I'm absolutely blown away! After enduring the aftermath of a botched rhinoplasty from my younger years, the prospect of a revision surgery left me filled with fear. For over two decades, I embarked on a global quest, consulting with countless rhinoplasty surgeons across Turkey, Switzerland, Italy, Los Angeles, and beyond, in search of a solution. Finally, my journey led me to Dr. Kim in San Francisco.
As I was being prepared for surgery, I was overcome with nerves, shaking and in tears. However, Dr. Kim's reassuring words, "I can do this," instantly dispelled my fear. In that moment, I knew my extensive research had led me to the right surgeon – someone who didn't promise miracles but instilled confidence that my nose would emerge better than before.
My new nose is an absolute dream (ok it still MASSIVELY swollen but even as it is it is better than my old nose!)! Not only does it surpass the computer-generated model, but it harmonizes perfectly with my facial features and addresses all the structural and aesthetic concerns I've harbored for years. For two decades, I've felt self-conscious about my side profile, shying away from photos and opportunities where my nose might be scrutinized. But now, my side profile is flawless – no more worries about nostrils or symmetry. Dr. Kim's specialized approach to revision rhinoplasty is truly remarkable. Unlike many surgeons, he doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, he works with your unique features to create a nose that's both appealing and natural. And let me tell you, the results speak for themselves. Even though it's only been two days since my cast was removed, I'm already head over heels in love with my new nose. It's cute, it's pretty, and most importantly, it's me – only better!
Despite these challenges, having my twenty-year-old botched nose job corrected was a significant moment in my life. Even in its swollen state, my nose looks better than expected, with a foundation that promises lasting results. Dr. Kim's expertise was evident from the outset, and his skillful use of ear cartilage during the six-hour surgery speaks volumes about his ability to understand and address complex issues.
The removal of the splint and cast by Dr. Kim was exactly as anticipated – gentle, precise, and painless. Despite the significant swelling, I can already sense that he has crafted a nose that I will adore.
For those considering similar procedures, I urge you to conduct thorough research, schedule consultations, and reach out to past patients for insights. It's essential to approach surgery with realistic expectations, understanding that revisions can be challenging and perfection is elusive. In my experience, Dr. Kim has proven himself to be the best choice for such a transformative journey.
After speaking with my husband, I learned that he had called the hospital at the five-hour mark to check on the progress of my surgery. The nurse informed him that Dr. Kim had decided to address a few additional concerns he had noticed during the procedure. This proactive approach didn't come as a surprise to me – I've heard from other patients that Dr. Kim's commitment to perfection sometimes extends surgeries beyond their anticipated duration. While many surgeons might have concluded a five-hour surgery with a "good enough" attitude, Dr. Kim's dedication to his craft shines through as both an artist and a surgeon. I'm immensely grateful for his meticulous care and commitment to giving people’s lives back. Thank you, Dr. Kim.
I will update my review once my swelling...
Read moreBy the time I went to see Dr. Kim, I was pretty frustrated. I was born with a nose that was narrow with a pronounced hump at the top, and as someone with a very active lifestyle I managed to break my nose 4 times dating back to sports in High School. This left me with a severely deviated septum that I could barely breathe through, one that wasn't improved at all by a Septoplasty performed by an ENT a few years ago. When my breathing continued to worsen, I returned to the ENT whose only suggestion was to try the same procedure again and hope for a different result! Incredibly frustrated, I decided to investigate whether a more major procedure would increase the odds of fixing my breathing problems. When I met with Dr Kim, he patiently walked me through the structural issues in my nose and why they prevented my previous Septoplasty procedure from fixing my breathing. I told Dr Kim my goals were to be able to breathe comfortably through my nose and not require another later surgery. We agreed to do a hybrid functional/cosmetic procedure, which Dr Kim expected would fix my breathing, approve the appearance of my nose, and make it much more structurally stable, thus reducing the odds of re-injury. I'm only one month out from surgery but I think I can safely say that Dr Kim delivered on all three of those promises, and I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The difference in my breathing is night and day, and from sleeping to eating to exercising the improvement has been dramatic. Aesthetically, the comment on the appearance from all my friends is that it looks great but it still very much looks like my nose, just straighter and smoothed out. I would classify my procedure as a complete success.
What I appreciated most about Dr Kim was his candor and honesty throughout the process on limitations and risks of the procedure. He did a great job explaining the entire procedure and thoughtfully answered and addressed all my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable and informed when I made my decision, and continued to feel that way throughout the process. Both his office staff and surgery staff were professional, knowledgeable, and courteous, and contributed to my having a great experience. I would highly recommend Dr Kim to others, as I had a very positive experience from start to finish and was totally satisfied with...
Read moreWhen I say that Dr. Kim changed the course of my life, I am not exaggerating one bit. I walked into Dr. Kim's office in the summer of 2019 as a dejected twenty-something-year-old, ready for him to tell me that my nose was beyond repair. I had undergone 2 rhinoplasties prior to seeing Dr. Kim, and not a day went by after that second surgery without crying over my nose. It was rock solid, the tip was turned up so high, you could see the grafts beneath the skin, it was crooked, and my scar protruded--and I feel like that doesn't even scratch the surface. I had spent too many months avoiding direct eye contact, and while I was petrified of what a third operation might do to me, I also couldn't bear the thought of going on any longer like this. From the minute I walked into Dr. Kim's office, I felt heard and supported. Amy was an absolute angel and ensured I felt comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Kim listened to all of my concerns, studied my past surgical notes, and laid out a plan for how he could help me. I remember balling my eyes out in his office as I explained to him that I would be pouring nearly all of my savings into this surgery, and begged him to just put me out of my misery if he didn't genuinely believe he could help me. Dr. Kim told me he knew he could help me. So I said a prayer and put all my trust in him. And that was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Dr. Kim worked literal miracles on me. I look like I was born with this nose--in fact, even my sisters often say that they now forget that I ever had a rhinoplasty because of how natural my nose looks. For the first time in my life, I can say that I LIKE my nose. It's cute, it's feminine, it's straight, it's soft to the touch, it's smooth. I can look people in the eyes and feel confident in what they see back. I never thought I would be in a position to feel this way, and feel so insanely lucky and grateful that I found Dr. Kim. I promise you can be in no better hands. Thank you, Dr. Kim, for...
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