Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery FAQs/ Commonly Asked Questions

It's been a little over 6 months since my last op and I still get lots of questions about plastic/ cosmetic surgery in general, as well as about my experience in this department. I've also had requests to come up with a longer list of FAQs or commonly asked questions about plastic/ cosmetic procedures in general. So here's one, hopefully enough to answer all your questions.

Is Plastic Surgery Safe?

All surgeries/procedures carry some sort of uncertainties and/or risks. However, plastic surgery procedures are normally safe when they're performed by a qualified, experienced board-certified physician. Find out what the risks are, how often they occur and how they will be handled if they do occur. If the doctor does not openly discuss the risks or admit that there are always risks, seek another opinion - just to be safe. Not everyone is a good candidate for every procedure, and the only way to find out what is right for you is to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon. Being transparent by disclosing all medical histories and/or past surgeries to the surgeon is very important, so that a true assessment of any surgical risks as well as expectations can be made. 

Am I a Suitable Candidate For Plastic Surgery?

If you are considering plastic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Exactly why do you want surgery? What you would like to achieve? And, what do you expect plastic surgery to do for you? You need to really discuss with your doctor to find out if your goals are realistic. I've heard that some patients get disappointed just because the results of the surgery turned out different from what they had in mind. Sometimes taking a picture to the surgeon just gives him/her the idea of what you want, but he/she may/may not be able to give you 100% to what you have in mind. Managing your expectations is very important!!

Plastic surgery can create both physical changes and also changes within (i.e. self-esteem). If you are seeking surgery with the hope of influencing a change in someone other than yourself, you might end up disappointed. It is possible that friends and loved ones will respond positively to your change in appearance and self-confidence, also possible that the same group of people respond to the new you in a negative way - however understand and accept that plastic surgery will not cause dramatic changes in people other than you.

How Can I Determine If A Plastic Surgeon Is Right For Me?

A visit to the surgeon's clinic for consultation gives you an opportunity to meet the surgeon in person, where you'd be able to gauge their personality and behavior. It is also important to evaluate their credentials and experience, which could be done during the visit. Before and after pictures of their patients are also another way that allows you to assess the skills and quality of their work. Sometimes, referrals or word-of-mouth reviews are a good way to bring up the surgeon's rep. But be mindful that reviews, especially sponsored ones, may or may not be true to the patient's experience.

Is Plastic Surgery Painful?

To me its not. The procedures are normally done under anaesthetic, depending on the type of surgery it may be local or general anaesthesia so you don't feel anything. However there may be slight discomforts during recovery.

On the other hand for aesthetic procedures like botox or fillers, anaesthetic cream is applied to minimize the sensation but sometimes may not be 100% painless (well also different for everyone since different people have different tolerance level for pain).

How Long Does It Take To Get Over Plastic Surgery?

There is a difference between being back on your feet and complete recovery.

• Quoted from Dailymail UK, 'With make-up, you'll be presentable two weeks after a facial surgery, but full recovery can take six months'.
• 'Most of the swelling with breast reduction disappears within two weeks, but it'll be up to nine months before you're back to normal.'
• After liposuction, you have to spend three weeks wearing very tight bandages over the areas treated. This can be hot, uncomfortable and embarrassing - it may even affect everyday activities (such as going to the loo).

Can you become addicted to plastic surgery?

Yes, totally possible. I can relate to it - once you start enhancing your features, you would want to "perfect" your look. Some days I look into the mirror and find little flaws which I want to fix just b'cuz it just seemed too easy to "fix" the flaws. Then again I would need to remind myself of my goal, which was to enhance the features I was not happy about, be happy for already becoming prettier than before, and (ironically) to remain as natural-looking as I can. 

On the other hand I feel for some patients who "tries" out plastic surgery to change one area at a time, end up getting more surgeries done - this (IMO) is b'cuz when you enhance one feature on your face, this one feature becomes very defined and does not match well with the other "flatter" features. This especially is true for Asians since we have less defined features altogether. That is how actually some people get more and more procedures done just to get the entire look right - if that makes sense.

What Factors Impact The Success Of Plastic Surgery?

A patient's age, general health, genetic background, skin type, and the nature of his/her procedure can affect any final result. Patients who smoke may also affect his/her recovery which in turn affects the final result. Lifestyle and habits of patients can also affect the success of the surgery result. Though there is no way to exactly predict a surgical outcome, the surgeon will examine patient before surgery begins and can project an estimate of the surgical result.

What Is The Recovery Process Like?

Threshold for pain is different for everyone, and each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medications to help relief discomfort post-op. Depending on the procedures done, there would be different ways to care for the surgery site of each types of surgery done.

How Soon Can I Return To Work?

Duration for downtime is not the same for different procedures and different people. Typically for simple surgeries like rhinoplasty & blepharoplasty, a few days to a week for patients to return to their normal activities is common. Patients often return to work 1 week post-op because stitches would be removed after a week or so.

How Soon Can I Start My Workout?

Light exercises like walking should be fine after you are able to return to you normal activities. For other activities that involve jumping movements like jogging, or workouts that involve applying pressure like weight lifting or even swimming (b'cuz of the wet workout environment) should be waited out for at least 1-2 months post-op. Best is if you could wait out a little longer just to be safe, you wouldn't want to mess up your costly procedures right away yea?

Is There Any Way To Minimize Swelling/Bruising?

Yes. Depending on the procedure, it might make sense to sleep in a reclining (slightly elevated) position for a week after surgery to minimize the collection of fluids in the face and eyelids - though for me I did not change my sleeping position bcuz I was not afraid of looking puffy, lol. The nurses or surgeon will give specific instructions about making and administering your cold and warm compresses. Do follow those instructions (best as you can) as it will not only reduce bruising and swelling, but they will also maximize and promote healing.

Will My Diet/Lifestyle Affect My Healing?
I would say yes. As usual after a surgery, there will be a diet to follow thru - i.e. no seafood, spicy food, chicken, eggs, and heaty food like nuts. Alcohol and smoking should also be refrained during this period. Eating the right foods after surgery can help decrease risk of infection and promote faster healing. Avoiding dusty places is also best for proper recovery.

To aid in the healing process, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish. Follow these steps to a healthy diet: 

• Eat foods with healthy fats and eliminate unhealthy fat intake
  Healthy: Omega-3 fats such as extra-virgin olive oil, fatty fish (salmon/sardine), fish oil, nuts (walnut/almond), seeds (chia), avocado, cheese, and coconut oil - healthy fat improves immune response and aid the body's absorption of vitamins.
  Unhealthy: Deep-fried foods and foods with saturated fats like butter, cream, lard, etc.
• Eat whole foods and limit intake of processed & refined foods
  Healthy: whole grains (carbs are important to keep fatigue at bay!), beans, fruits, veggies (generally foods that are unprocessed).
  Unhealthy: titbits, canned food, processed meats (sausage, bacon), soft drinks, etc.
• Eat lots of fruits (especially those high in anti-oxidants) & vegetables (esp. dark leafy green ones and orange ones)
  Healthy: blueberries, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, apples, citrus fruits, beetroot, carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, capsicum (any colour).
• Eat lean protein, or protein-sourced foods, and reduce intake of red meats and full fat dairy products
  Healthy: tofu, beans/legumes, fish, I suppose chicken is safe in westernised culture but not for our local culture. So it will be up to you to decide whether you prefer to include chicken as part of your recovery diet.
• Reduce intake of salt/salty foods - sodium/salt is know to cause water retention
  Healthy: try anti-inflammatory herbs/spices in cooking like garlic, onions, ginger, etc.
• Avoid alcohol - alcohol increases swelling, boosts bleeding, may make your medications dangerous, dries out your skin.
• Avoid smoking - smoking increases risks of developing blood clots, infection, and also hinders proper healing.

Will Others Be Able To Tell I Had Plastic Surgery?

Yes or no, this depends on the type of procedure taken. Well if you undergo a surgery for an obvious change, e.g. increase your breast size from A to D, then obviously people around you would be able to tell for sure. But in most regular cases if the changes to your face/body are not greatly exaggerated, people knowing you probably will not know if you had anything done. They will just notice that you look 'different', but can't pinpoint what it is. With that saying, the effects of plastic surgery is the most obvious during the recovery period as that area may be swollen, red, and uncomfortable. So its up to you if you need to "hide" during this period or be open about it.

Should I Have My Surgeries Separately Or Combined?

Both has its own advantages and disadvantages. To have your surgeries combined means to save on money (for travelling & accommodation), time and recovery downtime. Most surgeons offer some discounts for patients who go for multiple procedures at once. Some times also when combining multiple surgeries, you could possibly have a better outcome for your "make over". This also depends on your overall health, ability to recover, your surgeon will advise you whether to go for combined or separate surgeries in a staged manner. 

Hope I've answered most questions you had in mind. The answers given were mainly based on my personal experience on this topic I've collected the last few years; from the web or from my surgeons. Feel free to leave comments in the comment box below should you have more to ask pertaining this topic. 

P.s. if you'd like to know more about FAQs pertaining to my previous eyelid & nose surgeries, please refer to my previous blog post here.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Cheers and stay tuned for more posts. ; )

6 Months Post Op

5 Months Post Op

Sources from the web:

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-87569/The-20-cosmetic-surgery-questions.html#ixzz499iOTRje
2. http://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/the-effects-of-smoking-and-plastic-surgery/
3. https://www.realself.com/blog/reasons-alcohol-plastic-surgery-don-t-mix#.V0JyAOd95FQ
4. http://www.northcentralsurgical.com/best-foods-to-eat-after-surgery/
5. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/weight-loss_b_3146106.html
6. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-87569/The-20-cosmetic-surgery-questions.html#ixzz499ia7A8Y

Plastically Prettified: Part IV - Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a "nose job", may be by far the most common facial surgery done in the plastic surgery history. This has been what I've always wanted, to have a nose that is sharper on the tip, and for my nostrils to face downwards, not flared. I mean I knew I was never ugly to begin with, I just didn’t like the idea of flaring my nostrils at the camera. (Lol)

As I mentioned, I always toyed with the idea of getting a Rhinoplasty but never really set a timeline to it. I guess my interest only heightened when my girlfriend went for ps and I saw how simple it was and not scary like how everyone had imagined to be.

I started doing research on ps; like who has done what, what celebs have done, the nice & ps-gone-wrong kind, reading on how certain procedures were done, watching videos of faces being cut up by ps surgeons.. etc. Naturally after awhile, I became subconsciously observant towards people who have sharp or defined features. Well, I don't quite judge at the first look, but we all know that most asian women have softer features, or I would say Singaporean ladies generally do not have very defined features compared to other asians like Taiwanese or Chinese. When I see girls (or guys) with very sharp features, I tend to have the suspicion that they have underwent some "job/s". Of course I have nothing against anyone who has done or even thoughts about going thru ps, my observations are purely just a cause of curiosity. Well I guess so long as one doesn't get infatuated by it,  it's a real cosmetic advancement this current technology has in store for us. *winks*



My Research Process

To be honest, I was really a noob when I first started with my research. I didn't know the type of nose I liked/wanted, all I knew was just that I wanted a nicer nose. Why do I say noob? I only knew I wanted a nicer nose, but if you asked me to describe "the nose"I wanted, I don't think I could answer in a detailed description.

I looked at pictures of the few common people known for their ps; Dawn Yang, Xiaxue, Angelababy, Peggy Heng, etc, as well as celebs I thought had nice small noses like Fann Wong, and some other Korean stars. I think the one esp helpful for me was Xiaxue's blog about her ps, plus her FAQs video on rhinosplasty, guess that was the one that really gave me the idea of how I wanted my nose to be like, and I even learnt about words like "septum", "columella", and "dorsum"(it's really interesting, thanks Xiaxue!)

After seeing Korean Rhinosplasty techniques, I came up with a conclusion that even though I wanted to get a nose job, I would really much prefer to go the direction of a having a natural look. I really disliked my upturned nose (as previously mentioned), and also I noticed that noses with very high nose bridge looked pretty fake so I decided I didn't want any raise to my bridge area. So that’s it; natural look, longer tip (almost 90 degree from side profile), slight curve on dorsum, and no raise from bridge/ start of bridge from middle of eye intersection, basically I was trying to go for the "Korean nose"look.



Deciding on Doctor & Country 

I have a few friends who had their ps done in Thailand, some Bangkok, others Hatyai. Many approach surgeons in Thailand often because ps prices there are much more affordable (may be dirt cheap to some). I myself ever considered getting my nose job done in Thailand (wanted to save money lah), but because the prices are so good, I was often afraid that it may be too-good-to-be-true. Of course my friends who gotten their nose jobs done in Thailand came back with satisfactory results. I did notice that the type of "nose"they came back with was typically similar. And one thing in common was that those friends didn't have upturned noses before, all of them had the same idea of wanting a higher nose bridge only. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I have different needs as theirs (I wanted something like the Tiplasty, to lengthen the tip of nose), and I think that most doctors there does very generic nose jobs like only adding an implant on the bridge of patient's noses and not the more complicated jobs (thats why its so cheap). Because of this assumption, the only place I would go to for rhinoplasty is Korea.

So I made up my mind, but I was broke; couldn't afford the hefty price tag for a Korean doctor, the airfares and hotel expenses, so same thing happened, nothing.......

Then one day while I was surfing online on ps, I stumbled across a website about a Vietnamese doctor who went to Korea (Seoul) to learn the Korean ps skills and got certified, he also had Korean implants imported back to Ho Chi Min where he practices. The clinic even provides patients with a 10-years warranty card where patients could return to the clinic should anything happen to your "job".
It was time! Lol! I was so sold on his whole profile, I emailed him on some enquiries I had, booked a slot, and flew to Ho Chi Min City within a week.

Prior to that, I haven't heard of any friends who been to Vietnam for ps nor did I come across anyone who done their surgeries in Vietnam. I chose to go to HCMC mainly because of the Doctor who learnt Korean technology/skills + he imports Korean implants, as well as the affordable price tag. I done my rhinoplasty with silicon implant + ear cartilage (for lengthening my nose tip) at approximately SGD$2k (inclusive of one night stay at the hospital and company of a female staff). Im guessing for the same procedure if done in Korea should cost at least 3-4 times more, and that's not inclusive of airfares & other expenses. So it was definitely a win-win for me!

Just give you an idea of what I meant by my earlier description of my ideal nose...

And that is what the clinic called; S Line Nose...

-start of bridge from middle of eyes intersection

-curve line from forehead to bridge to nose tip

- nose tip lengthen to create an almost 90 degree side profile

-slim, sharp nose tip

And I showed the Doc this pic for reference.....

(Actually I didn't know who this lady was before apart from the adverts she has as a Laneige ambassador. Just looked up, her name is Song Hye Kyo. Like her natural looking-defined nose.)

My Experiences in Vietnam- Ho Chi Min City

I flew to HCMC alone on one of the budget airlines (can't remember, its either Tigerair or JetStar which costs approx. $200ish for a round trip). Was there for a total of 8/9 days. (Sorry can't remember the specific details as this post is super overdue!)

I touched down in HCMC late noon/early evening, the airport was small and not well developed.
Got out and took a cab from the designated airport taxi counter and went straight to the hotel.

I booked the hotel Hong Vy, which was walking distance from the clinic (according to my estimation from looking at the map. Its quite like a budget hotel, simple with all the necessary things you need (eg toiletries, slipper, mini bar), and also comes along with free breakfast buffet.

By the time I got to my hotel room and settled down, it was almost time for dinner. So I went out to do abit of reece-ing (hehe). Saw Banh Mi (a friend of mine recommended it to me, its Vietnamese sandwich using baguette bread), grabbed one and headed back to my hotel. There was not much downstairs, and I didn't dared to walk too far off alone as I was afraid of getting lost.. Anyway a few days later I went out again and there were small convenient shops along the same stretch so it wasn't too bad, as in I had other food options. :P

(This is the "photography" version of Banh Mi)

(How the actual road side stall looks like)

(and this is me pigging out.. hehe)

So right after the Banh Mi, I had to start fasting... till the next morning for surgery. I could only eat after the surgery was completed. I think this is so because my surgery was done under GA (General Anesthetic), and if I had food in my stomach I may throw up during the surgery causing complications. (see link: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1019.aspx?CategoryID=69&SubCategoryID=692)



To Hanquoc Clinic for Pre-Op Consultation

Morning came, excited for what's to come; my new nose! :D
I changed into something comfy, packed my backpack and moved off to Hanquoc Clinic (didn't check-out of hotel, just left it empty for a day while I was at the hospital). I walked for approx. 10mins using google map, but couldn't locate the clinic. Had to seek directions from a dental nurse (in the dental clinic) along the way.. then took another 10 minutes to get there (so I guess my map estimation was pretty bad, lol!). It's pretty easy and quick to get there, just that there's really alot (alot!) of motorcycles on the road during rush hour. And if you're not a fan of walking, you could cab to the clinic and get there in approximately 5 minutes.

Arrival at the clinic, from outside the clinic looks pretty presentable (much better looking than those cheap clinics in Hatyai). Its tucked slightly off the main road that leading into a smaller road. 

          

          

          

I stepped in, met this guy (I suppose it's the surgeon's assistant) and was taken into the consultation room. He asked me the usual questions like my concerns and what my expectations were. After listening and understanding, he took pictures of my face in different profiles in preparation for the 3D Vectra program. It's basically a program that let's the doctor play with "shaping" any part of your face and showing patients how he or she would look like.

Here's an example of how the Vectra 3D machine looks like.

(Picture taken from: http://www.egrari.com/about-us/about-technology/vectra-3d/ )

(the actual machine at the clinic)

Here's an example of how the Vectra 3D application looks like when comparing before and after, so you can have an idea of how you look like in your ideal description. In this case, this illustration is showing the women's nose before and after straightening of her nose bridge.

(Picture taken from: http://www.facialplastics.info/blogs/the-new-plastic-surgery-app.html )

(their collection of implants)

(haha.. was playing with boob implants. the one im squeezing is an example of the older types of implants which are not recommended, and the ones on the right are the newer types of implants)

To be honest, I didn't really like how I looked in the "After" picture...I do not know if I looked weird or I just wasn't used to the change-of-nose look. I stared at the screen for a while and after 10 minutes, I told the surgeon's assistant "let's do it" (well since I already flew all the way there, I thought it would be a waste if I went home looking the same). 

There was a big white car (quite nice and clean looking) that picked me up from the clinic, together with one of the female clinic assistants, to the hospital. The ride took about 15-20 minutes.

          

At The Hospital

To cut things short, after I was registered I was taken around the hospital for some basic checks eg. blood pressure and weight, etc. then given a set of surgical gown to change into. I sat in one of the rooms and waited, then got to see Dr. Nam (the surgeon who learnt the Korean ps techniques) for the first time. We spoke a little, told him what my wants were, showed him a picture of the Korean celeb, confirmed my procedure and off he went for preparation for the surgery. Dr. Nam is pretty much a person with few words, he seemed like a patient & gentle doctor... (in my own opinion)

Time check; 12ish-pm.....

I was sitting on one of the beds in a "recovery room"where other patients who had their surgeries done were resting. All of them seemed like they were in their sleep, they look like they just got their surgeries done (bandaid up) and were still in sleep due to GA (General Anesthetic). 

Lying on the ops theatre bed..... 

Feeling nervous..... The surgeons (looked like there were 2. I suspect one as the main surgeon and the other was the assistant surgeon) and male nurses (all in the room were men) were busy walking around preparing all the ops tools and making sure everything's in place before the surgery began. The assisting surgeon then smiled at me cheekily as he was saying some thing to his nurses (he looked like he was telling some kinda joke to his nurses assisting him), guess I was too stressed at that point to make out what they were saying and in fact that relieved me of some stress though I couldn't quite understand(lol). He applied the GA and shortly after I was gone..................

Time check; 3 o'clock in the noon.

I opened my eyes, and I felt like I was spinning and definitely felt terrible.. felt really nauseas... couldn't move as I was feeling too much discomfort... closed my eyes.... goner again....

(Okay.. this post is way overdue, it has been 8 months since my surgery... I'd have to admit I can't quite remember the exact details of where I woke up etc etc immediately after my surgery. So I guess I'll just have to give you guys the details best of what I can remember. Pardon me!)

The thing/sensation I MOST remembered was that I felt terribly nauseas all night long, and what made it worse was that I couldn't breathe!! (because thick cotton buds were stuck into both my nostrils to keep blood from dripping, but they were so thick they completely blocked my breathing passage thru my nose) That was pretty Sh*tty.. I threw up all night and I think its due to the GA.. I was practically throwing up gastric juices (empty stomach for too long) and some bitter substance which I guessed was the medication from the GA (think so?). Lucky there was this female assistant (think she's some customer service rep that was sent by the clinic to keep my company and take care of me for the night) with me to help me when I threw up (change of plastic bags & getting new tissues) or get down the bed to the toilet. She was nice but couldn't speak or understand english (she's Vietnamese). I couldn't sleep because it was really difficult to sleep with mouth open and breathing thru my mouth as there were times i would have accidentally closed my mouth and then choke myself awake gasping for air. I just had to bear with all that till the next day....

(Me... right after I woke up in my own room in the hospital)

(my 2 bags of vomit, and bloody tissues)

Dawn came.. I was still feeling sh*tty because of the blocked nose, but what made me feel better was that I probably threw up all the GA medication and I no longer felt nauseas (*yay*consolation..*rolls eyes*). The lady who accompanied me thru the night gave me a bottle of milk (those concentrated and expensive kind you buy from the hospital) and I drank with a straw. Drinking or eating with a complete blocked nose was no fun... it can get pretty tiring trying to gasp for air, chew, swallow, and maintain the adequate amount of air consistently...which goes to say, it felt really exhausting everytime I drank (needless to say eat, bleh).

I washed up my dirty face (from blood & puke), changed back into my casuals, and was discharged from the hospital. The female assistant sent me down to take a taxi back to my hotel. And I asked her for a place where I could buy more of the "hospital milk" as I knew I wouldn't be able to eat properly for the next 2 days. There was a little store just right outside of the hospital, they sold the milk in packs of 6 (bottles) which didn't cost much (can't remember exactly but I would think it didn't cost more than a dollar each). Btw, the milk is reaalllly sweet... if you're not too much of a fan of sweet drinks, try drinking some first then add water into the bottle. Or alternatively pour the milk out into a glass and add water. Thats what I did, mixed the milk with water for a taste less sweet and one bottle could last me 2 servings. Remember no seafood, chilli, dark soy sauce, alcohol after surgery (at least for the first 2 weeks). And definitely no smoke!! Im not joking! Keep the woulds clean and fresh. Im speaking from experience. If you've read my previous post about my epicanthoplasty, you would know that I've already warned.

(Day 1: Swollen face; around the nose area. Photo taken when I first got back to my hotel room)

(The "hospital milk", lol)

Road To Recovery

(Day 1 Dinner: horrible room service; some asparagus soup... bleh.. I took a mouthful and remembered I shouldn't be taking seafood, there were bits in the soup that tasted like crab meat..)

(Day 1 Breakfast: Buffet.... so difficult to eat without breathing... :/ )

(Day 2 Breakfast)

(Day 2 Lunch + Dinner + Snacks)

(Day 3 Breakfast)

(Day 4 Breakfast: Best comfort food.. Porridge)

(Can't remember which day this is, but its pretty obvious the swelling has went down by alot)

(Semi-side profile)

I travelled to HCMC alone, but I had a friend join me on the 5th to 8th day.

So on the 6th day, we checked out of Hong Vy Hotel, and we went to another hotel closer to the market area; The White Hotel)

(Dinner on the 4th day post-op: Finally my friend arrived, rescued me by taking me out for proper food. By then I regained my breathing by 80%.. So happy I had my tastebuds back.. Muahahahahaha!)

(See see... Dinner was yummy.. The Pho was gooood!)

(Checkng into The White Hotel, very white hor. lol)

(Rooms very clean, small, and cosy.. not bad for a budget hotel)

(The cafe right across our hotel. Went thee for coffee after checking-in)

(If you are a coffee lover, you should really try their iced-coffee sold by road side stalls.. very very thick!! Kopi Gao!! lol)

(View from inside of ShiBuYa Cafe)

(Night view: Street of HCMC)

The Post-Op Appointment 

So this is the day of post-op appointment, which is exactly a week since the surgery. Was feeling excited to remove the cast and have my nose cleaned up 'cuz t hasn't been cleaned since the day I did my surgery!! I was secretly afraid that there would be mould or pimples on my nose since its so dirty, lol!

(*Jiang-jiang* - I know, i look horrible with my humongous nose)

(Show you how the back of my ear looked like. It wasn't really painful, it just felt like a hole when I touch it. Photo was taken by the nurse who was cleaning my wounds.)

(Before & After: Front profile)

(Before & After: Right profile)

(Before & After: Left profile)

(This picture really shows how swollen my nose was... it made my eyes look weird..)

(Breakfast from The White Hotel....erm..)

(Our dinner at some cafe nearby.. And no, the la-la wasn't for me)

(Day 7: Pedicure after post-op appointment)

(Tea at ShiBuYa Cafe again)

(You know what that is? Camomile flowers.. HCMC has many stalls selling teas & flowers. You can see them around markets)

Back In Singapore

Haha. Please bear with my selfies... Was trying to snap selfies daily (or few times a week) to document my recovery progress. So the following are pictures since June 2013 to Feb 2014. 

(First night back home. Nose still HUGE)

(HUGE)

(Can cucumbers make them de-swell? lol. nah. I was trying to soothe my irritated skin)

(June 2013)

(My nose looks so prominent now. Colleagues say I look Korean. lol.)

(July 2013: On my way out for an airline interview)

(Bare-faced to Tampines Central)

(Back to office)

(August 2013: Heading out for interview)

(Last quarter of 2013)

(Jan 2014 - Selfie: After my 1st time getting eyelash extensions)

(Jan- CNY Eve 2014)

(Feb 2014)

I am happy with how I look now, much more defined nose than before thats really natural looking 'cuz its not overly small & sharp. Many of my female friends like it too. I am still waiting for the size of my nose to go down (hopefully) as I read from others online saying that the nose could take a year or more for the swelling to go off completely. So Im just hoping that mine could go down just a little bit more. Heh.

That's all folks (for now, hehe). I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and hopefully sharing these experiences can help you better decide on what you really want. Please feel free to leave comments and I'll try my best to answer them. Cheers! ;)