Nose Surgery

"I'd wanted a new nose since childhood. My mother told me I had the nose of nobility 'a Vanderbilt nose,' she said. But somehow, I always knew that my uncle's words were closer to the truth. He said that I was 'all nose' when I was born, and he used to tease me unmercifully by saying, 'At least you'll never have sunburned lips.'

Of course, today, I realize that my uncle's attempts at humor were actually cruel. But I think that if he were alive, he'd get a kick out of my new nose.

When I first consulted with Dr. Thompson, I was over 40-well past the age one might consider Rhinoplasty. As I understand it, most people decide on this procedure in their late teens or early 20's, after their facial structure has completely formed. Therefore, it seemed a bit unusual to me for a patient my age to request information on nasal surgery.

My friend had referred me to Dr. Thompson and, after meeting him personally, my confidence in his medical expertise soared. Without the slightest bit of hesitation, I proceeded to set a date for surgery.

After asking me a lot of questions about my expectations pertaining to the outcome of the surgery, he carefully determined that I didn't have unrealistic desires or expectation of a tiny, upturned nose. He clearly stated that since I was a tall woman (5'8") with large facial features, a small, pugged nose would not become me.

Luckily, I was realistic about my expectations, however, I found myself getting quite excited as Dr. Thompson talked about the procedure and how he envisioned my 'new nose'. He explained that the dorsum and tip of my nose were too large and that the nose bridge and base were too broad, as well as the nostrils.

He said that my nose would have to be broken in order to reshape it correctly and to reduce the overall size. This meant I would need some incisions at the base of my nose. He explained that every nose operation is different, and that many Rhinoplasty procedures do not require incisions resulting in visible stitches. Obviously, my nasal surgery was going to be somewhat more complicated than the typical case.

At home, I started examining my profile in the mirror... pushing my nose in just a little to see how my 'new nose' would make me look. I was fairly open with my closest friends about my upcoming surgery. I found I could barely contain my excitement since I knew Dr. Thompson would definitely improve upon Mother Nature's design, just enough to smooth out my nose's angular edges.

In addition, I knew that I would still be the very same person inside and that the surgery would probably not change my life. But let me tell you, as much as I tried not to expect too much - at the same level, I knew that if I already felt beautiful about myself on the inside, Dr. Thompson was going to help my exterior better match that assessment.

On the day of the surgery, I was too eager and elated to be afraid. My fears about surgery had centered around the anesthesia. I was afraid of falling asleep and never waking up. Dr. Thompson reassured me that I was receiving a local anesthetic to numb the nasal area and that I would be given something to relieve my tension before the anesthetic was administered.

The only thing I know is that I fell asleep at 7:55 a.m., and the next thing I knew was the same clock said it was 11:55 a.m. The entire surgery was a blur to me, and although I recall hearing voices, I never felt a thing.

Dr. Thompson and his staff were there to reassure me that everything had gone well with the surgery, and I was in excellent condition. I was able to leave the doctor's office within a couple of hours, after which a girlfriend drove me home. My nose was bandaged and a small plastic splint was held firmly in place. I was instructed to lie down and rest for the next few days. I discovered that my face was black and blue around my eyes and nose, and I was not the least bit attractive at this point. Oh, well... it would only get worse before it got better.

The following day was probably the worst. I was puffy and purple and I didn't feel the greatest. However, a steady stream of visiting girlfriends stopped by or even stayed overnight. They fed me, watched videos with me, laughed at me and generally baby-sat me-helping me sail through the first three days of recovery. My friends were all supportive. It was a great experience!

I stayed off work about 15 days, but I was able to have the bandages and splint removed within the first week. Amazingly enough, my healing was quite rapid; the bruising and much of the puffiness were almost gone within two weeks following surgery.

But now, let me tell you my reaction on the day the bandages were removed! A close friend was in the room with me as Dr. Thompson revealed my new nose to us. Not only was I thrilled with the result, I could tell Dr. Thompson was especially pleased, and my friend, too, was overwhelmed with the difference this seemingly small change had made to my face.

Although my face remained slightly swollen for several weeks, and my nose was stiff and did not settle into its permanent position for several months, I could tell what a remarkable change had come over my appearance.

The only thing I can say is that by smoothing out the angular edges of my nose and reducing its size, my face softened, and I now look lighter and younger. Of course, I still look just like Wendy, but I have a softer, prettier and younger look - without a facelift or eyelid surgery.

I'm very happy that I chose to have Rhinoplasty surgery. It has - no matter whether it should have or not - changed my life. The changes, though, are subtle…two years later... I'm realizing what they are.

You see, for a long time I'd been working on loving myself and I'd taken a lot of steps to improve my self-confidence. Treating myself to a new nose was a gift to myself, my way of putting frosting on the cake - the finishing touches, so to speak.

Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for making it happen."

Before & After Nose Surgery Photos

Nose Surgery Questions & Answers