At the Rhinoplasty Center of Long Island, we’ve had the privilege of helping patients achieve the facial harmony and breathing comfort they’ve long hoped for. One of our patients, Amanda, came to us seeking both cosmetic refinement and functional correction through rhinoplasty.
In the Q&A below, Amanda offers a detailed and candid look at her experience before, during, and after her surgery.
Amanda will now give us more insights into what her rhinoplasty journey was like from start to finish.
What made you decide to get rhinoplasty?
I had been self-conscious about my nose since I was a teenager. It had a noticeable bump on the bridge, and I always felt it looked too large for my face. Over time, it became more than just a cosmetic concern. I also had difficulty breathing through one side of my nose, especially at night.
What finally pushed me to act was seeing a photo from a family gathering. I didn’t like how I looked in profile. I knew then that I wanted to do something about it, not just for appearance, but also for better breathing.
How did you choose the Rhinoplasty Center of Long Island?
I spent a few weeks doing research. I searched specifically for rhinoplasty surgeons near Nassau County who specialized in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery. I read reviews and visited a few different offices for consultations.
The team at the Rhinoplasty Center of Long Island stood out right away. They took their time during the consultation, explained the entire process in a way that made sense, and even used digital imaging to show me a projected result. I didn’t feel rushed or pressured. That made a big difference.
What was the consultation process like?
It was more detailed than I expected, in a good way. Dr. Hoschander asked what bothered me most about my nose and whether I had any breathing issues. We discussed the overall shape of my face and how a refined nose would balance better with my features.
He also took photos and used computer software to show me a potential outcome. I understood that it wasn’t a guarantee, but it gave me a visual idea of the direction we were going.
He answered all my questions clearly, especially about recovery time, risks, and what kind of results were realistic. I left that appointment feeling informed and confident.
What was your biggest concern before the surgery?
I worried about two things. First, I was nervous the result would look unnatural or that I wouldn’t look like myself. Second, I was scared about the pain and recovery process.
But Dr. Hoschander reassured me that his approach was subtle and personalized. He wasn’t trying to give me a “perfect” nose. His goal was to create one that fit my face and fixed the breathing issue. That helped calm a lot of my fears.
Can you describe the day of surgery?
I arrived early in the morning, and the staff helped me feel at ease right away. I met with the anesthesiologist and went over everything one last time with Dr. Hoschander. Then they brought me into the operating room.
I don’t remember anything until I woke up. There was some pressure and congestion, but not sharp pain. They had already applied a splint, and I had some packing inside my nose to support the internal structures.
I was groggy but relieved. The nurse gave me instructions for care and let me know what to expect over the next few days.
How was the recovery process?
The first two days were the toughest. I felt congested and had to breathe through my mouth. Sleeping upright was uncomfortable, but manageable. I followed all the aftercare instructions closely.
By the third or fourth day, the swelling had gone down slightly, and I was moving around more. A week later, I returned to the office to have the splint and stitches removed. That was the first time I saw my new nose, and even though there was still swelling, I could tell the shape had changed in a good way.
Here are a few key points from my recovery that helped me:
- Minimal Pain: I expected it to hurt more, but the discomfort was mostly pressure and stuffiness.
- Bruising and Swelling: I had some bruising under my eyes, but it started fading around day five.
- Slow Progress: I didn’t see final results right away. It took a few months for the swelling to fully go down.
- No Glasses: I couldn’t wear my glasses on my nose for a few weeks. I used a support strap instead.
Recovery was very manageable and following the care instructions made all the difference.
How do you feel about your results now?
I am incredibly happy. My nose still looks like “me,” but better. The hump is gone, the tip is more refined, and it fits my face in a way that looks natural. People who didn’t know I had surgery couldn’t even tell at first.
And best of all, I can breathe so much better. I used to struggle during workouts or while sleeping, but now I have clear airflow on both sides. That alone made the procedure worth it.
What advice would you give someone considering rhinoplasty?
Do your research and make sure you’re doing it for yourself, not because of pressure from others. A few other tips that helped me include:
- Ask Questions: Don’t leave your consultation without a clear understanding of the process and risks.
- Follow Aftercare Strictly: Taking care of your nose afterward is just as important as the surgery itself.
- Be Patient: Swelling takes time to resolve. Final results can take months to appear.
- Be Realistic: You won’t come out looking like someone else. You’ll just look like more refined version of yourself.
Being informed and prepared helped me stay confident every step of the way.
Considering a Rhinoplasty in Long Island?
Amanda’s story highlights the importance of careful planning, open communication, and trust in your surgeon. At the Rhinoplasty Center of Long Island, Dr. Hoschander provides each patient with a tailored plan that focuses on both cosmetic refinement and improved nasal function.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, whether for aesthetic changes, breathing correction, or both, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you feel more confident and breathe more freely.
