In my opinion, he is essentially the go-to specialist for rhinoplasty in the country.
At least based on all the research, observations, and word-of-mouth I’ve gathered...

My first choice was actually a different surgeon, but he suggested a frenectomy—cutting the tissue between the upper lip and the teeth—and frankly, that didn't appeal to me at all.
I'm not saying he isn't a skilled doctor; it just seems to me that he has a preference for creating those "upturned" noses, which simply wasn't the look I was going for.
The current surgeon delivered exactly what I requested.

Yes, I am extremely satisfied with the whole team—from the surgeon to the anesthesiologist and the nurses. Everyone took incredible care of me and the other patients; as you mentioned, the support during that pre-op window and immediately after waking up—when you feel your absolute worst—was exceptional.
Oh, and they actually owed me some change$17 because I didn't have any small bills on me. I was so caught up in the nerves of it all that I completely forgot about it, but the nurse remembered to settle up when I returned a week later to have the splint removed. I was genuinely surprised by the attention to detail.
I have a follow-up appointment soon, so we'll see what the verdict is—hopefully, everything looks perfect.
Wishing you and everyone else a smooth recovery.
electricwolf6 electricwolf6 Member
14 messages
joined Mar 2009
#508 ·
Thanks, you too! 🙂

Quick question—how long were you applying that ointment?

Oh, right... I was scrolling through some of your old posts and noticed you mentioned they didn't suggest facial lymphatic drainage for you, or at least didn't bring it up...

In my case, they actually recommended it. Apparently, it helps speed up the recovery process, and word is it might even lower the chances of those lumps coming back if you go through with it.

I’m planning to book an appointment, but probably not until next month. They said I should wait at least two weeks after the surgery before starting anything like that.
Ashley Morgan73 Ashley Morgan73 Newcomer
9 messages
joined Mar 2009
#509 ·
Thanks, electricwolf6. You really gave me a little boost...🙂
Laura Castillo7 Laura Castillo7 Active Member
142 messages
joined Dec 2008
#510 ·
electricwolf6 said:Thanks, you too. 🙂

Tell me—how long were you applying that ointment?

Oh, right... I was skimming through some of your posts and noticed you mentioned you haven't had any facial lymphatic drainage done—or rather, that nobody suggested it to you....

In my case, they actually recommended it; apparently, it aids recovery and might even lower the risk of those lumps forming if you follow through.

I'm going to book an appointment, though not until next month—supposedly you need to wait at least two weeks post-op.

I kept using it until the sutures dissolved—well, until I started pulling them out myself. As for the lymphatic drainage, I'm based out of a smaller town outside of Atlanta and there aren't any specialists here, and frankly, I didn't feel like driving all the way up to Washington, D.C. while feeling like absolute garbage. Besides, it isn't strictly mandatory.
coastaltinker13 coastaltinker13 Member
12 messages
joined May 2009
#511 ·
Has anyone here actually dealt with that doctor before?
His "research" 🤣 seems alright to me, he doesn't seem to be pulling those shady stunts I've seen from others in the field...
cosmicowl50 cosmicowl50 Newcomer
8 messages
joined Mar 2008
#512 ·
electricwolf6, how long did you have to wait for an appointment?
I've been following this thread since day one, basically using everyone's experiences as a crash course. I’m only planning a really minor tweak, but still... we're talking about a face here! It’s not even the surgery itself that scares me, it's the results. Though, I guess most of you have probably dealt with that anxiety too.
electricwolf6 electricwolf6 Member
14 messages
joined Mar 2009
#513 ·
Ashley Morgan73 said:Thanks, electricwolf6. You really gave me that little boost I needed.🙂

I’ve actually reached a bit of a final decision on this after reading through here. One person was incredibly happy with the services provided by that specialist and gave them such a glowing recommendation. It really helped solidify things for me.
I don't regret a single thing.

So, it’s day nine since the surgery. I’m noticing real changes every single day now. The swelling in my face is definitely going down—I still have some puffiness under my eyes, but honestly, compared to how things looked last week, it’s nothing. And the nose? It’s looking better and better.
And to make things even better? It doesn't look artificial or "done" at all—which was actually my biggest fear. It looks incredibly natural. At the same time, everything feels aligned now, and that old hunch in my back is finally gone.
I'm actually quite pleased with how things are going so far.
I’ve been reading through some posts here about those little lumps that can pop up after surgery. I'm really hoping I can skip that part of the recovery process entirely! :-)) So far, so good—nothing to report yet.

cosmicowl50 It looks like we're looking at a wait of about a month, maybe even a month and a half. Just how long will it take?

I completely get where you're coming from. I've been hovering around here, chatting both privately and on the forum, making sure to read through every single post. Honestly? I was just feeling a bit anxious about how everything would ultimately turn out...
I really just wanted a subtle change—maybe a slightly more refined nose, but nothing that would look fake or completely out of proportion with my face. And this is what I ended up with. Thanks a lot, universe. 😉

I honestly believe it’s vital to keep your expectations grounded. You don't need to be chasing some impossible, cosmic dream. Isn't it enough just to be lucky enough to land in the right hands?
I honestly would do it all over again. I’m truly satisfied with how everything turned out.
Andrew Rogers14 Andrew Rogers14 Newcomer
1 message
joined May 2009
#514 ·
So, I’ve got to go under the knife for a septoplasty for health reasons, and my doctor mentioned he could just knock out a rhinoplasty at the same time. My nose has been a little crooked for ages—ever since an old injury.
I'm trying to wrap my head around how long the recovery actually takes for both. My doctor told me everything should settle down in about 10 days, but then I started falling down an internet rabbit hole where people say swelling from a rhinoplasty can stick around for up to a year...
Anyone here gone through this? Any experiences to share?
cosmicowl50 cosmicowl50 Newcomer
8 messages
joined Mar 2008
#515 ·
electricwolf6 said:I wanted a change—a prettier nose, sure, but nothing that looked fake or just didn't fit my face. And this is what I ended up with. Thanks, universe. 😉

Thanks for getting back to me.
My goals are pretty much the same as yours, so I'm glad you actually got what you were looking for! Especially since I'm also a fan of that guy. 🙂
wiredcrane12 wiredcrane12 Member
14 messages
joined Apr 2009
#516 ·
Hey ladies, how’s everyone doing?

So, today marks day 11 post-op. I still have the bandage on, so I can't really see my nose "in person," but the shape looks absolutely precious. It's small, cute, and honestly fits my face perfectly—I feel like I look five years younger already. My friends are all saying it matches my personality exactly. I'm just crossing my fingers that I'll love it just as much once this thing finally comes off.

The bruising under my eyes is almost gone. A little concealer does the trick. I've been massaging my nose too, though I'm a bit nervous about it. Does anyone know when facial drainage is actually recommended? Is it something you do by hand or with some kind of machine? I'm low-key terrified my aesthetician might mess it up if I let her try.

The only thing really bugging me right now is my smile. It just won't come back. My upper lip feels pretty numb.
How long does it usually take for your smile to get back to its full glory?
It's like, you get the nose but lose the smile, which was basically the only thing working for my face hahaha. Ugh, I guess you can't have everything... kidding! My doctor says to just be patient and that it'll definitely come back.

I've been using Exelon gel on the bruising and it's actually helping. Just be super careful not to get any in your eyes.

Sending love to you all!
swiftheron48 swiftheron48 Member
31 messages
joined Apr 2009
#517 ·
wiredcrane12;20368380 said:Hey ladies, how’s everyone doing?
I've been trying facial massage, though I'm a little nervous about it. When exactly is lymphatic drainage recommended? Is it done with some kind of device or just by hand? I'm honestly worried my aesthetician might mess it up.

Well, my doctor hasn't mentioned anything about massages yet. He said when I go back for my follow-up in a month, we can discuss potentially adding them to the plan... 🙂
wiredcrane12 wiredcrane12 Member
14 messages
joined Apr 2009
#518 ·
Took my stitches out yesterday. My nose is so swollen right now, I honestly look like a little piglet from the front. My profile looks fine, but looking head-on? Not so much. I was digging through some old threads and it seems like this is pretty standard. Ugh, I had a total meltdown last night crying about it, but then things got even worse... Just gotta power through this.
Laura Castillo7 Laura Castillo7 Active Member
142 messages
joined Dec 2008
#519 ·
wiredcrane12 said:I finally took the bandages off yesterday. My nose is so swollen—honestly, I look like a little piglet from the front. The profile looks fine, but looking head-on is terrifying. I went back through some old threads, and apparently, this is just part of the process. I had a good cry last night, but then things got even worse... I just have to power through this.

I don't know which surgeon you went with, but please, don't cry. The swelling in your nose will go down; in my case, it took two full months and it's still settling—slowly, but surely.
And your smile will come back, too—that was my biggest fear. Generally speaking, everything that feels weird or "off" right now will eventually return to normal, only with a much better nose. Don't worry!
wiredcrane12 wiredcrane12 Member
14 messages
joined Apr 2009
#520 ·
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I’m still feeling pretty swollen, honestly—just gotta give everything some time to settle back into place. Sending love from Miami!

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