On May 20, I went to visit Dr. Shah for my Month 4 post-op appointment. Unfortunately, I was behind schedule, had to park in the garage, and pay the insane parking fee. I suppose that the price I pay for for running late. Normally, I like to arrive about 10 minutes early, and find street parking, which allows me to avoid the crazy high parking garage fees. Even though that wasn’t the case today, Dr. Shah is totally worth it..
When I got to the office, I sat down, and started chatting with another woman in the waiting room. Interestingly, she told me she was scheduled for a consult with Dr. Shah to discuss a revision rhinoplasty. Another surgeon performed her nose job, but like me, was completely unhappy with the results. As she was telling me her story, it struck me how familiar our conversation was.. It was practically the same conversation that took place in that very same room over a year ago!
However, this time, the woman told me how great my nose looked and asked if I had any work done on it. I took the liberty of sharing my story.. I told her how much I can relate to her experience since I had the very same one. Like her, I fell victim to slick marketing and decided to go with an “expert” rhinoplasty surgeon. Even during those initial consultations with this so-called expert, I never really felt fully comfortable and confident. Ultimately, I shared with her how I had a botched primary rhinoplasty that totally devastated me, but wanted her to know that there still is hope, and I was living proof. I know seeing is believing, and if you have been duped before, you need that more than anything. It felt great to be able to give another person comfort, face to face. Afterall, it’s the driving reason for this entire blog.:)
After spending about 15 minutes waiting for Dr. Shah, his assistant called me back for the usual photos. After my pictures, she took me into a private room, where Dr. Shah greeted me. First thing he commented on was that I was still swollen, and said he wanted to administer a large dose of Kenalog. For those who aren’t aware of what Kenalog is, it’s actually a steroid injection. Now, don’t let it scare you that here is still swelling 4 months out. It’s completely normal with revision rhinoplasty cases–not to mention the fact that I had quite a lot of work done. Plus, it’s not the kind of obvious swelling that you are probably imagining. In fact, it’s not even obvious to most people, unless you are a trained and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Shah. Here’s a few pictures to show you how my healing is progressing.
Still swollen, but really happy!
I used to hate pics at this angle as it showed “my beak”. Not anymore!:)
Side profile–hard to believe that’s my nose!
Its hard to believe it’s already month 4, but happy to report I LOVE the way my nose looks! The fact that it’s going to get better is amazing It’s also pretty sweet is that I don’t pay a cent for all of these post-op treatments! All I can say is its pretty awesome to be a patient of Dr. Shah’s.:) I will be visiting him again on July 1st so stay tuned for