MYA Cosmetic Surgery And Me 2017

My experience with Mya from start to finish and everything in between. Open Rhinoplasty And Alar Base Reduction March 2017. Leeds Clinic.

I decided to write about my experience with MYA because I know there are so many people who are also thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery and could use a few pointers on what they are actually signing up for. This post is my personal journey with MYA and my surgery as well as some pieces of help and advice for anyone who needs it.

What And Why

I had an Open Rhinoplasty and Alar Base Reduction which in basic terms is a nose job with a nostril reduction. I had been considering surgery for about a year or so before I went to my first consultation, my nose wasn't in the worst condition to be honest it was straight but through being bullied and low self esteem I couldn't stand the way it looked anymore.

It got so bad I had actually gotten to a point where I wouldn't let anyone take a picture of me I hated it that much, contour had become my new best friend at that time but it didn't make much difference to how it looked or my feelings, so I decided to book in for a free consultation with MYA having no idea I had just embarked on a journey that really would change everything.

MYA And My First Consultation

I chose MYA as my first place to go after seeing their adverts on TV as well as numerous posts on social media, also seeing how many followers and so many happy post op patients sharing their pictures/progress/results was just amazing and some what reassuring. I looked up their website and searched for the closet clinic to me which was really quick and convenient. MYA have so many clinics all over the country which can be found on their website making it really easy to find the closet one to you.

Mya.co.uk

Organising my initial consultation couldn't have been easier you can fill a form in online with your name and contact details as well as the surgery you are looking into or you can ring MYA like I did and speak to someone straight away. The girls on the end of the phone are just so lovely, I didn't know what to expect or what to say but they were so professional and kind and just talk you through what to expect and book you in for your first appointment.

The day of my first consultation was nerve racking to say the least I had no idea what to expect and was contemplating on even going ,however I think at this stage you just have to remember it is just a chat and looking into it so there isn't anything to get worked up over. I arrived in Leeds with plenty of time to spare and went straight into the clinic, my first impressions were really good the venue was very clean and tidy and everyone I saw smiled and greeted me which is always brownie points in my book.

At reception I was handed an IPad and asked to fill out some details on there and then I met with my patient co-ordinator. She was so nice she made me feel so relaxed and talked me through things like:

• More about MYA

• My chosen procedure (nose job)

• How long I had been considering cosmetic surgery

• The reasons why I was considering cosmetic surgery

• What was bothering me about my nose

• More and basic information into the actual procedure

• Who my surgeon would be and his profile

After my appointment I left MYA on an absolute high I felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel and more importantly that I would be in safe hands, I took a couple of days to think about my next move before jumping into anything but I was so happy with my first visit only days later I was back on the phone to MYA booking the next step which was a consultation with the surgeon.

Surgeon Consultation

The consultation with the surgeon was back at the clinic in Leeds and I cant lie things this time became a lot more real. My surgeon and consultation was with Dr Andrea Giannatrapini, when I got there I went into a room with both him and my patient co-ordinator. Just like my initial visit I was immediately put at ease, my surgeon introduced himself and showed me some of his previous patient results photos.

Before I showed him the issues I had with my nose he told me straight off he couldn't just do anything and everything with my nose and that he could only work with what I had. I found out that this is actually the case with most cosmetic procedures. I felt quite silly as I had always just assumed you ask and get what you want because your paying for it, I had never thought about how bad it could look working against something you just don't have.

I think that opened my eyes more about cosmetic surgery everything I thought previously was so simple and now knowing the facts changed everything, I was glad though I felt like I really was in the best hands and that my results would be achievable.

It dawned on me quickly that you have to be ready to be realistic about the results you expect, to concentrate on the improvements that can be made rather than the picture you have built up as it could end up being unachievable.

None the less listen to your options and trust in your surgeon they know exactly what they are doing and will ensure you get the best results possible.

The surgeon looked at my nose and talked me through my options along with all the facts and risks of surgery, more about what would actually would be done with my nose and the healing process too.

At the end of the consultation I went upstairs with my patient co-ordinator where we talked more about:

• How I was feeling

• My thoughts on moving forward

• Possible procedure dates

• Prices

• Finance options

• MYA Piggy Bank

I had decided to go ahead with the procedure I couldn't see any reason not too, I loved MYA and had complete and utter trust in both them and my surgeon. I took full advantage of the piggy bank scheme both of my previous consultations had been in October 2016 so I put a quarter of the cost in then and very luckily had the rest of the amount by the end of January 2017. I called MYA and booked in for my procedure for the 9th March 2017 and got sent through all the information to proceed as well as my Pre-Op assessment date and time with the clinic at Leeds.

Pre-Op With The Nurse

My Pre-Op was again in the Leeds clinic with one of their nurses who was just as nice and welcoming as everyone I had met previously. She took my blood pressure and a few swabs while asking me how I was feeling about my upcoming surgery. She gave me so much information sheets and sheets on:

• When to stop eating and drinking on the day of surgery

• Everything that needed to be removed (Fake nails/Jewellery/Tan/Extensions)

• Map/directions to the hospital

• Post op picture diagrams for healing milestones

• A list of everything I would need for the hospital

• Emergency contact numbers

• Appointment cards for pre booked nurse appointments for stitch removal

I couldn't have been more prepared even if I tried, MYA had been incredible giving me everything I needed not just with paperwork but with their support as well at every turn.

I was so excited for my operation it was so close and I just couldn't wait to start feeling amazing about myself, years of waiting and wondering how to fix my nose was finally coming to an end.

The Big Day

I received the email a few days before from the hospital in Preston with the arrival time. I had taken the time a week in advance to make sure I had planned my route well and booked the closet hotel to the hospital as possible. Even though I was only a day case patient when you are discharged for the first night you cannot be more than an hour away from the hospital as a safety precaution. Better safe than sorry.

The drive to Preston wasn't to bad at all it was mainly straight and long motorway so it felt pretty quick especially as I was chatting away to my grandma the whole way there. The hospital was just off a main round about so it was really easy to get to and there were loads of car parking spaces which was nice.

I got into the hospital and booked in at reception I wasn't even sat down for two minutes before I was called through by one of the nurses. She escorted me through to my room and introduced herself, she took a few details and handed me my robe and paper pants that I went and changed into and then left me for a few moments to settle in.

Soon after the anaesthetist came in and introduced himself we had a little chat and he talked me through what would be taking place during being put under general anaesthetic. He also took some details and asked me a couple of questions like had I been put to sleep before and such and were there any complications. Soon after he left and my surgeon walked in.

At this point it can be quite overwhelming with how many people you end up speaking to but I was lucky to have such a friendly surgeon who calmed me straight back down in minutes. We had a quick chat and he ran me through the whole procedure again double checking everything, he took a few photos of my nose and left the room not even ten minutes later it was time.

I walked through to a separate room and hopped onto the bed, being put under was a breeze I was out like a light in seconds and it didn't even feel like two minutes before I was waking up in recovery. My stay flew by after that I was checked on frequently, brought something to eat and drink and before I knew it I was being discharged with my tablets and on my way to the hotel.

Recovering at home took two weeks and I wont lie it was the most uncomfortable two weeks of my entire life, you cant lie flat and have to sleep propped up my throat was killing for a good few days and eating was just not happening for the first 48 hours. However it wasn't all bad most days I'd sleep like a baby for hours and that can be the best thing for recovery.

Post Op And Stitches

My operation was on the Thursday and it was the following Monday that I was back at the clinic to get my packing out. Packing is what they put up your nose during surgery and it stays there until a few days afterwards when it is taken out by the nurse.

Personally taking everything into account I found the packing removal by far the worst part, it was out and over in no time but I'm glad I never have to go through that again.

Exactly a week later I returned to get the stitches out from my septum, I had anticipated it being painful but surprisingly it just felt like a little tickle. Little did I know the splint on top of my nose was also coming off too, it didn't hurt at all when it came off but in saying that all my attention had turned to seeing the result.

I remember looking at my grandma who was sat in the corner of the room, she was smiling and told me it looked so nice which made me even more anxious to see it for myself. I got off the bed and walked over to the mirror on the wall hand over my nose trying to prepare myself for its reveal, I put my hand down had a quick look and just burst into tears it was amazing. I still had my stitches in on my nostrils but I really didn't care I was over the moon and could feel my confidence growing by the minute.

The following Friday I was back at the clinic to get my final stitches out, I was at the end of my journey and felt like a whole new person. I was smiling again it was permanent I couldn't stop, my confidence was soaring I felt amazing and the only bad thought in my head was how much I was going to miss being a part of MYA.

My journey had been nothing short of amazing, I had been well looked after and treated brilliantly as well as obviously leaving with a stunning nose if I do say so myself. MYA's slogan is "make yourself amazing" and the feeling I got seeing my new nose made me feel exactly that. I cant thank MYA and my surgeon enough for what they have given me, its more than just a nose it has given me a new lease of life.

Advice And Pointers

1. Research. Research. Research. Although I went with my first choice I really made sure I looked into all aspects of MYA, from their own website and as many reviews as I could find to viewing all social media platforms that they are on. Research is key.

2. Speak to some post op patients yourself! I don't know about other companies but MYA have their own forum that you can sign up to for free whether your pre op/post op or just researching into it. I personally found this really helpful being able to join discussions and create ones of my own, the responses I got back were incredible I received replies from loads of post op girls and even had some messages from girls in the same position as me.

3. Chaperone. The person who will be with you to and from the hospital, that's really the only bit you need them for but I highly recommend having someone with you from start to finish throughout your journey. It's best to take someone close to you, I took my grandma and I think that her being there kept me level headed about everything and was great for support too.

4. It's your choice! I had mixed reactions from friends and family when it was first brought up some were determined to put me off the idea altogether. The point is it is up to you and what makes you happy at the end of the day, as long as it's what you want that is all that matters.

5. Listen to your surgeon. They know what they are talking about and what results are achievable.

Although it was my nose that changed the biggest difference you will see is the permanent smile on my face. So if you are thinking of cosmetic surgery go and check MYA out and "make yourself amazing".