Ever since I was 10 I did not like the look of my nose and when I turned 18, I got a rhinoplasty and lipofilling on my forehead and chin. When I first introduced the idea of me getting a nose job to my family, they were against the idea. They did not want me to get such an intense and painful surgery at a young age and they wanted me to think it through. I told them that the main reason I wanted this surgery was not to “fit into the societal norms” but so I could feel more comfortable in my own skin. When I expressed myself more thoroughly, they decided to let me get the procedure done as an 18th birthday gift.
Even though I had somewhat of an idea of how painful it was going to be, I did not care. I had no anxiety or fear before my surgery, and I trusted my surgeon and his ideas. After the surgery, I realized how painful the healing process of the rhinoplasty was — the first two weeks were unbearably painful and difficult for me. It was kinda hard for me to get used to the new look of my nose but I cannot describe satisfaction I had once the swelling and bruising around my face went away. The increase in my self-confidence was insane, which was when I realized all the pain was worth it. I do not regret it, not even one bit.
The hardest part of the whole thing was not the physical pain but the judgment and cruel comments I got. I am from Turkey, a society with a lot of social prejudices on plastic surgery, so I got a lot of criticism for getting this procedure done at what can be considered “an early age.” Especially in those two weeks after surgery, the criticism that I received made me feel very self-conscious and made me doubt my decision, but after a while, all I started caring about my was own satisfaction. I have never concealed or lied about my nose being done because I do not believe it is something so be ashamed of. If your nose, your facial symmetry in general or any part of your body makes you have low self-esteem and confidence, I suggest you go ahead and do it. Don’t listen to what anybody says: your happiness is what matters the most.