Amanda’s Rhinoplasty Journey
A “nose job” was once the sort of thing only the rich or someone with a very unfortunate circumstance would consider. Some would choose to undergo the expensive surgery to create the silhouette they always wanted but may have had to risk the need to defend their choice.
Times have changed, and anyone can and should feel comfortable choosing to change anything about their body in a safe and healthy way for any reason they choose. Amanda, a plastic surgery coach in the Younger offices, says, “Do what makes you happy” when it comes to seeking professional cosmetic enhancements. And she speaks from her own rhinoplasty experience.
Growing Up Confident
Born with an average nose, Amanda hadn’t ever considered having it changed as she grew up. There really wasn’t much thought given to her schnoz. She was able to mature as a relatively confident young person. But things changed that shaped her entire future in a brief moment. When she was a teenager, there was a major accident that altered both her profile and, even more importantly, the way she breathed.
Amanda’s nose was broken in an auto collision. Despite the pain and trauma endured during her accident recovery, the biggest difference in her life that she noticed was a deviated septum.
What’s a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum refers to a condition where the nasal septum — the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity of the nose in half — is significantly off-center, or deviated. Ideally, the septum should be in the middle, making the two nasal passages symmetrical. When it’s deviated, it’s displaced to one side, which can cause several issues.
If left untreated, a severely deviated septum can lead to chronic breathing difficulties and potentially increase the risk of sinus infections due to poor drainage of the sinuses. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the septum. This is the most definitive treatment for a deviated septum.
The Need for Change
Amanda enjoyed a typical life after her teen years, graduating high school with all the fun of school dances and peer camaraderie. After, she became educated in social work and used her experience and empathy to support others to get through the ups and downs of their lives, which she has an innate gift for. She also got married and gave birth to a beautiful daughter, with the goal to assist her to grow up into a confident young woman.
Yet, behind all this success and joy, Amanda always felt that maybe she should have done something more about her nose after the accident. She noticed her profile was a little off-kilter from the way it once was. She also found that when she was stressed, had a cold when she exerted herself in exercise or was simply sleeping, her breathing was becoming more and more laborious. And loud.
Her quality of life was severely affected by a deviated septum, and it also affected her loved ones. At the age of 40, it was time to look into fixing the situation. And so her research began. Fortunately, Amanda lives in Canada, where a world-renowned plastic surgeon and ENT specialist, Dr. Ritchie Younger, practices. When she went for her consultation, she finally decided to take care of herself. She only wondered if maybe she should have taken these steps sooner.
Amanda remarked that her “daughter means the world to me” and was the reason she wanted to be healthier, enjoy better breathing and all that it affects and set an example. She wanted to let her beloved little girl understand the responsibility and joy it is to be a woman who is confident enough to take care of herself. Even if it was a more frivolous seeming concern, such as just liking how she looks in the mirror, it’s ok to undergo a procedure that will enhance your self-esteem and life.
The rhinoplasty was scheduled in Vancouver’s Younger Facial Surgery Centre, and Amanda was very excited.
Her Procedure and Healing Journey
Each patient’s experience and recovery can vary, and it’s important to follow the specific guidelines provided for you. The goal of rhinoplasty is not just aesthetic improvement but also functional enhancement, so patience and adherence to post-operative care are crucial for the best outcomes.
Here’s how the rhinoplasty process went for Amanda:
Initial Consultation
At her assessment, Dr. Younger evaluated Amanda’s nasal structure and facial features and discussed the desired outcome, keeping in mind Amanda’s medical needs and overall aesthetic balance. With his extensive background in ENT practice, Dr. Younger is concerned with correcting a deviated septum and reshaping the nose without narrowing the breathing canals so much that it creates other breathing issues.
They also reviewed her medical history, including any previous surgeries and medications. It’s important that Dr. Younger gains a deep understanding of his patient’s expectations and explains in a detailed discussion about the surgical technique, risks, benefits and expected recovery process.
Photos of the nose from different angles are taken for assessment and surgical planning to compare the before and after during and after recovery.
Pre-Operative Preparations
Before Amanda’s rhinoplasty, she underwent a thorough medical evaluation, which included blood tests and other diagnostic tests to ensure her fitness for surgery. A critical aspect of Amanda’s pre-operative phase was when Dr. Younger advised her on stopping or modifying the use of certain drugs, particularly those like blood thinners that could impact surgical outcomes or recovery.
Additionally, Amanda was advised to abstain from alcohol, as it can impair the healing process. It was also essential for Amanda to arrange for post-operative assistance. She needed someone responsible to drive her home after the surgery and to help her during the initial days of recovery.
Day of Surgery
On the day of the surgery, Amanda’s rhinoplasty was performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure involved making precise incisions either inside Amanda’s nose or across her columella, the small strip of tissue between the nostrils. Through these incisions, Dr. Younger reshaped Amanda’s bone and cartilage to achieve the desired nasal structure.
Immediate Post-Operative Phase
Immediately after the surgery, Amanda was taken to a recovery room, where she was able to begin recovering without the after-effects of anesthesia. During this phase, Amanda received initial instructions on post-operative care, including guidance on medication and scheduling follow-up appointments with Dr. Younger. Amanda was discharged on the same day of the surgery. She left with a nasal splint and, in some cases, packing inside her nose to support the new shape of the nose and facilitate healing.
Early Recovery Period (The First Week)
The first week after surgery was crucial for Amanda’s recovery. She was advised to rest and keep her head elevated to minimize swelling. Managing discomfort was a priority, often addressed through prescribed pain medication and the use of cold compresses. Proper nasal care was also essential for Amanda, which might include cleaning the nasal area and using saline sprays to aid healing. Dr. Younger advised her to avoid strenuous activities during this period to prevent any bleeding or excessive swelling.
Follow-up Appointments
After a week, Amanda returned for a follow-up appointment, where Dr. Younger removed her nasal splint. All the post-procedure appointments were essential for assessing Amanda’s healing process, checking for signs of infection and addressing any complications.
Long-term Recovery
The recovery from Amanda’s rhinoplasty extended over several months. Swelling and bruising around her nasal area gradually subsided. Amanda experienced temporary numbness or an altered sensation in her nasal area, which was normal. Dr. Younger noted that the final shape of Amanda’s nose might take up to a year to fully stabilize and achieve its permanent form.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Post-rhinoplasty, Amanda needed to make certain lifestyle adjustments. She was advised to avoid contact sports to prevent any injury to her nose. Sun protection was crucial for Amanda, especially during the initial months when the skin was most sensitive, to prevent discoloration of the skin around the surgical site.
Potential Complications and Management
Like any surgical procedure, Amanda’s rhinoplasty carried risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding or the need for revision surgery. Effective communication with Dr. Younger was critical. Amanda kept him informed about any concerns or unusual symptoms she experienced during recovery to address any issues promptly and ensure the best possible outcome.
Emotional and Mental Impact
One of the things Amanda remembers about the post-surgery and recovery part of the journey is that it’s full of twists and turns and requires immense patience. At first, you may experience pain and discomfort that interrupts your sleep, especially if you’re a side sleeper. Amanda was advised to stay ahead of the pain, which made the early days much easier to deal with. The packing inside her nostrils took a little getting used to, but it was only in there for just a few days. Talk about the biggest relief when Dr. Younger removed them, and she could breathe better than she ever remembered!
A huge security during this process was knowing that if she had any questions, the Younger Facial Surgery Centre was a call away, able to answer.
Amanda also remembers that even after the initial pain and swelling subsided, the center of her face still had excess fluids and light bruising, so even a few weeks after surgery when the bandages came off, she wasn’t looking at the final results. Even still, she could see a change that was exciting and already giving her confidence.
By her side were family members, especially her daughter, who watched and learned as Amanda took control over this part of her life, inspiring her to be confident as well. Admittedly, there were a few tiny moments of doubt during the healing process, normal feelings to anyone who has undergone aesthetic surgery. But as Amanda compared before and after photos and slept more soundly (and quietly) every night, the success of her surgery was celebrated even before the final results were realized months later.
Now, more than a year after the procedure, Amanda has enjoyed much more out of life and looks forward to seeing her family photos with her new and improved confidence. It’s not just the shape of her nose that’s changed, it’s the feeling of knowing she can easily take a deep breath of fresh air without hindrance.
Lessons Learned and Advice
As the featured surgical coach for Younger Facial Surgery Centre, Amanda shares her lessons and advice with each and every new patient who comes for procedures of all types, especially rhinoplasty.
Items on her list include reminding them about the emotional impact during and after surgery that changes how they look at themselves and how others view them. Patience is required, every few weeks, the way the nose and middle face area look changes due to swelling, healing and other factors that vary with each person. Asking for help from friends and family and ensuring you have a fluffy pillow to support your neck to reduce swelling will help enhance your journey. Trying to rush things or ignoring advice about staying ahead of the pain will only keep you focused on the negative aspects that come with recovery.
It helps to know you have access to talk with Amanda at any time during the long physical and emotional healing process if any concerns arise. She’s been there herself and has also helped so many through it all.
Transform Your Confidence with Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver
Have you been inspired by Amanda’s journey and envision a similar transformation for yourself? At Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver, we understand that the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is not just about changing how you look, but how you feel.
Dr. Younger and our team are dedicated to providing personalized care that respects your unique needs and aspirations. Like Amanda, you can experience a journey of transformation under the skilled hands of our experts in a setting that prioritizes your comfort and well-being.
If you’re contemplating taking this life-changing step, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s discuss how we can bring your vision to life, ensuring you feel supported and confident every step of the way.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Experience the empathetic, expert care that helped Amanda find her new confidence. Contact Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver and start your own journey towards a change that’s not just about your appearance but a celebration of your individuality.
Your dream of a refreshed, confident self is just a consultation away. Reach out to us at Younger Facial Surgery Centre – where every patient’s story is heard, and every transformation is crafted with care and expertise. Click here to get started.
We look forward to being a part of your journey, too!