Case Study - A Patient Rhinoplasty Experience

Wondering whether a nose job is right for you? This real-life patient’s experience may help you decide. Follow along as we tell her story, in her own words. For privacy, we’ve changed her name.

Should I? Or Shouldn't I?

"I broke my nose when I was about 11, and have hated my profile ever since. I've been lucky to be a confident person aside from my nose, but I am having some breathing problems. Also, I'm getting married and I can't imagine spending all day avoiding 'bad angles.'"

Julia made a consultation appointment, but she’s still not sure rhinoplasty is right for her. She doesn’t want a nose that doesn't fit her face and will make her regret getting the surgery. And she’s concerned about people's reactions. She doesn’t want to have to do a lot of explaining.

She was very nervous when she met with the doctor. He didn't spend much time with her and seemed “very down to business.” He confirmed her deviated septum and said he could fix that along with removing her dorsal hump. He told her the skin on her nose is very thin, so he would need to take some skin from her scalp/temple area to make it thicker. He showed her a simulation of how her nose might look.

"I absorbed a lot of information today, so I'm feeling a little anxious!"

Julia’s second consultation was a “great experience.” The doctor was very personable, made her feel very comfortable, explained everything in depth and seemed very attentive.

The Choice

After three consultations, Julia chose Dr. Jeffrey Raval, MD to perform her rhinoplasty.

"I felt that he was my best fit, personally. He seemed very connected and confident that he could give me great results. His before/after pictures were my favorites and the digital imaging he created for me was the most similar to what my desired outcome will be. On top of that, he specializes in facial plastic surgery, and in particular, rhinoplasty. I have a good feeling that he is the right doctor for me."

I Can't Believe I'm Really Doing it!

"It's finally here after all these years, and I can't believe I'm actually going through with it! Feeling nervous and excited!"

And then Julia was home, recovering. Not much pain, she says, just pressure and discomfort, a lot of swelling and “some pretty huge shiners!” She can't believe there’s a new nose under her cast, and she wishes she could see it. She’s surprised at how much her nose is bleeding.

Day 1

Sleeping on and off in a recliner and taking her pain meds religiously. Lots of bruising and swelling. Because her nose had been so badly broken, Dr. Raval had to make a couple of small incisions so he could remove bone fragments and scar tissue.

Day 2

It’s a “brutal” day for Julia, with a bad headache and vomiting. She looks “TERRIBLE.” Dr. Raval calls in an anti-nausea prescription, so she can feel better and keep her post-op meds down.

Day 3

Julia feels 100 times better. At her first post-op appointment, her stents are removed. Dr. Raval says her bruises and swelling are normal, but he performs a complimentary laser treatment to help reduce bruising.

"I can breathe for the first time since I can ever remember. It's an incredible feeling! I feel like a whole new person."

Day 4

Improving every day. Julia says it’s a “weird sensation” to breathe through her nose, and anyone considering rhinoplasty to correct breathing issues will be amazed.

Day 6

Looking like herself and feeling good. Her nose’s new profile is taking shape. The big hump is gone, but it is subtle.

Day 7

"Very emotional day. Got my cast taken off this morning, and I did exactly what I know I shouldn't do. I got upset because it is not how I pictured it would look. It is still swollen and my face is still swollen, too. But I just don't love it immediately like I thought I would."

She knows it's too early to judge. Besides, it's still taped up so it’s hard to see exactly what’s underneath.

Day 8

"I'm feeling better about my nose today. It is still swollen, and even though it's not perfect, it is definitely an improvement from my broken nose with a big hump."

Day 10

"I am really starting to love my new nose! I honestly don't know if it has changed that much or if I have just gotten more used to it, but I am so much happier today!"

Day 14

"Finally, the tape comes off. Washing my nose and moisturizing it like 50 times felt amazing. Looking forward to swelling going down even more and for results a few months down the road! So grateful that I can breathe through my nose and that my results are so natural and still look like me."

Day 17

"I’m very happy with my results and experience with my doctor. He has been wonderful and caring throughout this whole process and I am so grateful. My results are natural and I can breathe perfectly."

One Month

"I don't even think about it anymore. Looking forward to seeing how it looks in a few more months as it changes slightly all the time. So happy with Dr. Raval and his whole team, they have made this a very easy experience for me!"

10 Weeks Post-Op

"I am so glad I went through with it, it has been a great decision. One thing I was worried about before the surgery was the reactions of other people. But I've been so surprised at how few people have even noticed or said anything I wish I hadn’t worried so much about that. I feel like this is just the nose I was supposed to have before I broke it!"

"My former 'bad' side is now actually my favorite!"