The always incredibly bright and talented singer Heleza underwent a nose surgery at Health Clinic to get rid of the insecurity caused by a broken nose from years ago. She had been planning her surgery for a long time and after thorough preparation, she chose Health Clinic and Dr Aet Saarts to make her dream come true.
What made you decide to have a nose job?
I broke my nose years ago and, as a result, I developed a bump on my nose. I felt like a stranger to myself and the more time went by, the more insecure I felt about my own nose. I was especially insecure about the side profile, for example, I always avoided being sideways in pictures. I thought about the surgery for a long time because when I searched for information about it online, I found all sorts of horror stories about people whose surgeries went wrong. But as time went on, I felt more and more that I wanted to go through with it despite my fears.
Why did you choose Dr Aet Saarts and Health Clinic?
Health Clinic came up for me with a quick Google search when I was looking for “best rhinoplasty surgeon” and found Dr Aet Saarts on the website. I searched for other people’s experiences and stories to reassure myself about my choice. Dr Saarts had extremely positive feedback and her long experience instantly made me trust her. To my surprise, I also saw many familiar faces on Health Clinic’s website. I wrote to Elina Born to ask how her experience with Health Clinic was and she spoke only in superlatives. That made my decision clear and I definitely wanted to go for a consultation.
Was there a specific moment or event that solidified your decision to have the surgery?
I had been planning this surgery for two to three years. Before making the decision, I also looked at options in Turkey. But the fear of going abroad to a foreign environment and another language to undergo major surgery scared me. But when I started considering options in Estonia, I became more and more convinced that now was the time. I also thought in my head that the sooner I did it, the longer I could enjoy my new nose.
How did you prepare mentally and physically for the surgery?
I already discussed all my biggest fears about the surgery with Dr Saarts during the consultation, so when the day came, I was not even nervous. I think when you are preparing for surgery, there are no stupid questions. You have to ask everything for your peace of mind so there are no doubts. My biggest fear was that I would look unfamiliar to myself. The day before the surgery, I even dreamt that I had a pig’s snout instead of a nose when the bandages were removed. But the more I looked at the modelled pictures during the consultation, the more confident I became in my decision. I mentally prepared myself by repeating over and over that I was in safe hands.
What were your main expectations for the surgery and how have the results met them?
My main wish was to get rid of the bump that was bothering me so much. I also wanted slightly smaller nostrils and a shorter nose bridge. A button nose that would suit my face. I knew that when I went in for surgery, I would not just have my nose restored to its pre-trauma shape but would have the exact nose I had always dreamed of. The doctor helped shape my vision digitally during the consultation and now, comparing that first image with my current nose, it is exactly what I wanted!
How would you describe your experience during the post-surgery recovery period?
After the surgery, I spent one night in the hospital and then recovered at home. I mostly slept, rested, watched TV and played with my dog. I cleaned my nose five to six times a day with saline solution and put ointment on the stitches. I went to the doctor for a check-up to see if all the wounds had healed nicely. I was a little dizzy for a few days, but overall I felt very good. I did not expect to be able to breathe through my nose right away. There were no problems while sleeping, no bleeding or complications. After two weeks, I got to see my nose for the first time when I took off the splint. After that, I taped my nose every night for two months.
What was the most surprising thing about the surgery and recovery?
The biggest surprise was that my nose never hurt. I could not believe how normal I felt right away, with no pain or bleeding. Also, my nose was SO clear. I do not think I have ever been able to breathe through my nose as well as I did after the surgery.
How has the surgery affected your self-esteem and confidence, both on stage and in your private life?
For the first few weeks I could not stop looking at my nose in the mirror because I was so happy. The bump that I hated so much was simply gone. Looking back, I wonder why I did not do the surgery sooner. My confidence has grown so much, especially when taking pictures, filming music videos and performing. I feel like I no longer have to be afraid of being sideways anymore, I pose much more confidently in pictures and while filming music videos, I do not feel like I have to constantly worry if the shot is framed well from the front. People around me said that I was shining in a different way after the surgery. Not that I shone less before, but I immediately seemed more content.
What advice would you give to other people considering a similar procedure?
I 100% recommend going for a consultation if you are considering nose surgery. It gives you so much information and helps you make a much more confident decision. You get to know the doctor, receive their recommendations and see what your new nose could look like.
