Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

I just noticed something that honestly gave me the chills. Every time I breathe through my nose, the skin right at the bridge starts crawling.
I feel like I can't even blow my nose without making it worse.
My doctor told me it just needs more time to heal up. Has anyone else dealt with something like this?
Now I'm too freaked out to even lift my head up to let it close properly because the sensation is just... ugh, gross.

Hello everyone!

I’ve been away for a while, so here is my report on the current situation: I had a revision consultation in Miami about ten days ago. To say the doctor there is a complete egomaniac and a know-it-all is an understatement... Anyway, I completely agree with sunnyday, and I’m so sorry she isn't participating in this thread anymore. (You were right; he thinks every other doctor is incompetent.)

In my opinion, the guy doesn't even have enough work because he told me I could go under the knife as early as tomorrow if I wanted. Also, just a heads-up, you can barely get a word in edgewise because he just rambles on—and mostly about things unrelated to my nose, like how someone else's nose was ruined by a previous surgeon and how they somehow blame him for it.Just imagine.

He showed me only two photos of his own noses; the profile looks okay, but from the front, they are just awful! He also bragged about how he fixed his sister's nose in the very first month, but I don't like it at all. Her nasal tip is way too large and bulbous, while the bridge is extremely narrow, which really doesn't suit her since she's a petite woman. It's just a disaster.
Anyway 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎:f lop:

I also saw the other specialist, and I am completely satisfied with his approach. He is truly polished and has the manners of a highly educated professional (unlike the other guy, who was unshaven and swearing constantly), which honestly gives me confidence that I will be happy with the results. He isn't pushy at all; he actually listens to you before making suggestions. His office is wonderful, and the staff is great too. I felt truly comfortable during the consultation, and my appointment is set for June 7th.

Whisper, how is your nose doing? Have you decided on anything regarding your revision?

Amanda Ramirez42 said:He only showed me two photos of his nose; the profile looks fine, but from the front, it’s just awful! He also bragged about how he fixed his sister's nose in the first month, but I really don't like hers at all because the tip is way too big and bulbous, while the bridge is incredibly narrow. It doesn't suit her one bit since she's such a petite, short woman, and it still looks quite off... a total disaster.
enivej 👎:

I visited the clinic myself and was completely satisfied with the approach there; the doctor is truly polished and has the manners of a highly educated professional unlike that other guy who was unshaven and swearing constantly which, I have to admit, gives you some peace of mind that you'll be happy with the results. He isn't pushy and actually listens to you before making suggestions. His office is great and the staff is wonderful, too. I felt really comfortable during the consultation, and my appointment is set for June 7th.

🤣🤣
That's actually what I loved about the other doctor... I'm so tired of those stiff, uptight physicians and their "manners" that only last until you dare to complain about something. With him, I can swear when I'm in pain without getting a weird look... the man is eccentric and loud. Just a classic Southern gentleman...🙏:🤷

edit—the tip of the nose usually ends up looking like a potato for about five or six months, but you don't realize it until after the fact.

Hey ladies. So, I went in for my surgery today. Honestly? It wasn't exactly a walk in the park. But you know what? I am counting down the minutes until this is all over. I should finally be able to get everything taken care of by Thursday.

Amanda Ramirez42 said:Hi everyone!

I’ve been away for a bit, so here’s my report on the current situation: I went in for a revision consultation in Miami about ten days ago, and calling that guy a total egomaniac and a know-it-all is actually an understatement... anyway, I completely agree with sunnyday—and I’m sorry she isn't participating in this thread anymore. (You were right; he thinks every other doctor out there is incompetent.)

In my opinion, the man doesn't even have a job, because he told me I could just go in for surgery tomorrow if I felt like it. And while we're at it, let me just say you can barely get a word in edgewise. He spends most of the time rambling about things that have nothing to do with my nose—like how some girl Blanka had her nose ruined by someone else, yet somehow they blame him. As if.

He only showed me two photos of his own work; the profiles look fine, but from the front? Absolute disasters. He also bragged about how he fixed his sister's nose (I think her name was Angelika or something) in the very first month, but I don't like it one bit. The tip is way too large and bulbous, while the bridge is incredibly narrow. It doesn't suit her at all since she’s a petite, short woman, and it just looks disproportionate. A complete catastrophe.
anyway 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎:f lop:

I also saw the other doctor, and I am completely satisfied with his approach. He’s actually polished—he has the manners of an educated professional (unlike the previous guy, who was unshaven and swearing constantly), which, I have to admit, gives me some confidence that I'll be happy with the results. He isn't pushy; he actually listens to you before making suggestions. His office is great, and the staff is wonderful too. I truly felt comfortable during the consultation, and my appointment is set for June 7th.

Whisper, what’s going on with your nose? Have you decided to go through with the revision yet?

Don't traumatize me now.😢 I was just about to decide that the first choice was the other guy, and then I read this...
I did notice that his website doesn't show any frontal views, just profiles... I mean, if he actually does a good job, I don't care if he has a beard, horns, swears like a sailor, or wears high heels while operating.
Maybe he only showed you those two photos because those cases were similar to yours? Personally, I don't have a hundred profiles and bumps to look at since that's not my issue.

Jamie Mitchell13 said:Hey ladies. I had my surgery today. It wasn't exactly easy... but I can't wait to be done with this. I should be able to get everything removed by Thursday...

What exactly did he do to your nose? Was it just cosmetic, or a septoplasty too? My doctor told me he’s doing all of that plus the pyramid reconstruction, and I’m starting to panic a little... I hope your recovery is quick and that the final result looks amazing... 🙂

slymoose95 said:What exactly did he do to your nose? Was it just cosmetic, or a septum job too? My doctor told me he’s doing everything—cosmetic, septum, even the pyramid shape—and honestly, I'm starting to panic a little... I really hope you have a speedy recovery and that the splint feels great! 🙂

It was just the cosmetic stuff for me. Ugh, I can hardly wait! Believe me, this isn't easy. I'm just praying all of this actually pays off in the end. The days are dragging on forever, and I am terrified. I just hope everything turns out okay. Right now, I've started getting these dark circles under my eyes, and my head is just throbbing. Time is moving so slowly, but if I end up with a beautiful nose, I will be over the moon. I just want this whole thing to be over already. Who are you seeing for your procedure?

Jamie Mitchell13 said:I'm just doing the rhinoplasty. Honestly, I can barely wait. It hasn't been easy... I really hope this all works out in the end. The days are dragging, and I'm pretty anxious. I'm just hoping everything turns out fine. Now I've started getting dark circles under my eyes and my head constantly aches. Time is moving so slowly. But if I end up with a beautiful nose, it'll be worth it. I just want this period to be over already. Who are you seeing for yours?

I'm going to see a specialist in D.C. I was torn between them and another surgeon... Bruising is totally normal. I think the second or third day is usually the worst, but it’ll all be worth it once you see the results.👍

slymoose95 said:I’ve decided I’m going to see the specialist in Austin! I was actually torn between them and that other doctor for a while, but I think I made my choice. Honestly, isn't it totally normal to deal with some bruising? I feel like the second or third day is usually when it hits you the hardest, but trust me—it will all be worth it once you finally see those results! 👍

Everything just hurts. Is it even normal for a headache to be this intense? I honestly don't know if I can make it until Monday. I’m just counting down the minutes until they finally remove these tampons... once you head in for your appointment, it should all be better. Honestly, the doctor is absolutely wonderful.

Emily Lopez said:Don't traumatize me right now! 😢 I was actually just deciding that he was my top choice, and then you go and say this...
And honestly, I noticed there aren't even any front-facing photos on his website, just profiles... Look, if he actually does a good job, I truly don't care if he has a beard, horns, swears like a sailor, or wears high heels while he's operating.
Maybe he only showed you two pictures because those specific cases look similar to yours? Personally, I don't need a hundred photos of side profiles and hunched backs when that isn't even my issue.

He was my only real option too, so this news really threw me for a loop. I feel like a doctor should actually act like a professional—you know, carry yourself with some dignity. He’s a physician, not some lady at a flea market yelling insults at people just because they didn't buy enough stuff.

It's possible he's trying to hide something... I went over to his site myself to check, and there really isn't a single photo from the front, and even the ones he did post don't strike me as being quite right.

So what am I supposed to do now, for heaven's sake???
Ladies, if you've been to see him and you're happy with the results, please post some before-and-after photos so we can figure out if it's even worth going to him at all. Please, I'm begging you.

What would you do about your nose, m.star?

loneotter47 said:He was basically my only option too, which is why this whole thing feels a bit off to me. I mean, honestly, shouldn't someone act according to their profession? At the end of the day, he’s a doctor, not some random lady at a flea market shouting at you because you didn't buy her overpriced trinkets.

Maybe he's just covering something up... I don't know. I actually went and checked out his website, and there isn't a single profile shot. Even the stuff he did post looks... questionable, if you catch my drift.

So, what am I supposed to do now? Lord help me.
Ladies, if you've been in his chair and you're actually happy, please—for the love of everything—post some before and after photos. We need to know if it's even worth stepping foot in that office. Please!

And what would you even do about a nose job, m.star?

I was debating whether to chime in here, but I remember how much I needed every scrap of info before my own surgery. So, I'll just lay it out. I had my procedure done by Dr. Glusac. To be blunt, I'm not exactly thrilled. It's been three months, and my experience has been pretty negative, even though I'm sure some people have had better luck. Was it just bad luck, or is the doctor the problem? 🙂 Honestly, who knows. 🙂

Jamie Mitchell13 said:Everything just hurts. Is it normal for a headache to be this intense? I can't wait until Monday. I honestly don't know if I can handle this pain... It should feel better once they remove those tampons... once you go through with it. That doctor is actually quite good.

Didn't he give you anything for the pain? I think you'll feel fine once the tampons are out, at least that's what I've heard from others... I have my surgery this Friday and I'm pretty nervous 😢 but it'll be better once they're removed... are you swelling up a lot?

slymoose95 said:Didn't they give you anything for the pain? I guess you'll feel better once they pull those tampons out, at least that's what I've heard from others... I have surgery this Friday and I'm honestly freaking out. 😢 Maybe things will improve once the tampons are gone... Are you feeling very swollen?

Personally, I didn't feel anything, but my friend had a killer headache!!! But as soon as she got those tampons out, the pain was just gone..

slymoose95 said:Didn't they give you anything for the pain? I honestly think you'll feel so much better once they take those tampons out—at least, that's what I've heard from others... I actually have surgery this Friday and I am seriously freaking out 😢 but you'll be fine once they clear them out... are you swelling up a lot?

Well, they did give me some Analgin. But my head is absolutely pounding. I'm not super swollen, just a little around the eyes. I'm heading in tomorrow to get it removed; I just can't wait any longer. Don't worry, everything is going to be okay. As for me, I'm just waiting to see how I'll look after mine.

Jamie Mitchell13 said:They gave me some acetaminophen. My head is pounding... I'm not swollen much, just a little around the eyes. I have to go get it removed tomorrow, I can't wait any longer. Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm just waiting to see how it looks...

Good luck tomorrow. Let me know how it goes...🙂

Hey everyone 😉I’ve posted here before about how the bone on the right side of my nose seemed to grow back or "strengthen" after my surgery, and I promised I’d come back with an update...

Well, it’s been three years since the procedure, and honestly, I’m just not happy with the results. My nose has definitely grown—not quite back to how it was originally, but it’s significantly larger than it was immediately following the surgery. To be more specific, the tip has drooped quite a bit, that middle bone structure has thickened and widened, so that bump on the right side is very noticeable again.

I went back to see my original surgeon for a checkup, and his take was that my nose still looks better now than it did before the operation. I mean, I definitely agree with him on that point, but when you decide to go under the knife, you expect to actually be satisfied with the outcome—you don't expect it to keep growing, or at least not in a way that's this obvious.
In my opinion—and this is probably what happened—I just went in too early. I was only 16 at the time, and I think that’s the main reason. Please don't take this the wrong way or think I'm blaming the doctor; as a layperson, I can't really see where he could have messed up, so it was likely just a case of being a bit too hasty. If you're thinking about this, ladies, please wait until you're 18 or 19. Don't rush it.

Anyway, the doctor refused to perform a revision surgery (even though I offered to pay the standard rate), so I've scheduled an appointment this Monday to get a second opinion from a specialist in Washington, D.C.

It’s not even necessarily because I want to redo the whole thing; I just really need to understand what is happening and why the shape has changed so drastically over the last year.

To everyone out there recovering from surgery, I wish you a speedy healing process, and for those of you preparing for yours, if you have any questions, feel free to ask—I'm here.

nimblebison18 said:Hi everyone 😉I posted here once before when I mentioned that after my surgery, the bump—the bone structure—on the right side of my nose actually grew back or "strengthened," so I wanted to give you all an update..

It’s been three years since the procedure, and frankly, I’m not happy. My nose has "grown" quite a bit in the meantime; while it isn't as large as it was originally, it is significantly bigger than it was immediately following the surgery. To be more specific, the tip has drooped noticeably, and that middle bone structure has thickened, enlarged, and widened—which makes that right-side bump very prominent again.

I went in for a follow-up with my surgeon, and his take was that my nose still looks better than it did before the operation. I definitely agree with him on that point, but the whole reason I decided to undergo surgery in the first place was to achieve a result I could be satisfied with—not to have it continue growing, or even just change perceptibly.
In my opinion—and this is likely the most probable cause—I simply went under the knife too early. I was only 16 at the time, and I suspect that’s the primary factor. Please don't misunderstand me; I am not blaming the doctor. As a layperson, I can't see where he might have made a technical error, so it was likely just my own haste. My advice to you ladies: wait until you're 18 or 19. Don't rush into it.

Regardless, my doctor refused to perform a revision (even though I offered to pay the standard rate), so I’ve scheduled an appointment this Monday with a specialist in Washington, D.C., to get a second opinion.

It’s not just about whether I decide to go through with another surgery; I genuinely want to understand what happened and why the shape has shifted so drastically over the last year.

To those of you currently recovering, I wish you a speedy healing process, and for those preparing for surgery, feel free to reach out if you have questions..

Your nose grew? Come on, you’ve got to be kidding me. What is happening with these noses lately?! Just what I need—finally getting rid of a bump only for it to grow right back! Let me know what the specialist says and why it's changing so aggressively. It’s normal for things to shift slightly after surgery, but after three years? And that drastically? Well, I really hope everything works out for you. Keep us posted! Good luck.

slymoose95 said:Good luck tomorrow! Please let me know how everything goes. 🙂

As for me, they finally took out those awful tampons. Honestly, I was bracing myself for a world of pain, but it didn't hurt at all! Now I can actually breathe through my nose again. It’s such a relief. I'm still using the mold in January, though. From what I can see right now, the shape looks okay, but I won't really know until January rolls around. You're heading in this Friday, right? Good luck—don't be nervous. Is it just me, or am I just overly sensitive to pain? I know it isn't anything life-threatening, but still... I'm just sitting here hoping there aren't any complications after the surgery, you know? No weird lumps or anything, and I'm praying my nose actually grows to the right size. God, I really hope not.

Jamie Mitchell13 said:As for me, they finally removed those awful tampons. I honestly thought it would be painful, but it wasn't at all. Now I can finally breathe through my nose... I'll check the shape of the cast this weekend. From what I can see so far, the nose looks okay, but I won't know for sure until the cast comes off. You're going in this Friday, right? Don't worry. I guess I'm just sensitive to pain, but it’s really nothing to fear... I just hope there aren't any complications after the surgery, like those lumps or anything, and that my nose doesn't grow too much... God forbid.

I asked the doctor about those lumps. He mentioned they can happen, but they usually just drain because it's fluid or something similar—he said it's quite rare. Your nose is going to look great...

So, here’s the breakdown for anyone wondering about getting nose surgery through insurance.

It’s been two months since my procedure.
I am seriously, seriously happy with it!🙂
Had the surgery at a major hospital in Chicago, went with Dr. Miller’s recommendation—the nurses on the floor were amazing. He fixed my deviated septum and did a little bit of cosmetic work too. The consultations were pretty brief, but I guess when insurance is footing the bill, the guy doesn't have much time to chat... I just prayed, submitted everything, and hoped for the best. And honestly? It turned out great.🙂
I stayed in the recovery ward for about five days, which was awesome because you get constant care, swelling injections (seriously, how would you even survive without them?!🙄), pain meds, and antibiotics. The tampon was out after a few days, bruises faded by week two, and my nose is still a bit numb. I’m just cleaning it occasionally with spray or saline. The swelling goes down a little more every day, though the final look won't really settle for another 3 to 6 months. Right now, it's just feeling a bit numb...

Anyway, hope this helps someone... I wanted to hear other people's hospital experiences, so I figured I'd share mine. One little side note: don't go in expecting perfection right away, or you'll be disappointed.😉