Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips?

Jamie Mitchell13 said:Help me out, ladies... I’ve got this bump appearing right at the bridge of my nose. It’s only been three days since my surgery. Did any of you deal with this? Will it actually go away? I'm honestly pretty terrified. Maybe I should just call my surgeon to see if it's just swelling, though the whole nose is still incredibly swollen. But I can definitely feel that little lump when I touch it.----😢

It’s been three and a half weeks for me, and thank God, nothing like that has popped up yet... I really hope it stays that way. But man, I’ve become such a mess. My skin is all flaky and gross—it's awful. I never had acne issues before this, and now my nose feels tight and uncomfortable... but I guess it'll pass eventually.🙂

swiftheron48 said:It’s been three and a half weeks for me and, thank God, nothing has popped up yet... fingers crossed, right? But man, my skin has totally broken out. I am just covered in pimples, it's actually gross. I never dealt with acne before this, and honestly, my face feels a little tight... but I'm sure it'll pass eventually.🙂

I seriously cannot believe this! It’s been three months for me, and I’ve never had a single breakout in my life, but after the surgery? It’s been absolutely revolting! Re-vol-ting! I have zero clue why this is even happening!😕 It was just... boom. Out of nowhere.

Kimberly Rogers2 said:I can't believe this! It’s been three months since my surgery, and I never dealt with acne before, but now? It's disgusting. Just... gross. I have no clue why this is even happening! 😕 It just happened out of nowhere.

Yeah, it's honestly awful. I've been using that Vichy Normaderm cleanser twice a week, and they're slowly clearing up. 🙂🙂🙂 I still have a few spots here and there, though I used to have a massive amount 😠, mostly around my nose and cheeks... but it's getting better, I guess. 🙂

Alright, figured I’d give a quick update now that it’s been a month since my surgery..

So far, so good. No lumps or anything weird popping up on my end yet.. breathing through my nose is still a bit hit-or-miss—sometimes it feels totally blocked, like it's still partially shut🙂, and none of the stitches have come loose either...

My skin is an absolute grease trap right now, though. Getting constant breakouts around my nose—I'm cleaning it constantly, but it doesn't seem to do much. Guess it just takes time for everything to level out..

Btw, did you guys catch the red carpet this past Sunday? That pageant queen who had her nose done..
The news reported they removed her molds and packing after just five days.. she looked flawless—zero bruising, no swelling, not even a hint of blood.. honestly, I'm floored..🙄
It actually ticked me off a little because my nose is still pretty swollen, and don't even get me started on how I looked just five days out..

wanderingangler8 said:I'm here all the time... I clean everything regularly, but there isn't much progress yet... perhaps it just needs more time for things to settle into place...

By the way, did any of you catch the red carpet this past Sunday? That pageant queen who had her nose done...
The news reported it was just the removal of the molds and tampons after five days... she looked flawless, no swelling, no bruising, not even a trace of blood... honestly, I'm skeptical...🙄
It was a bit irritating because my nose is still incredibly swollen, and I won't even begin to describe how I looked five days post-op...

My skin wasn't oily and I didn't deal with breakouts at all... actually, once they removed the molds, my skin has never felt so smooth and clear, probably because they had to clean the adhesive off with rubbing alcohol...🤷

Oh right, about that pageant girl... I was thinking the same thing, it’s been at least 20 days since her procedure; there is no way she'd be bruise-free after only five days... besides, her nose looks exactly the same as before, quite mediocre...

I agree, she wasn't exactly posing on a red carpet after five days. Honestly, I don't think she even had her stitches under her nose visible yet, and those usually stay in for eight days. And they probably didn't even let her wash her hair at the salon, or her ears would still be soaking wet. Just... what?
I feel like her nose could have turned out even prettier, to be honest. 🙄

^Oh, yeah, that surgeon is actually based out of the Midwest, so there’s really no debate about her skill—she did an incredible job fixing that nose. From what I’ve heard, the patient had some pretty nasty scarring on the side, and apparently, she’d already gone under the knife twice back home before finding her.

Here’s a shot from before the procedure in the States:

Hey everyone! 🙂

First off, please bear with my messy English, but I really hope you guys can follow what I'm saying. After agonizing over it for forever, I've finally decided to go through with rhinoplasty. I'm 27, and honestly, my nose is just plain ugly! It’s got this bump, it curves slightly to the right near the bridge, and the tip is kind of droopy. I'm actually from a small town nearby, and in my experience, we just don't have any top-tier cosmetic surgeons around here. There used to be one absolute legend who did my sister's nose job about 12 years ago, but he's retired now. 😢

So, I wanted to pick the brains of anyone who has seen Dr. Miller. His style and approach seem like the best fit for me. How are you all feeling about your new noses?? Please, please give me all the details! I'm trying to work up the courage to book my first consultation. Brrrr... chill factor is real.

Hey everyone... checking in at day 25 post-op. Honestly, my nose is looking better every single day. No bruising left, and I haven't dealt with any real pain—the swelling finally chilled out after about eight days. My only tiny headache is some skin sticking to the bridge of my nose. My doctor took care of it, but I’m low-key paranoid it’ll happen again, so I’ve been massaging it constantly. Breathing is getting easier too, though I'm still not quite 100% through the nostrils yet. I can't wait for the final healing stage so I can just say, "Yep, totally worth it."
The mental side of this is a bit of a trip, though. It’s weird trying to get used to a face that has definitely changed. I’m actually kind of vibing with my new look and enjoying this whole new version of myself.
Sending love from Los Angeles

So, I’m officially 25 days post-op here.😁

I find myself agreeing with everything mentioned above. My only gripe? No one actually told me that I was supposed to be massaging my nose...

All they suggested for me was facial lymphatic drainage, and that was it.

Does anyone know what the point of this self-massage is? And more importantly, what’s the actual technique for doing it correctly?

Elizabeth Baker50 said:Hey everyone 🙂

First off, please excuse my rough English—I hope I can still get my point across. After a lot of soul-searching, I’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on rhinoplasty. I’m 27, and frankly, my nose is a disaster. It has a prominent hump, it veers slightly to the right toward the bridge, and the tip is quite drooping. I’m originally from a small town in Vermont, and unfortunately, I don't think we have any top-tier cosmetic surgeons around here. There used to be one incredible surgeon who operated on my sister about 12 years ago, but he’s retired now. 😢

So, here is my question for the ladies who have seen Dr. Miller. His work and his specific philosophy seem to align most closely with what I am looking for. How satisfied are you all with your results? Please, give me the full rundown! I am trying to summon the courage to book my first consultation. Brrr...

I’ve been under his care and I am satisfied. I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for June 1st, so we will see what he thinks then. Generally speaking, I appreciate his approach—as well as the entire staff—and he delivered exactly what he promised. If there is anything else you need to know, just ask.

Laura Castillo7 said:I actually went to see him and I’m super happy with the results. I’ve got my follow-up on June 1st, so we’ll see what he thinks then. Honestly, I love his whole vibe and the entire staff is great—he did exactly what he promised. If you need any more details, just let me know!

Thanks so much, Laura Castillo7! It’s such a relief to hear you had a good experience!! 🙂 I’m totally sold on his work too, so I’ve decided I’m definitely going to him. If you don't mind, could you walk me through how the process works? From what I gather, the first consultation is where you already start scheduling the surgery date. What’s the deal with the testing—what kind of screenings or checkups am I looking at? I'm aiming to have the procedure sometime around October. When do you think I should head in for that first appointment? Also, since I’m not from the local area, would I need to stay near the clinic, and if so, for how many days? One more thing—how does the pricing work? Is everything settled during that first visit, and is the quote pretty much set in stone or can it change?

thnx! 😉

wanderingangler8 said:Fine, I'll weigh in too. It's been a month since my surgery...

Everything seems okay for now. No lumps have popped up on my end yet. I still can't breathe through my nose properly... maybe occasionally, but it feels like it's still blocked...🙂, and none of the stitches have fallen out yet...

My skin is getting incredibly oily. These breakouts around my nose just won't quit. I clean it constantly, but it doesn't help much. I guess it just needs time to settle down..

Btw, did you guys see the red carpet this past Sunday? That pageant queen who had her nose done..
The news reported they removed the molds and tampons after five days.. she had zero bruising, no swelling, not even a drop of blood anywhere.. honestly..🙄
It annoyed me a bit. My nose is still clearly swollen, and I won't even mention how I looked five days out..

hahahahahahah yeah, I saw it. There is NO way that was five days later. NO WAY. I bet they filmed that much later; it's impossible. How can you not be breathing normally? 😢 As soon as my tampons were out, I could breathe fine 🙂 My tip is still swollen 😢it's awful!!!

Elizabeth Baker50 said:^^Oh yeah, that celebrity is actually from Canada, so there's really no point even discussing her, but honestly, her doctor did a killer job fixing her nose. She used to have this awful blood clot on the side, and from what I've heard, she had to get it corrected twice back home in Canada.

Here's a photo of how she looked before the procedure in the States:

Man, it’s pretty obvious we shouldn't be talking about this specific celeb, LOL. Seems like way too many people have already gone under the knife with her. 😎

Hey guys... I mostly use massage to make sure my skin doesn't get stuck to the bridge of my nose. Plus, my doctor mentioned it’s great for circulation—it’s basically like doing your own lymphatic drainage. You just massage right up to where it starts to feel tender at the base of the nose to loosen the skin away from the bone, left and right side.
For me, the skin actually started sticking, so I'm trying to get it separated as fast as possible.
I've been using Neosporin to help.

Best to everyone

electricwolf6 said:Here's my update, 25 days post-op 😁

I totally agree with everything she said above, except nobody ever told me I needed to massage my nose specifically...

They just suggested facial lymphatic drainage, and that was it.

What exactly is this self-massage supposed to do, and what's the best way to actually do it?

Elizabeth Baker50 said:thanks Laura Castillo7! I am so glad you are happy with the results!! 🙂 I really admire his work too—I've actually decided to book him myself. If you don't mind, could you walk me through the process? From what I gather, the first consultation is where you also settle on a date for the surgery. What about the testing phase—what exactly needs to be done or checked? I’m aiming for surgery sometime in October. When would you suggest I schedule that initial consultation? Also, since I don't live in Chicago, should I plan to stay near the clinic, and if so, for how long? Regarding the cost—do you finalize the price during that first visit, and is it a fixed rate or subject to change?

thnx! 😉

Hey, here is the breakdown: you go in for a consultation where he outlines his proposed plan, shows you some of his previous work, and talks things through—this is your chance to ask every single question you have. If you aren't sold on his specific approach, tell him what you're looking for, and he will explain whether your idea is viable or not. Essentially, you should grill him on EVERYTHING during that meeting so you don't have to waste time coming back for a second consultation. After we talked, he told me to take some time to think it over before calling to set a date—provided, of course, that I actually wanted to proceed. Personally, I booked mine right then and there because I had been planning this for ages; I didn't need more time to deliberate. Everything he said just solidified my decision. He will provide a checklist of everything required beforehand—usually a full blood panel, urinalysis, EKG, HIV/Hepatitis screening, and blood type. I'd recommend going in for the consultation as soon as possible; the schedule is packed and the wait times are significant, so get it handled early. You can actually give them a tentative surgery date right away to get on their books—that's how you secure your slot. I wanted to move fast. I stayed overnight, but that really depends on your travel distance—you'll have packing removed after two days and the mold removed after seven. They will give you the best recommendation on how long to stay based on your situation. They give you the price immediately; it's paid in cash—USD, obviously—and from my experience, it's pretty much non-negotiable. If you have any other questions, just ask. I know exactly how you feel—I've been in your shoes!

swiftheron48 said:lolllll yeah I saw that—but there is zero way that was five days later. NO WAY. I’m betting they filmed it after the fact, it's just impossible. Like, how are you not breathing normally through your nose? 😢 As soon as they pulled my swabs out, I could breathe fine again 🙂 My tip is still swollen too 😢gross!!!

I can breathe, but not totally. Feels like it's still blocked up.
My tip is super swollen too... definitely..
did one of your stitches fall out?

Laura Castillo7 said:hey, so here's the deal: you go in for a consultation where he walks you through his vision for your face, shows off some of his previous work, and just chats with you. It’s the perfect time to grill him with every single question you have. If you aren't feeling his plan, just tell him what you're actually looking for, and he'll let you know if that's doable or not. Basically, you want to pick his brain about EVERYTHING right then so you don't have to waste time going back for another consult. After we talked, he told me to take my time and think it over before calling to book the actual surgery—but obviously, that's only if I decide to pull the trigger. Personally, I booked mine on the spot because I'd been planning this forever and didn't need more time to think; everything he said just made me even more sure. He'll give you a checklist of all the prep work needed—usually a full blood panel, urine test, EKG, HIV/Hepatitis screening, and your blood type. Honestly, get that check-up done ASAP because the waitlist is huge, so you really want to get ahead of the curve. You can even give them a heads-up on when you'd want the surgery so they can put you on the schedule; I wanted to get it done as soon as possible. I stayed overnight for one night, but it really depends on how far you're traveling, since the packing comes out in two days and the mold is removed after seven. They'll give you the best advice on how long to stay based on your situation. They also give you the price upfront, and it's cash only—USD or whatever—and from what I saw, there's no wiggle room on the cost. At least not for me. If you have any other questions, just shout. I totally get how you feel; I was in your exact shoes!

hey hey 🙂 you answered all my questions so perfectly Laura Castillo7! thank youuuu so much!! 🙏 I'm gonna call them to set up a consultation and let them know when I'm aiming for the surgery, since I already have a timeframe in mind—somewhere around late September or early October. I've been sitting on this idea for ages and finally worked up the nerve to do it. I'm coming in from a different state, so I think I'll probably stay until the packing is removed. I'd love to fly home sooner, but if staying is the better move, I'll suck it up. My case is supposedly a bit tricky because I have a bump, and the bridge slopes slightly to the right. The tip is kind of drooping, too. I might even have some breathing issues, honestly, I'm not sure. But at least my nose isn't huge. Otherwise, it's hideous! 🤣 I'm sure the price will be a bit complicated, LOL. I hope not though. Do you happen to know what the typical price range is for these kinds of procedures??

thanks again, seriously, you've been such a lifesaver! 😉

Hey ladies, I had my surgery this past Saturday. I took the dressings off today and the splint came off yesterday. I'm honestly thrilled with the results. There's just a tiny bit of swelling around my nose and some minor bruising on my eyelids, but nothing major... If anyone needs any advice, feel free to reach out... My procedure was a bit more extensive, but everything was done endonasally. So happy with how it turned out 👍

Jamie Mitchell13 said:Hey girls, I need some help. A bump just appeared right at the bridge of my nose. It’s been three days since my surgery... did this happen to any of you? Will it go away? I'm honestly pretty scared. I'm debating whether to call Doc to see if it's just swelling, because my whole nose is still really swollen, but I can definitely feel this specific lump when I touch it...😢

How are you doing? Did that bump ever clear up?