PATIENT STORY

Charlotte’s Septorhinoplasty Experience

My nose has always bothered me aesthetically. I’ve also always been very nasal and bunged up, had to sleep with my mouth open, and often snored.

From the age of 15, I’ve gone through phases of being really bothered by it, and it was always on my mind to get it done at some point in my life. I just never knew when the right moment would be to take time out. Also, I didn’t think I would be able to afford it.

As I approached my 30s, though, I decided I didn’t want to have spent my whole life thinking about changing the appearance of my nose. When I turned 29, I started looking into it properly in terms of researching surgeons and seeing whether my health insurance could help cover the operation, as I had very restricted breathing in one nostril.

It also felt like I was suddenly being bombarded on TikTok and Instagram by adverts for rhinoplasty surgery!

I spoke to one surgeon I found through social media who had good reviews, but my insurance company didn’t cover him. I asked the company to provide me with a list of consultants and then started my research.

I read up as much as I could on the surgeons, spoke to their secretaries regarding prices, and looked at the hospitals they operated at, their testimonials, and, if possible, their before-and-afters. Annakan had amazing patient reviews and images, and the quote was good, so I decided to proceed with a consultation.

At this point, I was doing all this research on my own as I hadn’t told my family I was planning surgery. I knew my mum would be apprehensive about me having the operation.

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The importance of the rhinoplasty consultation

Annakan was reassuring during the consultation. He has such a lovely manner and he’s very informative, calm and patient and you just feel like you’re in such safe hands. He was very considerate and said I could have a follow-up consultation with my mum to go over everything again.

Annakan examined my nose with an endoscope and saw clearly that I had a deviated septum. He explained what was needed to fix it and that I had two options: either an open or closed septorhinoplasty procedure.

He then wrote a letter to share with my insurance company to see if I could get the procedure covered.

We also discussed what I wanted to achieve aesthetically. I wanted something natural. I didn’t want a Barbie-type nose like those seen on lots of influencers. This was another reason why I chose Annakan, as his before-and-afters were all different but suited to the individual. It was essential to me not to have the same shape as anyone else – some surgeons seem to have a standard mould.

My main issue was a big bump that was very noticeable in my side profile. My nose was also a bit wonky. So, I wanted the bump removed, but in a natural way that suited my face.

It’s vital to trust your surgeon. You don’t know fully what it will look like, so I had to trust that he would improve it from a functional point of view and produce a result that would suit me.

I returned for my second consultation with my mum. She didn’t want me to have elective surgery that I didn’t need or to change myself, but she was very reassured after meeting Annakan. She loved his manner and felt I would be safe.

She was particularly worried that I would be in a lot of pain or it would be a different recovery, but he explained that it was not a painful experience, but more uncomfortable, and that I’d be fully active again after just a couple of weeks.

We asked so many questions, and Annakan gave us all the time we needed to answer everything thoroughly. I feel this is quite rare with surgeons. They can sometimes be patronising, but Annakan’s response is always, ‘That’s a great question’ or ‘Thank you for asking that’. You feel very heard.

Bupa agreed to cover most of the procedure, so I decided now was the time to go for it. I first saw him in October, but the following February was the best time for me to have the operation, as I had a relatively quiet period for a couple of months.

I took two weeks’ sick leave and told my manager, some close colleagues, and friends. My whole family knew as nothing can stay a secret! To be honest, though, I wasn’t secretive about it. I felt that it was for functional as well as aesthetic reasons and it would really enhance my life.

I had planned to stay under the radar for a couple of months, but I suddenly had to travel to South Africa for work just three weeks after surgery. Annakan reassured me that it would be safe.

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The rhinoplasty recovery process

Immediately after surgery, I felt okay. I didn’t feel groggy, wasn’t in any pain, and had no bruising. I just had the cast on my face. I saw Annakan a couple of times that day.

I did feel a bit nauseous when I came home, which I think is normal. I’ve got very thin skin, so I quickly became bruised and puffy. I couldn’t breathe at all through my nose, so my mouth was very dry. I also had nasal dripping.

Nighttime was uncomfortable, but I would say that I was never in pain. However, Annakan prepared me very well, and I knew what to expect. I’d also spent hours on TikTok watching videos of other rhinoplasty patients.

What I wasn’t prepared for was that my phone wouldn’t recognise me! No one warned me that my Face ID wouldn’t work, and it was really complicated to fix.

The recovery period was not difficult. My family did not give me enough attention because I clearly wasn’t complaining enough.

The cast removal

The cast came off eight days later. For me, getting the cast off was the worst part of the whole experience because it was so painful and I almost fainted. It just wouldn’t come off, and I’ve got very thin skin, and it was so bruised. By the time I looked in the mirror, I felt so faint that I didn’t want to look at myself. It was too much.

I had chosen an open approach because Annakan explained that there was quite a lot to correct, and there’s a higher chance of the nose returning to its original deviation with a closed approach. He also said that an open rhinoplasty allows for more precision. I had horrible scabs in my nose afterwards, but the incision between the nostrils healed really well, and the scar is very fine.

Afterwards, Annakan said that the nose was even more obstructed than he had realised, so I’m very glad I decided to have surgery.

Coping with the changing shape of my nose during the recovery period

My nose was very swollen, and I took lots of photos and videos, which was good for charting the transition, as some days it would go down and then flare up again. After I flew to South Africa, it was swollen and totally changed shape for about a week. I’m still taping it every night, and that makes a big difference. The few times I haven’t, it’s much more swollen first thing. It’s definitely a journey.

I was happy the bump had gone almost immediately, but I probably didn’t like how I looked until nearly six weeks later. I just had to deal with the journey, and I didn’t obsess on my reflection. I had asked Annakan to take a picture of me on the operating bed immediately after surgery, so I knew my nose looked good and would get there once the swelling had subsided. The picture gave me a lot of reassurance.

Functionally, it’s been a game changer. I didn’t expect it to feel as good as it does to breathe properly. I didn’t realise how restricted I was before. Apparently, I sound less nasal, and I supposedly don’t snore anymore.

My advice to other rhinoplasty patients

My advice to other patients is to avoid salty foods. If I eat salty foods, I feel more congested and swollen. I would also recommend taping every night – I’m still doing it.

In preparation, I cut out alcohol for a while and was very healthy, which I think helped my recovery. I took homoeopathic supplements for swelling and bruising – I bruise very easily, and they were gone quickly. Afterwards, I started taking gentle walks as soon as possible. I also followed all of Annakan’s advice, including rinsing out the nose.

I am so glad I decided to proceed with surgery. I look in the mirror sometimes, and I can’t believe it’s actually happened. I wanted it for so long. I’m so happy, and I’m so happy I chose Annakan. He was just the best choice, and he did such a good job.

Everyone says my nose looked so natural and like the nose I should have had. I’ve had so many compliments on it, which is nice. I did it for myself, obviously, but it’s always nice to have compliments.

SEPTORHINOPLASTY SPECIALIST

The surgeon’s perspective

It was a pleasure to meet Charlotte and have the privilege of being her surgeon. Throughout the consultation process she clearly articulated her aims of surgery. We were able to explore the possible approaches and find the correct one for her.

It is always important to have support when undertaking septorhinoplasty surgery as the recovery period can be challenging. Bringing a family member or trusted friend to clinic appointment, as Charlotte did with her mother, allows a patient to be supported in the journey before and after surgery.

I am delighted that Charlotte had a fantastic result both aesthetically with a natural looking appearance and a functionally with improved nasal breathing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNAKAN

Charlotte’s Septorhinoplasty Experience

My nose has always bothered me aesthetically. I’ve also always been very nasal and bunged up, had to sleep with my mouth open, and often snored.

The importance of the rhinoplasty consultation

The rhinoplasty recovery process

The cast removal

Coping with the changing shape of my nose during the recovery period

My advice to other rhinoplasty patients

The surgeon’s perspective

Kind words from our patients

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