When Amal Wakim decided to have rhinoplasty surgery to shave down the bump on her nose, lift the nose tip and thin out the top of her nose she decided to make a video about her journey.
Amal fitness entrepreneur and co-owner of an online business with Jade Spooner notes, “I’ve always been really self-conscious with my side profile and I would hide it in a lot of ways in social media photos by using filters.”
With no internal breathing issues, Amal’s nose surgery was performed for purely cosmetic reasons.
What is nose job surgery?
Nose job surgery (rhinoplasty) is undertaken to change the shape and size of the nose. In some cases it is performed to correct breathing problems.
Plastic Surgeons can correct any asymmetries and alter parts of your nose including:
- The appearance of depressions and/or humps
- The position of the nasal tip
- The width of the bridge
- The size of the nostrils
Types of rhinoplasty surgery include closed and open rhinoplasty. During closed rhinoplasty surgery the Plastic Surgeon makes any changes to the nose via incisions inside the nose.
During open rhinoplasty surgery, incisions are made inside each nostril and externally across the thin the thin bridge of tissue at the bottom of the nose between your nostrils.
Find out more about other types of nose operations here.
What it’s really like to have nose job surgery
To prepare for her nose job surgery Amal had to fast for 12 hours with no food or water permitted. At hospital the supportive medical team confirmed her details and prepared her for nose job surgery by keeping her warm under heated blankets.
Immediately after her surgery, Amal felt no pain in her face but felt slightly nauseous with a headache. As expected, she was swollen and bruised and unable to breather through her nose at all.
She explains that, “I found it hard to eat and had a bit of jelly and mashed potato and some soup. At night I had a small bowl of oats.”
The morning after Amal’s nose job surgery her nausea had reduced and even though she was very swollen Amal managed to eat small meals.
To encourage her swelling to reduce, she drank fresh pineapple juice and water.
By day 3 Amal’s swelling had increased so much she could hardly open her eyes. She explains that she felt very tired all the time.
As instructed by her Plastic Surgeon, Amal started to use the nasal sprays and apply ointment to her stitches 4 times as day. The pain relieving medication ensured Amal felt minimal pain.
By day 5 Amal’s swelling had reduced significantly, especially around her eyes where the bruises had now turned yellow.
At day 6 Amal’s lower face swelling had nearly gone and she started to reduce the amount of pain relieving medication she was taking.
At day 8 of Amal’s rhinoplasty surgery recovery she visited the Plastic Surgeon to have the cast removed. She noted that she was nervous and excited about seeing what her new nose looked like. Amal made the important point that at day 8 there was still significant swelling evident and that she may not see the final result until 6 or 12 months after her surgery.
At 6 weeks after her nose job surgery, Amal was excited to show off her new nose.
What is the recovery process like after having nose job surgery?
Patients who have nose job surgery comment that it’s more uncomfortable than painful.
Amal made the point that, “it was more mentally challenging than physically because you see yourself in mirror and you’re an entirely different person. Your whole face is swollen and bruised and you just have to wait it out.”
It’s important that during the recovery process at home, that you keep your head elevated and supported. Bruising and swelling on your face is normal and in most patients will fade over a 2 week period.
Most Plastic Surgeons recommend that rhinoplasty patients take 2 weeks off work. Because you will be taking strong pain relieving medication, it is important not to drive.
How do you choose a Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon?
Amal chose her Plastic Surgeon, Dr Shahram Shahidi because her sister and friends had their rhinoplasty performed by him.
Amal notes that, “I liked how he gave them a more natural-looking nose that suited their face.” At her initial consultation with him she felt comfortable and liked the way Dr Shahram Shahidi designed her new nose on the computer.
Because your nose is the most prominent part of your face, it’s very important to take your time when researching Plastic Surgeons who specialise in rhinoplasty. While nose job surgery is typically safe and effective, there are risks and complications to be aware of.
You can find the best Australian Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeons here.