My Rhinoplasty
It took me many years to decide undergoing rhinoplasty. But it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, considering how happy I am with the results.
Before my operation, I had always felt quite “uncomfortable” with my nose, and I would avoid showing my side profile when I had photographs taken. This did not affect my confidence though, since I have always been a very happy and social person and have many friends.
I had noticed during the past years that my nose had become more prominent, partly since my face had lost volume, but also because my nose had started to turn a bit droopy. It was then I decided to undergo rhinoplasty.
Choosing a surgeon for my nose
When I started to research which were the best rhinoplasty clinics and surgeons, the name of Charles Randquist was one of the most popular names in internet blogs.
After visiting some of the most popular clinics, I finally met Dr.Charles Randquist at his clinic in Saltsjöbaden. During this consultation he was very sincere about the results I could expect with rhinoplasty and also about the risks I should consider.
One of the things he mentioned is that in performing reduction rhinoplasty there is always a very small risk that the breathing will be compromised, since it is harder to breathe through a smaller structure.
I had read about these risks before but Dr.Charles Randquist was the only surgeon I visited that was open about the risks of this operation. In my opinion a good doctor is the one that informs his patients about possible risks.
It was Dr. Charles honesty and confidence that made me choose him.
After this initial appointment, I still had some questions about the operation, which I wrote to Dr. Randquist in two different occasions. Dr. Randquist phoned me in the evening both times and again was very sincere with his answers.
I really appreciated that he contacted me and took the time to clarify all my questions, even if he had already answered some of them before. He has proven to be a very dedicated doctor.
Operation
As the operation day approached, I experienced a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
The anesthesiologist called me the night before the operation. He explained that he had a broad experience administering anesthesia (for sick patients undergoing thoracic surgery at the Karolinska hospital) and this really reassured me.
The morning of the operation I arrived in the clinic shortly before 7:00. I changed into a white gown and relaxed reading a book while lying in the hospital bed.
Shortly after, I was asked to go into Charles office so that he could draw some marks in my nose and take some preoperative pictures.
Finally, after 11:15 it was my turn to be operated. A nurse collected me and we walked together into the operations theatre. This was a really exciting moment for me, as my dream of having a nice and feminine nose was about to become real.
I cannot remember how long I was asleep. But I think it was over three hours. I woke up shivering and feeling very disorientated. My face felt very warm. I had a cast on the nose, compresses inside the nose, and a bandage under my nose to contain eventual dripping. My nose felt sore and I could only breathe through my mouth.
An older nurse helped me to sit down and she offered me water and then diluted juice, which I drank in small sips. She was very busy as other patients were calling for her. I thought she was very patient and professional. Other nurses would also come regularly to change my nose bandage and offer me drinks.
A few hours later I was dispatched out of the hospital.
After
After the operation, I do not recall the recovery to be particularly painful but quite unpleasant.
The first week after surgery was the hardest one, specially the first night. I was mostly tired because I could not sleep properly, since I had a very stuffy nose and I would wake up constantly with a dry mouth.
Finally, the day came where I had the cast removed. I was warned that the post-op swelling would not allow me to see the final result yet. But even through all the swelling I could see the nose I have dreamed of.
Three weeks after the operation I went back to work. I received some compliments from my colleagues who had noticed an improvement of my appearance but were not able to tell that I had a nose job. My family and friends, who were indeed aware of my rhinoplasty, did compliment my new nose a lot.
I am really overjoyed with my new nose. I do not have enough gratitude words to Dr. Randquist for having given me such a feminine and beautiful nose.
I do not think any other plastic surgeon would have done a better job!
/Ana