Rhinoplasty at 17

A Story by Heather

I know. I know. You’re reading my title and thinking at 17? That’s too young to consider major surgery. This is the perfect age to get Rhinoplasty because it’s the time of experiencing self-esteem issues. Even if you think this is risky, just let yourself know you are beautiful. There is no need to change for anyone except yourself. As usual with wanting beauty, comes temporary pain. If you decide to go ahead with this, take some advice from this 17-year old expert. Let’s hope my experience, although painful, provides you with the honest truth.

Step 1. Deciding what you want

First, do research on the doctor; an expensive doctor doesn’t always mean it's the best choice. Ask people if they heard about the doctor and what they think about his/her work. Second is deciding when you want the operation to take place. I suggest to get it done during your Christmas break since it’s quite long; you have more time to meet your doctor in case of any complications or concerns, especially if you aren’t doing the procedure in Canada. Prices vary from country to country as well as how extreme the operation will be. All recovery periods for such a procedure will be 3 months. When you decide to get Rhinoplasty surgery, visit minimally 4 surgeons to get their opinion.

Step 2. Emotions running around

This kind of operation that takes lots of courage. There will always be pain but it is short term. If you are nervous, you are more than welcome to back out! Remember, this is ONLY about you. At the time you feel comfortable leaving your home, then by all means do so. From my experience, people are generally nice when they see you in such a state, not wanting to leave your home after surgery and do make you feel better about yourself. When I went out to the mall with my family, an elderly asked me what happened. I told her everything showing her my previous pictures; she said I’ll look beautiful in no time and to smile all the time.

Step 3. Doctor needs what?

You need an Ontario reference from your physician including a reference of what the surgeon needs. If you’ve experienced anxiety from needles, tell your doctor for an alternative. This is in case of you being allergic to anything so they can take right precautions. Get medication that the doctor requires for you to take and ask for alternatives if you have a certain allergy. As always the time differs with each individual’s choice of what to get done. The range of how long surgery differs from 45 minutes to 4 hours. In the place you are getting the operation done, be aware the waiting room will be cold to prevent any bacteria so bring a few sweaters or a blanket.

Step 4. The first few days

Sleep on the couch; it’s easier is for your parent(s) when they need to change the gauze. When sleeping, put something under (couch or mattress) to break your fall. Keep your head elevated; puts less pressure on your nose. Feeling tired, your body is feeling extremely thirsty and hungry. Drink using a straw because your mouth cannot open too wide. For food, eat Jell-O, pudding or soup: this is because it’s hard to chew but you can attempt to have toast. Try staying away from items as ice cream to prevent brain/nose freeze. When you first encounter food, there is a slight chance of experiencing difficulty when trying to eat but it does get better as the day progresses.

Step 5. Looks and going out

DO NOT bathe until your surgeon approves but shower a couple hours before your procedure. When you look at yourself, bruising will be EXTREME, particularly surrounding your eyes. A cast surrounds the top of your nose with tape. You won’t have to use the gauze after the nasal packaging is taken from inside your nose, used to “stabilize the septum”- separating your nose chambers from colliding. If you continuously use ice packs, swelling will die down. Are you someone who wears glasses? DO NOT wear them often; it’ll put pressure and hurt. Each person comes to encounter laughter every day; if you do end up having a blast, squish your cheeks together to prevent a painful nose.

Step 6. Stiches and Incisions

Stitches used are dissolvable. The surgeon will cut the parts of the stiches that are sticking out. During the removal of the stitches it will hurt but no more than a minute. After a week the surgeon will call you in to take out the splint. You feel pressure since swelling begins. Stitches on the outskirts of your nose take a couple days to begin dissolving but they don’t show as much. When you first see yourself after the procedure, you will notice that there are amounts of blood on your cheeks.

Step 7. Caring for your nose

Since your nose is being sensitive, stay clear of people who don't see where they are going and bump into you. Be extremely gentle when trying to wash your nose because it is beyond sensitive, especially at the tip. To keep swelling down, use ice packs. If it's extremely cold outside, try covering your nose although it feels really good. Try your best to breathe through your mouth since your nose is swollen but before you know it, you will be able to breathe through your nose. Let me be very clear when I say, your nose will have its good days and bad days where it decides to become stuffy.

End:

Bottom line teenagers, you are beautiful in and out. You don’t need surgery. If it helps with your self-esteem then that is all up to you. With beauty comes pain but I, for one, say it is worth it. Just remember when dealing with the thought of having surgery done, it boils down to only you, nobody else.