Donia’s Rhinoplasty Journey (Part 3)
Donia underwent her rhinoplasty during one of the most turbulent times in recent memory. She was faced with not only having to go through surgery alone due to COVID-19 restrictions but experienced anxiety and worry for how her results would turn out. Although there was no one close by her side as she sat in the waiting room, the humor and assurance Dr. Younger made her feel confident about her decision.
When Donia initially looked in the mirror for her rhinoplasty results, her fears appeared to have come true. Her nose was a bit upturned and swollen. She was nervous but kept in mind the advice that Dr. Younger gave her – that it will take time for her final results to be fully realized as her nose continues to heal.
Rhinoplasty takes approximately 12 months to heal. After only six months, Donia is already feeling confident about her results.
Slipping Her Mask Off to Show Off Her Nose
As with any aesthetically boosting surgical procedure, the recovery time is among the most challenging parts.
“Emotionally, I’d say waiting for my final results is what gets me,” Donia says. “I’m at the six-month post-op, so I’m still waiting for the 12-month mark to see my final results. I think that if it doesn’t turn out to be what I wanted or if it turns out that there’s something wrong with it and I don’t like it is what gets me.”
Yet even though Donia has not reached her final results, she is experiencing greater confidence in her appearance and who she is as a person. The procedure was a dream of hers by the time she was 15, influenced by her cultural identity and being uncomfortable with her image, and to have her results gradually become more apparent is like watching that dream come true for her.
“I feel more confident. Dare I say, my ego maybe a little bit too high,” Donia laughs. “I look in the mirror, and I’m just like ‘oh my god, who is she?’ That cute little nose, I’m just obsessed with it. I’m obsessed with myself, frankly.”
Dr. Younger’s expertise in achieving rhinoplasty results representing a person’s ethnic background was a primary reason why Donia chose him as her surgeon. The confidence she feels in her image and the ability to retain her cultural identity is apparent for her even after the six-month mark.
“I asked for my nose to still be a little bit larger because I liked having that ethnic nose. I just wanted for it to be toned down a little bit. I do still have a little bit of a bump on the bridge, but I think it’s just residual swelling, and I’m still waiting for that twelve-month mark to look at my final results. What I’m seeing so far, though, it’s great.”
COVID restrictions are still currently in place while Donia heals. Face masks are required, and social distancing is encouraged. When Donia has been out and about, exploring the city, she hasn’t been able to show off her nose yet fully. However, several instances have occurred where she couldn’t help herself.
“When I see people that I haven’t in a while, the first thing I do is take a step back, take my mask down, and be like, ‘Do you see anything different about me? Look at my cute little nose,’” Donia laughs.
For Others Considering Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can be a tough decision. The procedure can potentially make you anxious for what your results may be, and the former stigma associated with plastic surgery procedures may linger in your mind. While these are valid concerns, it’s important to understand that rhinoplasty is an opportunity to create a more harmonious and balanced image, allowing you to live your life with greater confidence and feel more comfortable in your skin. And plastic surgery procedures have garnered traction, becoming part of the mainstream. Donia knew she wanted to undergo rhinoplasty, but even she struggled with these considerations initially.
“I wish I knew that it was all going to turn out ok – just to be patient and to know that the results are going to be worth it,” Donia says. “Even though I already knew that I was still like, what if, what if. I just wish that I knew it was going to be fine.”
Having rhinoplasty performed by a professional surgeon is also key. Dr. Younger, an expert plastic surgeon with decades of experience, understands that compassion and humor are equally important to express to a patient as his surgical expertise. Dr. Younger made Donia feel comfortable and kept at the forefront of his mind her desire to retain her cultural identity.
“What I tell my friends who are Persian is, if you have thicker skin, you should be more careful,” Donia says. “You should always research your doctor. I’m always like, go to Dr. Younger. Because he knows our skin.”
There are many reasons why people consider undergoing rhinoplasty. The nose is a defining feature for everybody, and in some cases, an individual can feel uncomfortable with their appearance because of it. Donia felt uncomfortable about her nose for a number of reasons, including because of its appearance, her identity and the functional aspect of it. Thankfully, her results are turning out to be fantastic. Now all she needs is her vaccine.
“I can’t wait for us to get a vaccine so that I can just run around and show off my nose fully.”
Schedule rhinoplasty consultation at Younger Facial Surgery Centre by contacting us at 604-738-3223 or visit our contact page.