Caroline

Why did you decide to have a rhinoplasty procedure?

I wanted to feel more confident and relaxed with my appearance. The shape of my nose from the side had been a big insecurity of mine for coming up to 20 years! Since my mid teens I always imagined what it would look like without the bump and knew I would eventually  have surgery someday but I wasn’t ready then and knew I would need plenty of time to think it through and do my research.

In my twenties I didn’t feel I had the support to go through with any type of procedure, plus back then having cosmetic surgery especially on your face at such a young age was quite taboo, it wasn’t as accepted as it is now so I waited and before I knew it the years flew by.

In my early thirties I settled down and had children and that came with a busier lifestyle so the timing never seemed right, once my children got a little bit older I found I had more time on my hands plus I realised that I was fast approaching my forties and I didn’t want to reach this milestone feeling so hung up about my nose. I realised for the first time in years I was finally ready, I was wiser more mature and knew exactly what I wanted plus I had all the support I needed to go ahead with surgery.  

What are your top 3 tips you would give to someone looking into having cosmetic surgery?

• Research as much as you can about the procedure, surgeon, and cosmetic surgery provider.

• Trust the healing process.

• Do it for yourself and no one else.

How was your surgeon consultation?

I was really nervous meeting my surgeon, which took me by surprise as I’m a chatty confident person but seeing the surgeon made it all seem real, I was finally taking that first step towards the new me and it felt daunting.

I arrived with a list of questions and felt worried about whether or not I was being too fussy with what I had written down but as soon as I met my surgeon I instantly felt at ease. He was so friendly and had such a gentle demeanour, I felt like he really listened to my concerns which made me feel confident to go ahead with my procedure. During my appointment I was chaperoned by a member of staff at MYA and she was lovely, she was warm and friendly and advised me on my next steps so I left the clinic feeling really positive and excited to book my surgery date.               

How was your rhinoplasty recovery?

My recovery was like a rollercoaster of emotions, I didn’t actually feel any physical pain at all just slight discomfort from the swelling. The hardest part was struggling with lack of sleep and being a mother of two I thought this would be a walk in the park!

I typically lay on my side so sleeping in a reclined position on my back with a blocked nose was difficult to say the least, however before I knew it days had turned into weeks and my recovery got much easier. I also had a lot of support from my partner, friends and family which helped a lot in those early days especially when it came to looking after the children, doing school runs and taking care of them whilst I caught up on sleep. I was really worried about my children seeing me so bruised and swollen but surprisingly they didn’t seem too bothered at all.

A big part of my recovery involved learning to be patient with the swelling. I would have days at beginning of my recovery  where I would look in the mirror and panic about the swelling not settling down quick enough and then days where I would look in the mirror and feel amazing, so many highs and lows but all worth it!

What do you feel is different now following your procedure?

This procedure has honestly changed my life, I finally feel comfortable in my own skin after so many years of feeling so unhappy. The shape of my nose is now in proportion with the rest of my face and I feel amazing.

I know it may sound silly to some people but I feel completely at ease now having pictures taken from the side. I can have photo’s taken with my children just relaxed having a laugh with them without feeling so insecure about how I look, plus my partner doesn’t get told off anymore for not managing to capture my ‘best side’. I can enjoy a girls night out now because I feel a confidence I’ve never felt before. Also I sleep better because my breathing has improved something that I had not even considered may have been a reason for my sleep problems in the past.

Were your friends and family supportive?

My partner was really supportive and I had friends that said go for it and encouraged me but a few others weren’t too sure if I should have it done, I got comments such as ‘you’re getting older now what’s the point’, mostly said in jest. Any discouraging comments went over my head, I had thought the procedure through for over 15 years and I knew I was in safe hands at MYA plus I completely trusted my surgeon.

I am quite strong willed and trust my own advice, plus I don’t think people intend to come across as negative or discouraging, I just think they have a lack of understanding around cosmetic surgery and cant fully grasp why people have certain insecurities, they confuse these insecurities as being shallow or self-absorbed when really it's quite the opposite. 

What advice would you give someone looking into having a rhinoplasty procedure?

To be prepared for the emotional journey, there will be highs and lows but its all worth it. Trust the healing process, the swelling will go down and patience is key! More importantly get excited, you are one step closer to becoming the new you.

Would you recommend MYA?

Absolutely, without a doubt. I’ve had the best experience with MYA.