Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Melissa and I am 21 years old. I
created this web page to inform others of the procedure and to document my progress.
Let me start out by stating what was wrong with my original nose. Like most rhino patients I was
constantly teased about my big, troll-like nose. It was wide and bolbous with a boxy tip. I dreaded having my pictures
taken, let alone see them! OH the horror!!! It seemed it would pop out at me. I remember getting my proofs back from my senior
picture photo session. I refused to let my mother buy them. Those pics made me think, "wow, do I really look that bad?" I
had to do something!
I had been researching the procedure for several years. I went to about 5 consultations in
my area, none of the surgeons specialized in rhino. I finally had the guts (and money) to finally do it! But who will
be the lucky surgeon to do it? I knew I wanted a specialist since I heard rhino is THE hardest cosmetic surgery to perform,
even for the best of surgeons.
I went with a well known doctor, Dr. Toriumi in Chicago Il. I heard he was "The Best" and after
consulting with several plastic surgeons here in Michigan I decided to find out for myself.
I drove about 5 hours for a consultation and immediatly after I walked out of his office I got
a gut feeling I had to have "The Best"! His before and after photos were amazing! The game plan was to rasp the small bump
on the bridge, shorten the length, slim and round off the boxy-bolbous tip using a spreader graft, collumella strut to prevent
tip drooping, and also put cartilage in my nostrils to prevent them from collapsing. He did not reduce my nostrils as I suggested because
he wasn't sure that I needed it. He did say that if I did want it later on he can perform an in office procedure to reduce
them.
You will find a lot of info about my surgery in my Rhinoplasty Journal and by following my progress
on the photo page. If you have any questions AT ALL please e-mail me at MNicklow@hotmail.com. I want to help as many others as possible! Feel free to e-mail your comments as well!
08/23/03: Sorry it's been so long since I updated the site!! I just
went to my 4 1/2 post op visit a few weeks ago. Dr. T says my swelling has gone down a lot, but I'm not there yet. These pics
are taken at 5 months. I did get my pictures taken at the office, but I have not received a copy yet. When I do I will update.
08/04/04: WOW! It has been almost a year since I have updated this site!!
I am so sorry! I have been going through a lot of tough times in the past year-nothing to do with my nose, that is going PERFECT!
I have refined so, so much since my last photos were taken. Unfortuantly, I haven't been taking photos like I should. Right
now I am 1 year and about 4 months post op. My tip has narrowed quite a bit, and at my last appointment a few months ago Dr.
T said it has a little ways to go. Check out my journal for more info on my current status!
08/01/06
I am over 3 years post op now. 110% happy with my results. I don't even think about my nose now, like it has
always been a part of me. It totally changed my life (my rhinoplasty). I feel better about myself and I know I probably wouldn't
have been as confident in life with the "old nose". It was a risk I am glad I took. Research is key, people! I would recommend
Dr. Toriumi over any other surgeon. Sure, he isn't the cheapest, but this is your face! Don't mess around or you're bound
to be unhappy. Go with the gut, it will never steer you wrong. Good luck and Aloha!
Always if you have any questions or concerns e-mail me, but please read the FAQ first!
