u/lemondraup

Hi all~

I'm in the early planning stages for a rhinoplasty (likely in Korea) and I'm trying to go in with realistic expectations, including the stuff that doesn't usually come up in a consult. I've read a lot of the clinical material, but I'm having a hard time finding patient perspectives on a few things, so I'd really appreciate honest answers from people who've actually been through it.

Main question: For those who've had part of the septal cartilage removed (grafting, leaving just an L-strut) — what does that area feel like now, especially if you've ever pressed on it or touched inside your nose (basically, what does picking your nose feel like)? Does it still feel like a firm wall, or more like a softer spot? I'm curious whether the mucosal lining fuses into something fairly sturdy over time, or whether it stays noticeably softer than the rest of the septum. Also curious if anyone has experienced a septal perforation (or came close) and what led to it. I want to understand the actual risks here that surgeons won't typically mention.

Broader question: For those who've had septal extension grafts and/or septal spreader grafts, are you able to feel it months, years post-op? Some surgeons I've consulted with recommended using septal spreader grafts to straighten out my deviated septum, and a septal extension graft to raise the tip of my nose. Based on online reports, I've read some patients can still feel the extension graft at the tip of their nose to a point where it obstructs their daily activities (like their nose feels like wood that doesn't bend). Granted, I think the higher the tip was raised, the more physically noticeable it is to the patient, but I want to hear real answers from real people.

I know some of this is a personal topic, so no worries at all if you'd rather answer generally or send a DM instead of posting publicly. Really just trying to make an informed decision before I commit to surgery. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience!

Hello, I'm planning a standalone sliding genioplasty (surgeons quoted me a 4-5mm advancement, no jaw surgery needed) and I've hit the limit of what research can tell me.

Everything online is side-profile before/afters and early recovery timelines. I want to hear from people 1-2+ years out about real daily life. I'm not looking for opinions on my plan and just want honest experiences from people with similar, smaller movements.

The stuff I can't find anywhere and want to know more about:

• Step-off — can you still feel it? Does it bother you?
• Front view — how different does it look from the front vs. profile? Is it what you expected?
• Muscles & smile — is your smile 100% back? Can you move your chin like before? Do chin dimples/creases still show? Any lower lip incontinence?
• Sensation — lingering numbness, tingling, cold-weather weirdness?
• Everyday stuff — resting your chin on your hand, sleeping face-down, getting bumped, kissing. Is it normal or still weird?
• Soft tissue & hardware — did the skin settle how you expected? Can you feel the plate/screws? Any tightness or looseness that wasn't there before? Jowls?
• The big one — would you do it again? What do you wish someone had told you?

Answer whichever apply to you! Even one detail helps at this point as I am planning on scheduling my surgery a month or two out. Please mention if yours was standalone or with jaw surgery, and roughly how many mm. Thanks!