One of my biggest regrets is prematurely getting a nose job at 19. I had a very slight bump that I wanted removed. Despite seeing one of the top surgeons in Manhattan, my natural tip (which I had previously loved), was decimated. Over time, it just got worse. Too much cartilage was removed, so my nostrils became increasingly retracted. In short, it became obvious I had gotten a nose job.
I had a hard time going through elective surgery the first time (a lot of swelling, bruising, pain, and more down time than I had anticipated), so as much as I wanted my nose fixed, I dreaded the idea of a second rhinoplasty.
A friend mentioned Dr. Kotler and said I should book a consult with him for "nonsurgical rhinoplasty." Despite never having heard of this option before (which actually made sense. Even in Beverly Hills, the land of infamous surgeons, he's the only one who does it!), I booked a consult immediately.
I was sold immediately on Dr. Kotler's personality (he's incredibly warm and personable, as his right-hand woman, Mary. I felt like he truly cared about me and wanted to help me get the best result; I wasn't just a "bottom line," and he wasn't just in this just to "make a buck"). During our first appointment, he performed the saline demo on me (which simulates the result of what the nonsurgical rhinoplasty would look like). I was sold immediately. My nose looked like the nose I was born with (which I missed and desperately wanted back).
I went through with the "procedure," which is entirely outpatient. It consists of several visits, once every six weeks until the desired look is achieved, where permanent silicone is injected into your nose. It may sound scary. It isn't. Your nose is numbed with cream 30 minutes prior to reduce the discomfort. Even with the cream, having a needle stuck into your nose is uncomfortable, but the whole process is SO short (stress balls also helped), that you hardly remember as soon as it's done. (Nevermind, the discomfort here is NOTHING compared to that of a surgical rhinoplasty).
After completing the procedure, my botched initial nose job is now fixed! The results look completely natural. Now, if I mention to anyone that I've had anything done to my nose, they're shocked. The literal response I most frequently get is, "WHAT? I never would have guessed. Not in a million years. NEVER."
I know some people have expressed concerns with using injectable silicon. I've never had any negative experience with this process. No allergic or adverse reactions whatsoever.
My only regret is that I hadn't met Dr. Kotler when I was nineteen. I NEVER would have had a surgical rhinoplasty if I had. I wish more people knew this was an option. I feel like many people who think they may need, or want, a surgical rhinoplasty could have their desires met with Dr. Kotler's unique, nonsurgical technique. He's that rare surgeon who is both lovely and incredibly skilled. I would recommend any of my friends or family to him in a heartbeat.