Transforming Lives

Created on 05th March 2009

Desperately unhappy with the appearance of her nose, Celeast Crown describes how her life was transformed by rhinoplasty

Name: Celeast Crown

Age: 28

Occupation: Police communication officer

Treatment: Rhinoplasty

What prompted you to have this procedure?

I had a breast enlargement operation performed by Rubicon Medical in February 2004 as I was incredibly flat-chested. Apparently in my breast I only had muscle and no breast fat or tissue. I was so pleased at how the operation turned out that I instantly thought of Rubicon when I decided to have my nose done.

When I was seven I broke my nose very badly but I was unable to have anything done as I was so young and still developing. As an adult I was very unhappy with my appearance and I also had breathing problems. My sinuses were all twisted on the right-hand side and I had no sinuses in the left nostril at all. I could only sleep on my back so snored really badly, my boyfriend couldn't cuddle me into his chest because it would constrict my breathing, I felt I couldn't even kiss properly!

I was put on a waiting list with the NHS but it seemed to be taking forever. Then in 2007 I was out with friends and a group of men teased me about the appearance of my nose and I just thought enough is enough.

Who carried out the procedure and what was their opinion at the consultation?

Because I had such a positive experience at Rubicon Medical when I had my breast implants done I returned to them to have the rhinoplasty operation. He said I would need open surgery and have my nose completely broken and rebuilt as my nose protruded out too far. I also had a bump in the middle, it was crooked and one of my nostrils was half closed inside.

How was the experience?

I wasn't worried because I'd had such a good experience before. When I had my breast implants I was very excited but half an hour before the operation I panicked and begged my mum to take me home! This time there were no problems.

How long did it take?

The operation took about two hours which they said was longer than normal because my nose was so damaged inside.

Did you have to take any medication after it was done?

I just took cocodamol painkillers. It wasn't really painful at all after the operation, just frustrating because the swelling affected my breathing so I couldn't sleep very well. It was more painful when he took out the springs a week later that were keeping my nose in the right position.

What were the immediate results?

I was expecting to look as if I had come out of a car crash but I had hardly any swelling and little bruising - it just looked as if I was wearing eye shadow! I had taken arnica in the run up to the operation which must have helped. They say that the nose can take up to a year to lose all swelling but I don't feel it has changed massively. I had another operation once the swelling went down just to file the bone down to ensure my nose was smooth and straight.

Are you happy with the treatment?

I am very happy with the results. It has transformed my confidence. At first, I couldn't go past a mirror without staring at my nose but now I can't even remember a time when I didn't have this lovely straight nose. I have no breathing problems any more: no snoring and no wet patches on my pillow!

Would you have any more procedures?

I do have Botox every four to six months around my eyes to keep looking good. I am not planning anything major at the moment because I'm really happy with my appearance but I would definitely have things done when I'm older as I have had such a positive experience so far.