Karine, 44 years old, had surgery about fifteen years ago.
“I’d been thinking about it since I was a teenager, but I waited until I had saved up. Since it was my first surgery, I felt lost trying to find a surgeon. I consulted one I’d seen on TV; I figured he must be good. I would have preferred a hospital, but he seemed serious, and his clinic had a good reputation. During the initial consultation, he asked me questions to be sure of my motivations and to see if surgery was appropriate. He took my picture and suggested not only removing the bump but also refining my nose. I agreed. Apart from my husband, who was against it, I went ahead without telling anyone and went to the clinic alone with my suitcase. The night before the surgery wasn’t easy; I kept thinking it was pointless, a somewhat selfish decision.” I really wasn't feeling well; I cried, but no one came to comfort me. When I woke up, I was very disoriented. I hadn't expected it to be so painful, and someone scolded me because I wasn't dressed yet, even though the surgeon was about to come. I found it a bit harsh to be out on the street with my suitcase! I had a huge bandage, and the recovery was long, even though I hadn't been warned. I had taken 15 days off, but I had to extend it by a week because I couldn't go out with bruises all over my face. I wasn't prepared for that. A nurse removed the bandages a week later, and then I had to wait an hour for the surgeon to come before I was allowed to look at myself. I was happy, my husband was too, and no one around me noticed anything. It was a huge change; I really regained my self-confidence. Before, I never wanted to turn my back to the side, even though it wasn't a disaster! I'm still happy, but it's not a trivial operation.
