Rhinoplasty Patient Journey

• April 29, 2025
• Mr Mrinal Supriya

Last updated on April 30, 2025

Introduction – My Decision to Have Rhinoplasty

Deciding to have rhinoplasty wasn’t something I rushed into. For many years, I had struggled with confidence about the size and appearance of my nose, especially my profile and side profile. It had always been a source of self-consciousness, influencing how comfortable I felt in social settings or when having my photograph taken.

After a long period of thought, research and reflection, I realised this procedure had the potential to make a profound difference to my self-esteem and overall happiness. My hopes were straightforward but significant: I wanted to finally feel confident about my nose.

Of course, I also had natural concerns – particularly about the recovery process. I wondered how painful it might feel immediately after surgery and how manageable discomfort, swelling, or difficulty breathing might be.

Ultimately, despite these apprehensions, my motivation outweighed my fears. I had reached a point where the idea of feeling genuinely comfortable with my appearance seemed within my grasp and that feeling far exceeded any temporary anxieties I had about the procedure itself.

After careful consideration, I decided to move forward with rhinoplasty at the British Face Clinic, confident I was in expert hands and hopeful about finally addressing something that had been affecting my confidence for so long.

Preparing for My Surgery

The day before my rhinoplasty, I experienced a real mixture of excitement and nervousness. After months of anticipation, I was genuinely pleased the big day was finally here. But alongside this excitement, I felt apprehensive about the recovery process that awaited me. The uncertainty about what exactly it would feel like post-surgery weighed on my mind, making me restless yet determined.

To manage these nerves and feel prepared, I made sure to organise myself practically. Several weeks before surgery, I’d already bought items recommended by the clinic to make recovery easier, such as a 30-degree wedge pillow to help me sleep comfortably upright and a cool mist humidifier to ease nasal congestion. Additionally, I began taking arnica tablets, provided by Holly from British Face Clinic, to minimise any potential bruising or swelling.

The evening before surgery, I carefully re-read all the information provided by the clinic and Athena Medical Centre, reassuring myself about the procedure’s logistics and reminding myself of the specific outcomes I’d discussed with my surgeon, Mr Supriya. Packing a small overnight bag helped ease my anxiety, making me feel as ready as possible for what lay ahead.

Although I was naturally anxious, I was reassured knowing I had done everything I could to ensure the next day would go smoothly. That night, I went to bed hopeful, nervous, but ready for this new chapter to begin.

The Morning of My Surgery

When I woke up on the morning of my rhinoplasty, I felt a strange mixture of nerves and readiness. It was surreal – after waiting so long, the reality of what I was about to do was finally sinking in. My anxiety grew a bit as the journey began; traffic was unexpectedly heavy due to a few accidents and this delay made me slightly late for my admission time.

Naturally, this heightened my nervousness, but a quick, reassuring phone call to the Athena Surgical Centre calmed me down significantly. The receptionist was friendly, calm and supportive, immediately putting my mind at ease.

Once I arrived, my nerves began to settle further. The atmosphere at Athena was welcoming and calm, exactly what I needed at that moment. A friendly nurse took me straight to my private room, where visits from the anaesthetist and my surgeon, Mr Supriya, soon followed. Their warmth, professionalism and reassurance quickly dissolved any remaining anxieties I had.

In the run-up to surgery, I’d done all I could to be prepared, but experiencing this genuine compassion from the team made the biggest difference. Sitting there in the room, hearing them clearly outline each step of the process, I felt fully supported and reassured. Though I was naturally still a little nervous, I felt safe, prepared and confident that everything was going exactly as it should.

Immediately After Surgery

When I first woke up from surgery, my initial thought was simply relief that it was done. I felt quite tired and slightly groggy from the anaesthetic and initially, I did experience some discomfort and pain. Thankfully, I received immediate pain relief in the recovery room, which made a huge difference. From that point on, the pain subsided quickly and by the evening, discomfort was minimal.

The main issue I experienced was nasal congestion – it felt like having a severe cold, with my nose completely blocked. It wasn’t exactly painful, but certainly uncomfortable and somewhat annoying. To manage this discomfort, I relied heavily on the clear, comprehensive instructions the clinic provided in my discharge pack. I began carefully logging the timing of my pain medication, which helped me to manage my comfort effectively.

My partner’s support was invaluable in these first hours at home, helping me move around safely and ensuring I rested comfortably. I also started using my cool mist humidifier, which definitely helped ease some congestion. Although I had nasal spray and irrigation supplies, I decided to wait another day due to slight nasal bleeding.

Reflecting on my experience at Athena Surgical Centre, I felt genuinely grateful. Every member of staff was attentive and caring, the facility itself was clean and calm and the entire day had been exceptionally organised. I left feeling well cared for, informed and reassured that my recovery was off to a great start.

My Early Days of Recovery (Days 1 to 3)

The day after my surgery, I woke feeling physically tired but relieved that the pain remained surprisingly minimal. The most noticeable discomfort was my nose – it was still completely blocked and swollen, making breathing uncomfortable and causing my throat to feel dry and sore.

Emotionally, however, I felt calm and reassured, especially after receiving a courtesy call from Holly at British Face Clinic. Her advice and reassurance about what to expect in the coming days greatly eased my worries. Seeing some before-and-after images of my nose also lifted my spirits, reinforcing that the journey was worth it.

By day 2, my swelling and bruising had increased slightly, particularly around my eyes and upper lip. Thankfully, the pain was easily controlled with the medication I was carefully tracking. Congestion remained persistent, so I started using the provided Otrivine nasal spray and I planned to attempt nasal irrigation the following day. Taking a quick bath that day gave me a refreshing boost, helping me feel more like myself again.

Day 3 marked a significant improvement in how I felt overall. My nose briefly cleared during the night, offering a glimpse of relief, although it quickly became blocked again. I also developed some discomfort in my coccyx area from sitting elevated, which led me to order an inflatable ring cushion for additional comfort.

Another reassuring call from the nurse at Athena Surgical Centre helped me confidently start nasal irrigation, something I had felt anxious about. Reflecting on these early days, I was genuinely impressed by the clinic’s exceptional care and constant availability.

My First Week at Home (Days 5 to 7)

By day 5, I noticed a significant improvement in my swelling and bruising, particularly around my eyes, which had almost entirely faded. Only mild puffiness around my top lip remained. I was becoming excited about the subtle changes I could already see – my nose definitely looked smaller beneath the cast, heightening my anticipation for the upcoming splint removal.

Throughout these initial days, patience became my biggest ally. I rested frequently, kept a detailed medication schedule and continued taping my nose at night as recommended by the clinic, which noticeably helped with the swelling. Despite the slight irritation from congestion and the nasal cast, I remained optimistic, encouraged by the steady progress I saw daily.

By day 7, my splint began to feel itchy and somewhat irritating, which, although mildly uncomfortable, made me even more eager for its removal. Looking back, I recognised the first 3 days post-op had been the toughest – not due to pain, but due to congestion and general discomfort. Still, these challenges were short-lived and I felt proud of how quickly I had adapted to my recovery routine.

At this stage, the biggest emotional milestone was approaching: seeing my new nose clearly for the first time without the cast. I felt slightly nervous but overwhelmingly excited, reassured that choosing British Face Clinic had been the right decision.

Seeing My New Nose for the First Time (Splint Removal)

When the day finally arrived for my splint removal, I felt a rush of anticipation mixed with slight nervousness. By now, the splint had begun to feel itchy and somewhat irritating, so I was genuinely looking forward to the relief of having it removed – but most of all, I was excited to see the results of my surgery.

As soon as the splint came off and I saw my new nose clearly for the first time, I felt an immediate wave of joy and relief. It was exactly the outcome I had hoped for – my nose looked visibly smaller and refined, yet natural.

Remarkably, it still felt very much like “me,” just a more confident version. This subtle yet profound transformation instantly reassured me that I had made the right decision in trusting British Face Clinic and Mr Supriya.

Feedback from my family and partner, who had understandably been somewhat cautious about me undergoing the procedure, further solidified my happiness. They commented on how natural and harmonious my new nose looked, perfectly complementing my facial features.

Their genuine reactions meant the world to me, boosting my confidence further and reaffirming that my results were not only noticeable but also genuinely suited me. In that moment, any lingering doubts vanished completely. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one where I could finally feel comfortable and proud of my appearance.

Returning to Normal Life (Weeks 2 to 4)

By 2 weeks post-op, my swelling continued to steadily decrease, with noticeable improvements each day. Taping my nose each night, as advised, significantly accelerated the healing process.

I was amazed at how neatly my scars were healing; the stitches had mostly dissolved and the fine lines were barely visible. Sensation gradually returned to the tip of my nose and it felt wonderful to witness these small yet meaningful signs of recovery.

Physically, I felt stronger and more like myself each day, comfortably resuming normal activities much sooner than anticipated. Emotionally, this period marked a transformative shift in my self-confidence.

Adjusting to my new appearance was surprisingly quick and effortless – I no longer felt self-conscious in social situations, crowded rooms, or when having my photograph taken. It felt as if a weight had been lifted, allowing me to truly relax and enjoy social interactions without anxiety.

Throughout weeks 3 and 4, swelling noticeably improved further, particularly around the tip of my nose. Watching these subtle changes unfold daily gave me great satisfaction, especially when comparing my progress against earlier photos.

By the end of the month, the initial concerns I had about recovery were distant memories. I felt rejuvenated, proud and increasingly excited about the ongoing improvements still to come. Reflecting at this stage, my only regret was that I hadn’t taken this transformative step sooner.

My Long-Term Results and Reflections (Months 2–3)

By the time I reached 2 months post-op, my nose had continued to heal exceptionally well. The swelling had significantly reduced, although some slight swelling persisted around the tip – something I’d expected after discussions with Mr Supriya, who explained it might take up to 9 to 12 months to fully resolve. At this stage, I no longer needed to tape my entire nose at night; instead, only taping the tip was sufficient. This small step symbolised another milestone in my recovery journey.

At 3 months, my results surpassed all my initial expectations. Seeing my nose now compared to how it looked before surgery, I was genuinely amazed. My new nose looked incredibly natural, fitting perfectly with my facial features. The subtle yet impactful changes had a profound effect on how I felt about myself, significantly boosting my confidence in everyday life.

Reflecting on the experience overall, what surprised me most was how smoothly everything had gone – from the initial consultation and careful planning through surgery, immediate recovery and into these later stages of healing. Every interaction I had with British Face Clinic had been reassuring, professional and compassionate. The genuine care I received made an enormous difference, ensuring I felt supported at every step.

My advice to anyone considering this journey would simply be to trust the process, rest well during those crucial first days and closely follow all instructions. The journey is undoubtedly worth it.

Final Thoughts – Why I’m Glad I Chose British Face Clinic

Choosing to undergo rhinoplasty at British Face Clinic was genuinely life-changing. Before the procedure, I spent years feeling self-conscious about my nose, often avoiding social situations or photographs, always aware of how it made me feel.

But today, those feelings are entirely gone. I no longer feel anxious or uncomfortable about my appearance – in fact, my self-image has transformed dramatically. I now feel genuinely confident, free to fully enjoy life without that constant burden of self-consciousness.

British Face Clinic played a huge role in making my experience so positive. From the very beginning, their team took the time to carefully listen to my concerns, clearly outline each stage and reassure me every step of the way.

The professionalism, care and ongoing support I received from everyone involved – especially Holly, Mr Supriya and the nurses at Athena Surgical Centre – were exceptional, making me feel valued, supported and truly cared for.

My biggest regret is simply not doing this sooner. The recovery period was far more manageable than I anticipated and the emotional benefits far outweighed any temporary discomfort.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, I wholeheartedly recommend British Face Clinic – not just because of my outstanding results but because of the incredible support and kindness you’ll experience throughout your journey. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and I’m genuinely excited for anyone about to begin their own transformation.