My rhinoplasty experience from A to Z.

I first explained to the doctor that I didn’t like my profile, that the tip of my nose was too wide, and that my nose moved downwards when I spoke or smiled.

I also told him that the most important thing was for my new nose to fit with the other features of my face.

After this, we began the main part of the examination.

First of all, the doctor took my medical history, starting with how old I was, if I smoked or drank, and asking about other daily habits such as diet and exercise. Then he asked me if I had any existing or previous health problems.

Once he had taken my medical history, Dr. Mireas examined the inside of my nose using video endoscopy and showed me the result on a computer screen, explaining that I had a deviated septum. Until then, I hadn’t even realized that this was the cause of some minor breathing problems that I had been experiencing!

He reassured me that he would be able to correct this during the operation and that I would be able to breathe normally from then on.

Once Dr. Mireas had thoroughly examined the inside of my nose, we were ready for the 3D simulation.

I sat in front of a complicated-looking piece of equipment with 3 cameras. Some lights flashed, and in less than a minute, a 3D-image of my face appeared on the computer screen.

Based on this image, I was able to explain exactly what changes I wanted.

Dr. Mireas then created a set of pictures of what my nose could look like after the operation.

I told Dr. Mireas “I want you to improve my profile, to raise the tip of my nose and to fix it so that my nose doesn’t move down towards my mouth when I smile or laugh. I also want my nose to be thinner, because it is too fat.”

Dr. Mireas then explained to me what was surgically possible and what would fit better with my face. He assured me that the result would look absolutely natural and no one would even realize that I had had a nose job.

We spent an hour looking at different options on the screen. Using the mouse, we changed the size and shape of my nose, trying out different widths and angles. We were able to put one version next to another, or on top of another, and make lots of other comparisons before arriving at exactly the right one for me.

For the first time, I was able to see before and after images of my nose.

And sure enough, the nose that I saw on the screen was exactly the same as the one that I would see in the mirror a few days later!

What I realized is that the 3D simulation can help answer a lot of the questions that a patient might have.

A patient can also have an unrealistic “shopping list” of wishes and demands. Thankfully, with a 3D simulation an expert surgeon can easily explain which are surgically feasible and fit better with a person’s face, appearance and personality.

I arrived at Mediterraneo Hospital just a couple of hours before the operation, I signed some papers for the admission, and they gave me a pre-op examination.

I was shown to my room, which was warm and pleasant. Dr. Mireas and his colleague, the anesthesiologist Dr. Makrypoulias, visited me in case I had any last-minute worries or questions.

A few minutes later, I was taken to the operating room. Before I had even counted to three, I was asleep, and my operation had obviously begun.

Two hours later, Dr. Mireas, and his team woke me up with a smile and shortly afterwards I was taken back to my room. Dr. Mireas passed by to see me, to ask if I needed anything, and to make sure I knew what my post-op instructions were. Because Dr. Mireas does not use internal packing, I didn’t need to see him for another six days, when I would come to the VIP-Rhinoplasty Center to have the cast removed and I would finally be able to see my new nose.

I was able to get out of bed almost immediately; I ate a light meal later in the afternoon and I left hospital in the early evening.

I had to take antibiotics for just 3 days and to wash the inside of my nose and apply an ointment 3 times a day for a month. Dr. Mireas told me that I wouldn’t need any painkillers and he was absolutely right! I didn’t feel any pain at all, either in the first days or later. The only thing I noticed was a slight swelling, which went down very quickly and had completely disappeared after about ten days.

Six days after my surgery. I visited the VIP-Rhinoplasty Center for the second time. The big moment had arrived! Using a Q-tip, Dr. Mireas very gently removed the cast from my nose and as he had promised, it didn’t hurt at all. He performed a quick check of my breathing and we were ready. Dr. Mireas handed me a mirror and I saw my dream had come true!

“It’s exactly what I wanted! It’s not someone else’s nose! It’s mine and it’s absolutely beautiful!”

I would personally recommend that anyone who wants to improve their appearance and their breathing should go ahead with it and not be afraid. It’s so easy and painless that I’m sure they won’t regret it.

The most important thing is to find the right doctor, who can perform the surgery that you really want, ideally using the piezo technique. I would also say that it is essential to have an extended consultation including a 3D simulation followed by a discussion that answers all your questions, to make absolutely sure that you want to go ahead with the operation.