Two
Days Pre-Op
My nerves are going
completely crazy! I am having extreme second thoughts about
getting
the chin implant along with the rhinoplasty. Since I agreed to the chin
implant, I have never mentally accepted it. I thought as time
passed
and I learned more about the procedure and the benefits to the overall
"harmony" of my face, I would feel more confident about my
decision...It
never happened! I was starting to panic and I wondered how I
would
tell my PS that I would not be going through with the chin implant...
A
little history...
For years I have
hated my nose. I assume mostly because if the bump on it.
It
also is a bit long in the tip and a bit wide at the bridge (just my
thoughts).
It never was perfect as a little kid but not too bad either. At
13
I broke it and it never looked the same. The small bump became a
bigger bump and my nose as a whole did not match my face (the glasses
and
braces didn't help either!!!) I was very self conscious about it
and hated every profile picture or angled picture of myself. Once
I came into "my own" and got through the awkward early teenage years, I
still hated my nose! I said jokingly years ago that one day if I
had enough courage and money, I would get my nose fixed. As an
adult
that thought never left my mind. Although honestly I never thought I
would
find the courage to do it. Well, I guess you can figure out I did!
I went on six consultations. One with an ENT and the others with PS's. Some came recommended, others I found on my own. Ultimately I went with my "gut" in the decision because they were all very qualified. Something just told me that the doctor I choose was the most qualified and understood what I was looking to improve upon better than the others.
To discuss my chin...I personally never had a problem with it. I certainly didn't think I had a strong chin, but I also never thought of it as weak until I started to see plastic surgeons. I then became to realize that it didn't meet the "Standard Lines of Symmetry" that our profile supposedly should have. As some (not all) of the plastic surgeons asked me to consider the chin implant, I did, but I was never sure of it. I thought it would change my face too much and I was having a problem with the sheer though of an implant being inside of my chin and the risks associated with it, but there was a side of me that thought it would look good. Once I choose my surgeon, I took his advice and booked the chin implant. As you will see in the journal entry to follow...it wasn't for me (thank goodness I made the decision before the start of my surgery!).
Preop Photos
A still shot with a
slight downward and
side angle to it...not
the best pose for me!!!
One
Day Pre-Opp
I am extremely
busy at work preparing for the days that I will have to take off.
This is actually a blessing in disguise because I am too busy to think
about my nose! I did however spend the morning an emotional wreck
as I made the choice NOT to have the chin implant done. I called
the PS's office and told the nurse I feel as though I cannot have go
through
with the chin implant. She was supportive and told me to sleep on
it. As the day went on I feel as though a weight had lifted off
my
shoulders! I was definitely going to take the conservative "wait
and see" approach. I didn't think there would be much harm done
in
having the rhinoplasty and letting it heal before I made a decision on
the chin implant. The only thing negative would be the
added
expense and down time should I ever decide to have it done in the
future.
Once I returned
home from work, my husband and I finalized the preparations to the
house...we
made sure I could see the T.V. from the couch bed, we got ALL of the
pillows out and
ready for me to be propped up, we moved everything waist high, and did
some last minute groceries, etc.. I also want to mention that for 10
days
prior to surgery I took Arnica Montana, Bromelain, zinc, extra vitamin
C and drank a ton of water, I strongly urge anyone having rhinoplasty
surgery
to do the same thing. I also did not take any medication with
aspirin
in it.
I finally got to bed about midnight and slept until 6:00am.
Final Preop Pics
Pre-opp front view
the night before surgery
Pre-opp left
side view the night before surgery
Pre-opp right
side view the night before surgery
The
Day of Surgery
I got up at 6:00am and took a shower
and washed my hair...I thought it may be a while before I get a chance
to do that again. I am starving and want breakfast, but know I
can't
have any! My husband took me to the PS's office for 7:30am.
Early was good because I was so tired, it dulled my nervousness!
Once I arrived, I told the nurse I would not be going through with the
chin implant...she was expecting that! A few minutes later they
were
ready for me and I changed into the very fashionable gown with footies
and a hair net type thing! They showed me where everything was
and
introduced me to the anesthesiologist. She reviewed a few
questions
with me that I had completed previously and then began the IV. It
pinched a bit more than I had expected, it actually was really
uncomfortable
for the first ten minutes or so, but then I got used to it.
Unfortunately, I think it was a situation of mind over matter and my nervousness began to show its ugly head...I started to feel lightheaded and nauseas. I even felt like I was seeing stars! I told them I was feeling faint and nauseas and they gave me some medication through the IV. I started to feel better pretty quickly, but I felt like a big wimp! The doctor came in and we discussed the surgery game plan again. He seemed a bit disappointed that I opted against the chin implant and thought my fears were a bit irrational, but completely respected my decision. He asked me if I was ready...I said yes and I walked into the operating room. They put these strange cuff like things around my calves and said that I would be getting a calf massage for circulation (strange but I read about it before). I don't remember another thing after that!
I started to wake up and remember there was a blood pressure cuff on my right arm that was automatically going on and off and another monitor on my left index finger. But what I remember most was HOW DRY MY THROAT WAS! I felt like I couldn't breathe. I yelled out "I can't breathe!" One of the nurses came in and assured me I was getting enough oxygen and I could breathe. I asked for some water and they said they could not give it to me because I might get sick to my stomach. They used a little spray bottle to squirt a few shots of water into the back of my throat...gee that was refreshing! I laid there a while, it seemed like an eternity. Then the nurse came in and said my husband was here to pick me up. They helped me out in a wheel chair because the anti-nausea medication they used made me sooo sleepy and weak.
I felt a bit helpless, but at least I didn't feel so nauseous. I kept my eyes closed because the outside light seemed so bright. I made it home with out getting sick which made me happy. I drank a ton of water, but still felt so dry. Having the packing in my nose made it worse. I spent the rest of the day eating saltine crackers and drinking water and coke. I kept everything down which for my sensitive stomach was an accomplishment.
Overall, I was a little bit sore, a lot less than I had anticipated, thank goodness! The tape for the drip pad was not fun to get off when changing it. I was petrified to look at myself or my nose, so my husband helped me change the drip pad. I have a hard time with medical tape because my skin is so sensitive. To make up for it my doctor put a glue like substance under the tape which is suppose to keep it less irritated (so I am told). It worked but it really stuck to my skin and made my skin appear very yellow!
Word of advice...Have some one there for your 24/7!!! I don't know what I would have done with out my husband being so helpful and supportive. He tried to tell me that I really didn't look as bad as he thought I would, so sweet. I was useless the entire day! He did everything for me. What a great guy!
The doctor advised me to take valium every eight hours and percocet as needed for pain. I took both and stayed pretty calm and sleepy most of the day...just what I needed. I went to bed pretty late as I was tired, but not enough to go to sleep for the night. Let's see how tough it will be to sleep on 3-4 pillows.
Post
Surgical Pics
Both
photos were taken the same day as the surgery. You can see the
yellow
from the glue they
put
under the medical tape. Pretty scary sight, but at least I was
not
really in any pain.
The
Day After Surgery
O.K. I slept miserably last night!
Three fluffy pillows are NOT comfortable! I was so dry all night
long too. I woke up so many times feeling like I was choking to
death
and chugged some water. I was quite surprised that there was
really
no pain, I just felt a bit uncomfortable. Brushing my teeth was
weird.
Seeing myself in the mirror was even weirder! Certainly NOT a
beauty
queen today! My right side (under my eye) was more swollen and
bruised
than my left, however the left side of my nose seemed more swollen (you
could see it in the cast). My lips were so dry! I loaded
upon
Vaseline, but it was not helping. The doctor's office told me to
come in about noon to have the light packing removed. I was very
excited about that! I was a little nervous that it would hurt so
I took a percocet before I left. Once I got to the office I think
I scared everyone in the waiting room! They took me right away
and
my PS removed my packing. It really didn't bother me at all, just
a bit of a strange feeling. I could breathe for about three
seconds
and then the swelling filled my nose back up again! He told me to
go home and promise him I would REST the entire week. I was also told
to
continue taking the valium and continue icing and keeping my head
elevated.
I ended up watching videos all day! I had some soup and crackers
and that was about it. My appetite was a bit lacking. I
felt
groggy and basically wanted to sleep all day. I spoke to a few friends
throughout the day who said they were surprised I was awake enough to
speak
on the phone. They all just said I sounded like I had a cold.
Day after Surgery
Two
Days Post Op
Another night of sleeping badly!
I assume my body will get used to this sleeping elevated thing
sometime!
I decided since the pain was very minimal, I would switch to extra
strength
Tylenol today. I think overall I felt a little bit better this
morning.
I continued my regime of Sinnech, Bromelain, Zinc, Vitamin C and
Pycnogenol
I had a somewhat decent breakfast that tasted so good because I finally
got a tiny bit of my taste back...as well as my appetite! I could
breathe a little bit through my nose. I was able to do some work
that my office faxed over (I had just gotten a promotion 2 weeks before
surgery, bad timing of course, but what can you do!) But as a
whole
I still really felt tired. My energy level was very low. I
am sure the valium was partly to blame, but I was happy to be taking it
because it kept my mind off of the feeling that I should be working and
getting stuff done. It helped me not to overdue it and strain
myself.
A good friend of mine stopped over and made me feel a bit better by telling me I looked better than a friend of hers who had rhinoplasty surgery years ago. She said she expected me to be more bruised and swollen (I can't possible imagine being more bruised and swollen, I look pretty bad in my view!) Needless to say, I was a bit bored and a visitor was a wonderful change of pace. My husband was also so amazing. He was very patient with me and really helped me remember to ice and take all my vitamins, etc... Oh and by the way...the icing thing gets pretty annoying, but it seems to be helping a bit. Overall, I think I looked a lot worse than I felt. I hope I can get a bit more sleep tonight!
2
Days Post Op
*All
three photos were taken 2 days post opp, you can see the yellow from
the
glue
under
the tape. I am pretty swollen and bruised, hopefully it will not
get any worse!
Three
Days Post-Op
My bruises seem to be at their peak,
but starting to change colors a bit and the swelling under the eyes has
increased as well. I still feel groggy and a bit cooped up in the
house. I am very stuffed up and breathing through my mouth is
really
getting old already although I know I have several more weeks of
it!
The medical tape the doctor used to hold my cast down is really getting
sticky. I am a bit worried that when it comes off it will leave
nasty
red, itchy skin underneath. I have this strong urge to just blow
my nose, but I know I can't do that. I am still a bit dizzy when
I get up, especially when I try to use to computer for more than a few
minutes at a time. I think my focus is a bit off...I am probably
staring
at my cast on my nose subconsciously! My husband and I splurged
for
a pizza. I had to cut it up into tiny pieces so I could eat
it!
Opening my mouth wide is very difficult and some what painful.
My cats are in heaven right now because they have been cuddling and hang out with me 24/7 for the past three days. I am still icing 20 minutes every hour. I am told it doesn't do much good after 48 hours, but I truly don't believe that. I am going to continue to ice for as long as I can stand it. I figure it can't hurt! I have got to stop looking at myself in the mirror. Obsessing over how horrible I look will not change it. I feel like I am expecting a miracle every time I look at myself. I think I will have to just relax, maybe take a bubble bath, and get some more rest tonight!
Three
Days Post-Op
*Photos
are from 3 days post op. I am looking a little less swollen.
Four
Days Post-Opp
Yea! I finally slept last night!
I only woke up once which was wonderful. For whatever reason
though
I can't seem to sleep in, 7:00 - 7:30 is the latest I can sleep.
My left eye really doesn't look that swollen at all. My right eye
is just a bit swollen. The bruising is changing colors rapidly from
fuchsia
to blue to almost greenish (how attractive!) I absolutely must
wash
my hair today. It is amazing all the little things we take for
granted.
Hopefully my husband will help me out to wash it in the sink. I
am
noting that the left side of my nose is quite a bit more swollen than
the
right. Not only can I see it in the cast (which is worrying
me),
but I can breathe better from my right side. I am tired of not
being
able to move my face and I can't wait until this cast comes off!
However, I am also very nervous of what my nose looks like under the
cast!
I am afraid of not having the protection of the Plaster of Paris cast
in
case I accidentally bump it. I just want everything to be so
perfect!
I am thinking about sneaking into work today. It is Sunday and there will not be anyone there (I hope). I need to get some work done that I really can't do from home. I don't have a whole lot of energy to do anything to crazy or strenuous, but I am ready to venture out into the world a bit today. My husband drove me in (no driving while on valium!) and I got some things done. When I returned, I slept for hours. I feel like I had put in eight hours of work! It is amazing that someone like myself who eats healthy, works out, takes vitamins, etc... can be so exhausted from a few hours of exerting myself. It really goes to show your body takes a lot of energy to heal. Word to the wise...clear your calendar for at least a week. You need the time both mentally and physically.
Photos
are from 4 days post opp. I am looking a little less swollen.
Five
Days Post Opp
I woke up this morning and realized somehow
I slid off of my pillows and I was only on the end of one...boy was I
swollen!
Now I understand why they tell you to sleep propped up. I iced
all
morning long and it helped a lot. Once the morning swelling went
down, I realized that I was looking a tiny bit better today. My
energy
level was still low, and to be honest I feel like it will never come
back,
but I am actually enjoying not having to do anything if I don't want
to!
I decided to be very daring and go out in public to get a manicure and
pedicure. The people at the salon looked at me a little
strangely.
One even said "did you have surgery on your nose?" I thought to
myself
jokingly..."did the cast give it away!"
I felt a little more comfortable once I was relaxed getting a pedicure, and I found out that one of the women in the salon just had breast augmentation. She briefly mentioned her surgery, but I could tell she was sympathetic towards my "not so beautiful" appearance! I spoke to my PS's office this morning and scheduled my appointment to have my splint removed on Wednesday...only 48 more hours to go! I can't wait to get the splint off. I am extremely nervous and excited all in one!
Six
Days Post Opp
Who knew sleeping on three pillows would
be one of my biggest complaints! I can't stand it. I wake
up
every morning with a sore back and stiff neck. I already placed
two
calls to my chiropractor for advice. For any of you who have a
nice,
comfy, big"easy chair" I would suggest it! I am starting to
get a bit bored. I called my friend who works near by to see what
her schedule was. She said she could stop by for a little
visit.
She brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to keep my spirits
up.
It is amazing how great friends and family can be when you need
them!
I made her a little bit to eat (I actually had the energy to do
something
for someone else for a change!) When she left I took a nap and
woke
up incredibly stuffed up. Rhinoplasty surgery plays little tricks
on you...one minute you feel good the next you are back to square one
again.
My swelling and bruising is very uneven. The swelling and
numbness
is much more pronounced on the left side, however the bruising is much
worse on the right side...go figure! Both sides of the bruising
are
beginning to yellow which is a good sign of the healing process.
One more day until my cast comes off. I am so anxious to get this
sticky tape of my face. I just hope the swelling subsides and my
"new nose" is visible very soon (O.K. I'm impatient...I know!)
You
can see the bruising changing colors.
Seven
Days Post Opp
The cast is coming
off today!!! I am very excited! It will be nice not have to worry
about getting it wet in the shower. I will actually be able to
wash
my hair like a normal person. My appointment is at 11:00 and it
can't
come soon enough. It was so hot and humid outside, I felt like my
nose was swelling up just getting into the car. Once we arrived
at
the PS's office we found out they were having a problem with their air
conditioner, yikes...it was a bit warm. The nurse asked me if I
was
ready to see my nose. I got a bit nervous and wasn't sure, but I
knew I wanted the cast off! She started to peel off the tape and
it hurt! It was really stuck to my nose and face. It just
took
a few minutes and the cast was off. She wiped some of the glue
off
my face and gave me a mirror. The first time I looked at myself I
was shocked. I looked so strange and different. Even though
the change was somewhat minor, it really made all of my features look
so
much different. My eyes looked so much bigger. My skin
looked
horrible. It was dry and peeling. My lips were still so
chapped
and now my nose went with my lips! I was not surprised that my
skin
on my nose would look bad, I just hoped it would get better soon.
The skin care specialist that worked with the doctor came in to move me
to a different room for my post-rhinoplasty skin care treatment.
She basically gave me a mini facial. It was wonderful. She
got all the glue and tape off my face. She also helped to
exfoliate
the dry skin and moisturize the rest of my face. She finished by
telling
me a few skin care tricks to help my nose and the rest of my face get
back
to normal. She also advised me of some foundations that I could
use
to conceal my bruising. She recommended Physicians Formula
products,
and did not recommend Dermablend products.
Once I got in the car I started to cry. I didn't know if it was because I was happy the bump on my nose was finally gone, or if I was relieved the surgery was over, or if I was just stunned by how different my new nose looked, or maybe even a combination of all three. I just felt very emotional. I hear this is normal, but it was very strange feeling. As we started to drive away we realized that we had forgotten my actual cast that they gave me as a little souvenir (as if the nose on my face wasn't enough!) We went back to get it.
Once I got home
I put on some make up to see how well I would be able to hide the
bruising and swelling.
I looked so much better than with out make up, but the
bruising is tough
to hide. My nose was so much more swollen on the left side and
the
bruising was much worse on the right. I was a bit lop
sided!
My nose looked crooked because the swelling was so much more severe on
the left. I was surprised how numb my nose was. I felt like
it had been injected with Novocain. I actually still felt like
the
cast was on. It just really felt strange. I could not stop
starring at myself in the mirror. I just felt like I looked so
different.
I think it will just take some time to get used to my new nose.
My
doctor told me to stop taking the valium as I had to get back to the
normalcy
of life. I hated the grogginess associated with the drug, but I
will
have to admit it was nice being relaxed all the time. It doesn't
happen too often in my life!
Pictures
were taken the same day as my cast came off. I tried to conceal
the
bruising
with make up, the flash of the camera helps as well!
Eight
Days Post Opp
My last day off
from work. Back to reality tomorrow! There will be so much
work for me when I return, but I guess I will just have to do the best
I can. I think my nose looks a bit less swollen today than it did
yesterday. I understand that there is a ton of swelling that goes
on immediately after the cast comes off...don't be surprised for all of
those considering this surgery! I tried a bit of a different make
up regime today. Unfortunately it didn't work much better at
covering
the bruises! My nose still feels extremely numb and it is very
tender
as well, but I am expecting that for a long time to come. My nose
is full of "gross" hard stuff, I am assuming it is dried blood and/or
the
stitches, etc, etc... My PS told me NOT to blow my nose or use a q-tip
or anything else to try to get the "crusties" out. This is
difficult
advice to follow, but I am going to try to give it a shot. Well,
I better get some rest tonight or getting up for work will be harder
than
it normally is.
Nine
Days Post Opp
I don't have much
time to write today, but I thought I would show you pictures of
how I looked my
first day back to work. If it was up to me I would have taken a
full
two weeks off. If your job will allow it, I would advise 10-14
days
off, especially if you have multiple procedures done (my nose was
enough
for me to get through!). Even though I am certainly able to return to
work
today, I feel like it would be better if I had a few more days off to
feel
better, have more energy, and to look better. What can you do,
when
you are in sales, you have to keep moving!
Pictures
taken the morning of my first day back to work. Again, the flash
of the
camera
helps the bruising a bit. You can also see swelling in my tip and
nostrils.
Two
Weeks Post Opp
My tip is sooo
swollen! I look like Pinocchio! My nose feels like wood
too!
I can't
wait until the
swelling goes down. It is still very tender, and full of crusties
(not very fun). I will just have to be patient!
Pictures were taken 2 weeks post opp, with NO make up. The bruises are getting
better, but they are still there.
Two
and 1/2 Weeks Post Opp
Swelling in the
tip is getting the tiniest bit better, however when you improve on one
thing another thing pops up! There is a slight bump beginning to form
where
my old bump was (center of bridge). My PS said it is scar tissue
and has advised me to begin compression exercises. I will be
pushing
down on the small bump with medium pressure for one minute ten times a
day. Lets hope it works!
Pictures
with and with out make up taken 2 1/2 weeks post opp. Bruises have
turned
very yellow, almost like dark circles under my eyes... can't wait until
they go away!
Three
and 1/2 Weeks Post Opp
Yea! I am
really starting to look better now! Swelling in my tip has
subsided
a lot, bruising has gone down, but there is still the yellowish/dark
circle
tone under my eyes (thank goodness for make up and the flash of the
camera!)
I am really happy I made the decision to have this surgery once I see
these
pictures and compare them to old pictures!
Pictures were taken 3 1/2 weeks post opp
Four
and 1/2 Weeks Post Opp
The front on picture
is my favorite so far. All of my previous pictures both profile
and
front on (pre-surgery) have in my opinion drawn your attention to my
nose.
For the first time the attention is drawn to my eyes! My nose is
still tender, still hard and I still have the dark circles (although
they
are getting a bit easier to cover up with make up, not perfect
though).
The healing process of this surgery is very long...I have so much more
time to go! Let's hope my nose keeps on getting better!
Pictures were taken 4 1/2 weeks post opp
Six and 1/2 Weeks Post Opp
Getting there! The small bump where my old one was is still visible on my right side (not on my left for some reason). I am still doing compression exercises, and theyseem to be working because the bump is breaking up. I will continue to send more pictures in the months to come!
Pictures were taken 6 1/2 weeks post opp. The flash is a little bright, but you get the hint!
Comparison Pictures
The bump is gone! The attention is a bit more on my eyes
and NOT my nose! More pictures to come in the future!
Three Years before Surgery
Four and a half weeks after surgery
