My Experience at NANA Plastic Surgery Hospital - Pre-Op, Op, and Post-Op Journey

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plastic_cabbage

plastic_cabbage

Member
Mar 7, 2022
35
27
#1
Hi everyone!

This will be a long post so buckle up. I'll try my best to categorise the information as neatly and succinctly as possible in a chronological manner.

Please feel free to ask for any additional details!

Sep 2022: First Consultation with NANA Plastic Surgery Hospital
I paid a refundable deposit of SGD100 to secure a consultation with NANA when they flew to Singapore. The location seemed a bit unconventional, hosted in what appeared to be a warehouse room. The communication regarding the specific address was a bit confusing as the door was locked, and I had to walk to the other side to get to the main gate. Unfortunately, NANA was not very responsive when I called and texted for clarification, but I eventually found my way.

My main focus was addressing my nose, specifically the bulbous tip, and my secondary focus was on my eyes, mainly due to functionality as I had difficulty seeing well and my eyelashes grew inwards.

During the consultation, Hwang Dong Yeon (Chief M.D.) recommended four procedures:
1. Epicanthoplasty (1.5mil KRW)
2. Incisional ptosis correction (4mil KRW)
3. Rhinoplasty (6mil KRW)
4. Alar reduction (1.5mil KRW)

Total: 13mil KRW

The consultant, Honey, said that a 30% discount would then apply as that is considered 4 surgeries, bringing me to 9.1mil KRW.
After further negotiations, she reduced the price by an additional 100k KRW, resulting in a total payment of 9mil KRW. I then paid an additional 200SGD to secure my slot on 9 May 2023, at 1030.

April to May, 2023: Staff Changes and Pre-Surgery Process
During this time, I decided on Kim Il Hwan (M.D.) for the nose job and contemplated another surgeon for my eyes. However, I eventually stuck with the same surgeon to boost my chances of facial harmony. NANA's replies were relatively slower too, and I assumed that I was in correspondence with Honey. However, I later found out that Honey was no longer a consultant with NANA, and I was actually talking to another consultant, Effy.

I asked Effy about honouring the previously agreed-upon prices, but she explained that prices may change depending on Dr. Kim's proposed procedures. Effy also shared with me the details of the surgery and consultation timings. I noticed that my originally scheduled appointment time had been shifted from 1030 to 1400, and also asked if it was possible to honour the previously agreed-upon timing, to which she said she'd check. However, my appointment ended up shifting to 1500 instead (no explanation was given).

[Will continue next part in comments]
 
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#2
9 May, 2023: Surgery Day: Procedures and Pricing Update
Due to the confusion and changes, I arrived slightly late for the surgery, mistakenly thinking it was scheduled for 1500, but it turned out that 1500 was the surgery time and the consultation should have been at 1300 instead. I was then rushed to wash my face, gargle my mouth, and change into the provided attire, which looked like pyjamas.

After changing into the provided attire, I had my profile shots taken and underwent some blood tests and x-ray, before going to the consultation room where Dr. Kim entered shortly after. Dr. Kim informed me that I had ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops, and to address this, he would need to remove excess fat from the upper eyelids. Additionally, he suggested undergoing epicanthoplasty, a procedure to widen the eyes for aesthetic purposes. However, he mentioned that the distance between my eyes was (unfortunately) primarily determined by my bone structure rather than the skin, so the potential difference in appearance may not be significant.

For the nose, Dr. Kim recommended a comprehensive approach which included rhinoplasty with a silicone implant, alar base reduction, and bulbous tip correction. In both the 2022 and 2023 consultations, I expressed concerns about using a silicone implant due to the potential risk of infection. However, Dr. Kim advised against using cartilage as an alternative, explaining that cartilage has the drawback of potentially being absorbed back into the body. He reassured me that I had sufficient septal cartilage available to form the nose tip, which made the use of ear cartilage unnecessary.

The consultation with Dr. Kim proceeded quite swiftly, with him leaving the room in less than 20 minutes. Effy then took over and discussed the pricing details with me. She shared that Honey had made a mistake regarding the discount. The 30% discount mentioned during the September 2022 consultation was actually intended for individuals undergoing three or more surgeries. Since I technically only had two surgeries (eyes and nose), I was not entitled to a 30% discount but a 20% discount instead.

I slightly contested the sudden change because not only was I recommended an additional procedure, I suddenly had to pay up to 1.5mil KRW more. Effy then said that NANA could give a 25% discount instead as a compromise. She also said that Dr. Kim was an experienced surgeon hence that was the best price.

Hence the procedures I ended up undergoing were:
Eyes
1. Epicanthoplasty (1.5mil KRW)
2. Incisional ptosis correction (4mil KRW)

Nose
1. Bulbous tip correction (1.5mil KRW)
2. Rhinoplasty with silicone implant (6mil KRW)
3. Alar base reduction (1.5mil KRW)

General Anaesthesia
1. 110mil KRW

Total: 15.5mil
Post-discount: 11.625mil (allegedly, see disclaimer below)
Disclaimer: I believe I paid 11mil instead of 11.625mil, but my Math is not Mathing and the entire payment process was really fast. With that being said, I felt that there was some form of discriminatory pricing (based on previous reviews/prices from NANA) but it was basically sunk cost at that point, so I went for it.

You should also know that you will be entitled to a tax return of 8% (IIRC), which you can claim at the airport.

[Will continue next part in comments]
 
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#3
9 May (1430): Surgical Process
After completing the payment, I was escorted promptly from the 3rd floor to the fifth floor for the surgery. A nurse took my temperature and when all was good, I was sent straight to the surgery room.

The facility looked slightly like a vet clinic, and had an industrial feel to it. The process felt somewhat rushed and the nurses were extremely efficient, slapping EKG patches on my chest, and administering the IV drip. I didn't see Dr. Kim at all, which made me briefly concerned due to horror stories about ghost doctors. Effy had earlier assuaged that concern, and explained that they couldn't provide CCTV footage of the surgery but could send screenshots upon request.

Effy asked how was I feeling and I said anxious, to which she rubbed my shoulder and offered some words of comfort. She then asked how I was feeling again, and I repeated "Anxious" before knocking out.


9 May (1830): Immediate Post-Op
I woke up briefly, heard some commotion and went back to sleep, before realising the commotion was the nurses yelling at me to not sleep. I also felt my cheeks getting slapped... lol.

I believe my first word was "Bibimbap" as they quizically asked "Bibimbap?" after I muttered something. I may or may not have assumed that I was walking towards the light. Anyway, I "soon" came to and was brought to sit in a small rest area. After 10 minutes or so, one of the staff asked if I needed painkillers or if I felt okay to leave. I responded in Korean, by saying that I had a friend with me. The staff then got my friend, and I changed out of the pyjamas and into my clothes in another room. My friend got my medication in the meanwhile.

My friend said later on that she was really concerned because she saw Dr. Kim leaving the surgical room at 1830, but I didn't till 40 minutes later, plus she heard the nurses' screaming. Poor friend.

9 May (1930): Back to the Airbnb
While still feeling groggy from the anaesthesia, my friend noticed a cast covering my right ear, although I couldn't fully perceive it due to the lingering effects of the medication. However, I did sense a slight blockage in that ear. I believe that Dr. Kim ended up using a combination of septal and ear cartilage for my nose tip.

Unfortunately, I did not receive thorough aftercare instructions following the surgery, aside from being advised to take the medication 30 minutes after each meal (approximately 15 pills per day). Although I was sent some post-operative aftercare instructions, they seemed generic and lacked personalised details that I had inquired about during the consultation. For example, there were contradictions regarding whether I should sleep upright or comfortably.

To my surprise, I did not receive an aftercare package, despite hearing from other patients who paid less that they had received one. These packages typically include beneficial items like pumpkin juice and ice packs, which are known to assist in the recovery process. I double-checked with Effy regarding the inclusion of an aftercare package, and she confirmed that it was not provided. Yikes.

[Will continue later on/tomorrow in a new comment]
 
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#4
10 May: 1 Day Post-Op
I was really swollen and could only see out of one eye. I also stayed indoors and maintained a low-carb and low-sugar diet. Although I didn't experience much pain, there was a noticeable pressure sensation on my nose. However, dealing with the eyes proved to be more bothersome.

11 May: 2 Days Post-Op
I went to the hospital to get the cotton gauze removed from my nose. Afterwards, the nurse applied some ointment on the stitches and instructed me to do the same three times a day, following my medication. Additionally, I received an antibiotic injection in my hip.

My nose continues to have a constant leakage, but I have been advised not to blow my nose for at least one month. If necessary, I can only use Q Tips for gentle cleaning.

I could see from both eyes now, but my vision is blurry. I also went out for a walk in the evening to help with the deswelling.

12 May: 3 Days Post-Op
My vision is still blurry, but the swelling around my eyes is getting better and I can open them wider. There is still nasal leaking, and I have laughed/coughed a few times (which is quite alar-ming), but overall no issues. I am quite excited about stitch removal day and may go for another walk in the evening.

[Will continue later on/ in a new comment]
 
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#5
13 May: 4 Days Post-Op
My swelling got slightly worse today but it's most likely due to the sodium from the fried chicken I ate last night, but I got a little tired of having soup, tofu, and egg for 3-4 days in a row. I also had a burrito bowl for lunch, which was pretty tasty.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of items that I found helpful during my recovery process:
1. Bromelain supplements to help with deswelling
2. Arnica Montana tablets to help with deswelling
3. Antiseptic throat spray to help with dry mouth
4. Oral gel to help with dry mouth
5. Elastic nose bandages to help with a leaking nose
They hook around the ears, but I did not use them due to the ear cartilage incision. Thankfully, my nose did not leak as badly as expected either.
6. Medical tape to shape my nose post-procedure, and to re-attach new gauze under the nose
7. Cotton buds to help with ointment application and leaking nose
8. (Extremely moisturising) lip balm to help with cracked lips
9. A travel pillow in an attempt to sleep upright; I subsequently ordered a wedge pillow to use when I fly back because sleeping with a travel pillow is not the most sustainable position for months. You can, however, stack a few pillows and sleep upright that way too. Generally, just avoid sleeping on your side, and try your best to rest upright.
10. Clothes you can easily put on and take off (e.g. Button tees and disposable underwear)

In terms of diet, I consumed mainly tofu, seaweed, cabbage, eggs, and/or pork slices, served in bone broth. Additionally, I included pineapple and/or Greek yoghurt as daily snacks, to help with wound healing and deswelling.

It's worth highlighting that the items I have bolded are what I consider to be particularly important to have for aftercare. I recommend acquiring most of these items before your travel, as the initial days following the procedure can be disorienting. Otherwise, you can consider finding some at the pharmacy nearby (I got the throat spray there), but there is no guarantee that you might have one. Having a friend accompany you at least for the first 2-3 days would also be ideal.

When selecting accommodation, consider one within walking distance. In my case, it was a convenient <10-minute walk, and I found it to be a worthwhile decision. I also opted for an Airbnb for the purpose of cooking my own meals. I advise preparing your first 2 days' worth of meals in advance, especially if cooking facilities are available, to ensure you have easily accessible nourishment during the initial recovery phase.

Good luck and see you guys tomorrow/in a few more days! I may update when my stitches are off instead.
 
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#7
14 May: 5 Days Post-Op
I was definitely well enough to take a longer walk and dine outside today! However, my right eye remains more swollen than the other, though overall, things have been progressing satisfactorily. Despite trying to sleep upright with the travel pillow, I often end up waking on my side, which is not ideal for the healing process... haha... can't wait to fly back to a wedge pillow (not the sweltering weather tho').

The medical tapes used to secure the cast on my nose have been causing some itching, hence I'm stoked for stitch removal day.

Since there isn't much else to update, I would like to mention that it's advisable to exchange some currency before travelling, as the train stations mainly accept cash, thus it can be pretty inconvenient to get tickets especially if you're in a hurry/it's late.
 
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#10
15 May: 6 Days Post-Op
Stitch removal day is tomorrow!

My right side is still slightly more swollen than the left, and my sense of smell is considerably more dull, but things are going pretty smoothly. I've been smiling a wee bit more because my friend can't stop cracking up at my jokes, but it's not advisable to make 'big' facial expressions during this period because the alars may stretch.

Effy texted earlier that my stitch removal will be postponed from 1230 to 1400 "due to the doctor's schedule" (quoted). This marks the fourth (and hopefully last time in total) my appointment has been changed, sigh.

P.S. I have not washed my hair in a week to avoid wetting my stitches (especially the one behind my ear). So yep, looking forward to having clean hair too.

Anyhow, I'm excited about the stitch removal. Fingers and toes crossed!
 
#11
17 May: 1 Day Post-Stitch Removal

I was escorted to the 8th floor for stitch removal yesterday, where Estelle (NANA staff) accompanied me to the stitch removal room. The nurse was pretty fast and efficient too, and Estelle helped me film the process. She's really sweet and nice!

After the stitch removal, Dr. Kim entered the room to view his masterpiece. He said it was ok (which I equate as a big hurray). Dr. Kim specialises in a more natural look so he may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he's definitely my French Earl Grey. I'm still slightly swollen but the results look good to me so far. :)

Estelle then asked if I had any questions for Dr. Kim, and I only asked if I could laugh. He laughed, saying "can". Estelle also told me that I can resume any doc-prescribed medication (I'm on antidepressants) immediately after, but I'll play it safe and wait for another month or so.

I'll be heading back to NANA tomorrow because they forgot to ask for my profile shots, and then flying back the day after. Yippee.
 
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#13
lilbnt said:
So how did you find your overall experience with nana and how would you rate it? Did you like the doctors and care they gave you and would you return to them?
Click to expand...

Service: 6/10
What went well:
1. Effy provided information about the surgery and consultation timings.
2. Estelle was helpful and friendly.
3. Honey was really sweet too. I will miss her!
4. Dr. Kim made sure to manage my expectations, pre-empting me about swelling. He also walked me through my skin type (thicc) and explained that the results would take a while to show. He shared about how he would try to keep my nostrils to the same shape as before, and that it won't be 100% 'symmetrical' because asymmetry is normal. I liked that he also turned up during post-stitch removal for any final questions.
5. Nurses are efficient; stitch removal lasted 20 minutes max.
6. Administrative matters like filing for a tax rebate and confirming of identity were settled pretty fast (just bring your passport).
7. They did focus on my eyes and nose per my wish— no hard selling on modifying other parts.

What could have been improved:
1. Communication and responsiveness from NANA could have been better, especially in clarifying the consultation location (circa Sep 2022) and addressing inquiries promptly. The scheduling and appointment changes caused confusion and inconvenience.
2. Aftercare instructions were not thorough, and no aftercare package was provided (in my case).
3. Maybe not slap my face to wake me up? I find this a bit funny and can understand why they rushed me, but at the same time... hmm... YMMV.
4. I should have been informed ahead of time about the change in consultants (... twice).
5. The contract states that if my nose is not exactly satisfactory, I can approach NANA within 6 months to discuss a revision. However, since I have thick skin, 6 months may be too soon to tell. I would advise the next thicc skin queen to try extending that point.
6. Pricing transparency, but *laughs in foreigner*.

I have chosen not to include the issue of NANA forgetting to take my pictures and the need to return the following day as a con, since accidents happen and I'm glad it's not on my face. :biggrin:

Results: 8/10
What went well:
1. I can definitely see a visible difference. I believe BlackPink forgot to bring me back to Singapore for the tour (jk). Anyway, I'm pretty satisfied and excited about how my nose will morph over the following year!
2. I'm really just glad to also be alive after a whole year of avoiding videos on botched surgeries... no signs of implant infection/sickness yet.
3. My nose isn't particularly leaky anymore.
4. Vision also cleared up within days.
5. Dr. Kim is also observant and meticulous; he noticed that my right eye was ever-so-slightly (like... 5% at most, and it's barely noticeable) lazier than my left and helped to lift it with a few more stitches to boost symmetry.

Areas for improvement:
1. Clearer communication and thorough explanation of the surgical process and expectations.
I did entrust Dr. Kim to perform his magic, but I wasn't really walked through the type of implant he'd use (S-type, etc...).
2. More comprehensive aftercare instructions and provision of an aftercare package.

Overall: 7/10

Pro-tips:
1. Look through the hospital's portfolio and try to find a model with features that are similar to yours in the "Before" and features you'd like to have in the "After"! You can then DM to ask for the specific surgeon. Granted that most photos are photoshopped to heck, it really helped that I referred to his past work and told him I wanted a similar result, so it was basically at his fingertips.

2. Shop around more for a Plastic Surgery hospital, try to bargain a bit more too!– I hit up Hyundai (a serious contender), and MINE (to bargain), and they were actually more responsive, but I stuck with NANA because sunk cost already. :< It was a bit risky and I wouldn't recommend it.
 
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#15
plastic_cabbage said:
Service: 6/10
What went well:
1. Effy provided information about the surgery and consultation timings.
2. Estelle was helpful and friendly.
3. Honey was really sweet too. I will miss her!
4. Dr. Kim made sure to manage my expectations, pre-empting me about swelling. He also walked me through my skin type (thicc) and explained that the results would take a while to show. He shared about how he would try to keep my nostrils to the same shape as before, and that it won't be 100% 'symmetrical' because asymmetry is normal. I liked that he also turned up during post-stitch removal for any final questions.
5. Nurses are efficient; stitch removal lasted 20 minutes max.
6. Administrative matters like filing for a tax rebate and confirming of identity were settled pretty fast (just bring your passport).
7. They did focus on my eyes and nose per my wish— no hard selling on modifying other parts.

What could have been improved:
1. Communication and responsiveness from NANA could have been better, especially in clarifying the consultation location (circa Sep 2022) and addressing inquiries promptly. The scheduling and appointment changes caused confusion and inconvenience.
2. Aftercare instructions were not thorough, and no aftercare package was provided (in my case).
3. Maybe not slap my face to wake me up? I find this a bit funny and can understand why they rushed me, but at the same time... hmm... YMMV.
4. I should have been informed ahead of time about the change in consultants (... twice).
5. The contract states that if my nose is not exactly satisfactory, I can approach NANA within 6 months to discuss a revision. However, since I have thick skin, 6 months may be too soon to tell. I would advise the next thicc skin queen to try extending that point.
6. Pricing transparency, but *laughs in foreigner*.

I have chosen not to include the issue of NANA forgetting to take my pictures and the need to return the following day as a con, since accidents happen and I'm glad it's not on my face. :biggrin:

Results: 8/10
What went well:
1. I can definitely see a visible difference. I believe BlackPink forgot to bring me back to Singapore for the tour (jk). Anyway, I'm pretty satisfied and excited about how my nose will morph over the following year!
2. I'm really just glad to also be alive after a whole year of avoiding videos on botched surgeries... no signs of implant infection/sickness yet.
3. My nose isn't particularly leaky anymore.
4. Vision also cleared up within days.
5. Dr. Kim is also observant and meticulous; he noticed that my right eye was ever-so-slightly (like... 5% at most, and it's barely noticeable) lazier than my left and helped to lift it with a few more stitches to boost symmetry.

Areas for improvement:
1. Clearer communication and thorough explanation of the surgical process and expectations.
I did entrust Dr. Kim to perform his magic, but I wasn't really walked through the type of implant he'd use (S-type, etc...).
2. More comprehensive aftercare instructions and provision of an aftercare package.

Overall: 7/10

Pro-tips:
1. Look through the hospital's portfolio and try to find a model with features that are similar to yours in the "Before" and features you'd like to have in the "After"! You can then DM to ask for the specific surgeon. Granted that most photos are photoshopped to heck, it really helped that I referred to his past work and told him I wanted a similar result, so it was basically at his fingertips.

2. Shop around more for a Plastic Surgery hospital, try to bargain a bit more too!– I hit up Hyundai (a serious contender), and MINE (to bargain), and they were actually more responsive, but I stuck with NANA because sunk cost already. :< It was a bit risky and I wouldn't recommend it.
Click to expand...
Hey. I also went to NANA and did my surgery a week before you. Do you know if they mention anything about when to use the after care face mask sheet?- thanks
 
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