I consulted [Clinic A], [Clinic B], and [Clinic C], and had the removal surgery at [Clinic C].
- Among the clinics that said complete removal, including the support, was more likely to prevent the nose from becoming upturned: [Clinic D] and [Clinic C]. - I agonized over the two, but chose the latter because it discussed the plan for complete removal more proactively and matched my needs.
1. Removed the capsule and ear cartilage, including the support, then repositioned the cartilage. 2. Surgery took about two and a half hours. 3. From the day of surgery until the next day, I often felt blood flowing inside my nose and trembled, wondering if I was dying. In reality, it was within the normal range unless blood was gushing down the back of my throat. From day 3, the blood became lighter after mixing with nasal discharge. 4. Nasal packing for six days. I panicked on the first day and wanted to pull it out, but endured it while taking deep breaths for the sake of my nose shape.
Tip for anyone frightened by nasal-packing claustrophobia: make the inhale short (2–3 seconds) and the exhale long (6–7 seconds). Do not inhale too deeply, because hyperventilating makes you more anxious. Even if it feels stuffy, trust that oxygen is entering properly.
I brought up the packing panic because I was so scared and wanted to reassure people like me. I have claustrophobia and have taken medication for panic disorder, so having nasal packing for six days was extremely anxiety-provoking. The important thing is recognizing that the anxiety that “there is not enough oxygen” is not reality. Shallow breathing feels uncomfortable, but trust that oxygen is entering normally. Drinking lots of water and running a humidifier helped tremendously. Humans really are creatures of adaptation: when the nose is blocked, the body learns how to breathe somehow, so let’s not worry too much.
5. Splint and nasal packing removed on day 7. 6. Did the nose become upturned? -> No. I had inflammation and some contracture, so my biggest fear was that removing everything, including the support, might make my nose more upturned. But after removing the splint, it seemed slightly lower than before surgery, which satisfies me. Of course, I need to watch the progress longer. 7. Is it similar to my natural nose? -> About 70% so far…? My natural nose had a hump and was osteotomized, so it may be closer to a third nose. The tip is still extremely swollen, and honestly, aside from being chubby, it looks prettier than my natural nose… Though the tip will probably droop again once the swelling goes down, right? 8. Did the nostrils become rounder? -> Yes. They are not perfectly round, but the straight, parallel shape disappeared, so I am satisfied. I will see whether they become rounder as the swelling subsides. 9. Current shape: The bridge and alar area look chubby from swelling, and the nostrils look larger. My cheeks are swollen as if I were holding candy in my mouth…? I was shocked because I looked so ugly T_T lol. The swelling is visibly decreasing day by day, but the nostrils are still so large that I keep looking in the mirror. It has only been a week, so that is why, right? Please tell me it is swelling~ I will leave another review after a month… I hope the nostrils will be smaller then… Wishing everyone here nose success~!!