Hey guys, I've been reading these forums for the past few weeks and they've really helped me make my decision in going to Seoul for my rhinoplasty. It can be all so overwhelming, what with researching on which materials to best use for your nose - implant or not, which cartilage would work best, blah, blah, blah.
I wanted to recommend to you guys whilst you are researching, to also read on the RealSelf website. If you have any questions about certain materials, side effects etc, I found their website (as well as this ofcourse!) very useful, as other people who have asked the same questions get all their replies by real surgeons (all American I think). It's also good to read in the purseforums too for further debate and discussion.
For myself, I am from London with Asian background and I have already booked my flights to Seoul on the 12th Sept - 27th Sept. I've booked for three consultations at ITEM, Banobagi and JW. The last few weeks I've been emailing a few of the clinics with several photos (of all different angles of my nose which I think really helps them) I'd tell them 1) What I feel lacks in definition/what the problems are 2) What I want to achieve, and 3) What procedure the doctor would recommend on me. Then I would compare and contrast their responses.
I have to be honest and say, I have no idea which clinic I will choose from. They all have pros and cons. That makes me feel a tiny bit nervous as it means I have to choose on the day I have all three consultations and I am not one to decide in the last minute (I like to plan ahead!) However, I also like the fact that I will judge according to what my instincts tell me on the day of the consultation, as I can't tell over emails now! Plus, after the surgeon looks at my nose face to face, he might suggest something completely different to what he recommended in his email. Who knows?
This is what has been recommended to me from one of the doctors, after viewing my photos:
1) Tip plasty using septal cartilage and tip debulking to make tip smaller,higher and proper position
2) humpectomy and raping(griding)
3) lateral osteotomy of nasal bone to make bony base narrow
4) Silicone implant 1mm to make smooth line and cover irregularity
To be honest, it all sounds good a part from the silicone bit, as I am reluctant to have any foreign materials in my nose. The last thing I want is to fly all the way back to South Korea at some point in the future (even if it's in 10 years time!) to have a revision, in the off chance that there is deviation or extrusion. However, having said that, this doctor also said that the 1mm of silicone was to smooth and cover the irregularity, and NOT to give me nose bridge, as I already have a nose bridge, but it just slopes quite down from there. Therefore, perhaps 1mm is so small that it's more safe than say, 3mm of silicone..? I have no idea, if anyone could enlighten me on this, that would be great.
I'd personally like to use just my septal cartilage, and perhaps ear cartilage if there isn't enough septal cartilage. That is just me personally. However, I may end up using silicone too if that is what is needed to achieve the look and shape that I want of my nose.
I also wanted to agree with a lot of other reviewers who said VIP clinic like to use rib cartilage for the nose. That is correct. And due to using rib, it is more expensive. However, please be sure before you consider rib. In my own personal case, I know I definitely don't need rib because I already have a nose bridge.. It is just the tip and debulking of the the nose tissue at the end of my nose that I'd like to work on. The doctor at VIP however recommended rib, but I know it just wouldn't work for me. The other 4/5 other clinics said that I didn't need to use rib also. I am sure they are very good at it (hence likes to use it so often) and that for some people, that could be their best option, but do make sure first whether you actually really need it or not, and if other cartilages suffice instead. For me they were also charging A LOT. At the end of the day, every nose is different, so do lots of research and prepare questions to the surgeon.
The other good thing that has help me prepare for the trip is writing down in a book all the tips that I have read (which you lovely people have shared). For example, tips on helping the swelling go down, which shopping areas to go to, etc etc.
I also to share this link with you guys too..
http://nangmui.vn/news/380d/nose-surgery-with-septal-cartilage.html
Hope you can open it. It basically goes into detail about using different materials for your nose. If you scroll all the way down you can read other articles such as "Revision Rhinoplasty", "Types of Nose Surgery" etc. I wouldn't take it for gospel, but its all about research, so it may be insightful to you.
When I first wanted to get a nose job, I (probably like yourselves) googled "best plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty in Seoul" or something along those lines. I really doubt that there is THE best surgery or surgeon for that matter, for rhinoplasty in Seoul. I'm sure they are all good, but it's just a matter of going with the doctor that understands you and your needs. I'm talking like I've already had it done lol. But this is what I am hoping for when I have the consultation, because I've realised there isn't a point in my fretting about it now. I'll keep on reading forums and research but that's really as far as I can go I think. Therefore, if you are like me and concerned about which clinic to choose from before you've left to go to Seoul, please don't fret. Just make sure you email several clinics with several emails (good old copy and paste, copy and paste...) of your problem, and compare and contrast the replies. Then make sure you book a day for your consultation, and a time, and then fly to Seoul with an open mind. I was quite nervous the last week or two, but I feel more relaxed about it, now that everything is booked. I just have to mentally and emotionally prepare for what is to come (particularly the recover phase, oh joy!) But in the end, I will trust and have faith in the surgeon that I end up choosing.
I hope my comments have helped a little. For those who are serious about having your surgery please be reassured and don't worry, we are all in the same boat together!
So, if there is anyone who will be in Seoul during 13th-27th, do drop me a line so we can meet up. I'm a big fan of eating out, sipping fresh smoothies, shopping, talking and having a laugh!
London_chick
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