Facial Plastic Surgery

Patient Stories

Pennsylvania Woman "Thrilled" with Results of Rhinoplasty

In early 2007, Alison Hoenninger underwent a rhinoplasty, chin implant and neck liposuction, performed by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Le, director of Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Alison, who is a PACU nurse at a hospital in Pennsylvania, says she is thrilled with the results. “To be able to perform surgery with that degree of accuracy is a testimony to Dr. Le’s skill,” she said. “He is an amazingly talented surgeon and I feel privileged to have been his patient. I couldn’t be happier.” Here, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, resident talks about her surgery and her experience with Dr. Le.

Why did you decide to see Dr. Le?

I was self-conscious about my appearance, especially my nose. I had a long protruding nose with a significant bump on the bridge and I thought that it detracted from the rest of my face. I thought about the prospect of rhinoplastic surgery for over 10 years but never gave it serious consideration; I was overwhelmed with fear. I was afraid of what people would think of me, afraid that I couldn’t afford it, afraid that I couldn’t take the needed time off work to recover. The most daunting fear of all was, “what if I go through with the surgery and am still unhappy with the way I look?”

Last year I made up my mind that I was going to stop worrying and go through with the surgery because it was something that I had always wanted and I knew I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t at least give it a try. That’s when I started researching plastic surgeons.


Before	After

Before	After

How did you first find out about Dr. Le?

I learned that Dr. Le was a facial plastic surgeon in Baltimore and it prompted me to read his bio. There were several things that impressed me after reading about him.

First of all, he is a facial plastic surgeon and an otorhinolaryngologist. What better person to reconstruct a nose than someone experienced in facial plastic surgery who is also an ear nose and throat surgeon? He is a specialist within a specialty! I also read that his specific interests included rhinoplasty and this caught my attention. I thought that if he enjoyed doing rhinoplasties, he would be more likely to do a thorough job. I learned that he does over 150 rhinoplasties a year. I knew then that I would be hard pressed to find someone who could match his credentials and his experience.

When did you first see him?

I scheduled my initial consult with Dr. Le in October, 2006.

What did you learn at the consultation?

I went to my consultation appointment thinking that I would be lucky if I got to spend 30 minutes with him due to the large volume of patients he sees. I wrote down all my questions so I wouldn’t forget to ask anything as I pictured him running out the door. I was completely surprised when I met him in person. He was so patient and kind. He listened to all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. I had read an article on how to find and interview a facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Le passed with flying colors.

Dr. Le thoroughly examined my nose and then constructed a computer simulation showing how my nose would look after the surgery. The simulations looked fantastic. At the same time he did a facial analysis and pointed out other options that were available to improve my profile. Through the simulation, I was able to see what I would look like with a larger chin in combination with a smaller nose and it looked significantly better compared to the rhinoplasty alone. I liked the fact that I was given several choices as to what he could do for me.

He also showed me multiple examples of patients that he had operated on in the past. I was wowed by his photos. Everyone looked so natural, like they had never had surgery at all. I couldn’t believe how in depth he had gone, explaining every aspect of a rhinoplasty in complete detail. He exceeded my expectations and I left his office knowing that I had found my surgeon.

After the appointment, what procedures did you decide to have done?

Dr. Le gave instructions and contact information if I wished to proceed with the surgery. I never felt pressured to go forth with the surgery. I decided to have a rhinoplasty, chin augmentation and liposuction along my jaw line. Dr. Le said that he could do the rhinoplasty and do the chin later if I wasn’t sure that I wanted it, but I was completely sure after seeing the dramatic difference that the chin made.

When did you have the surgery?

I had the surgery in February, 2007. The surgery took approximately five hours. I was in recovery for about two hours and then I went home.

How was your recovery?

My recovery was rough for the first three days and after that it really wasn’t that bad. The first day was difficult due to the side effects of general anesthesia. My neck and jaw felt uncomfortably tight because of the new chin but the pain medicine helped a great deal. I honestly don’t remember any pain from my nose. I had congestion like with a head cold but no pain. Within five days I was completely off the pain medication.

Are you happy with the results?

I am thrilled with my results! I can tell you that the way I look today compared to the simulation is almost identical. It is so precise that it’s uncanny. To be able to perform surgery with that degree of accuracy is a testimony to his skill. He is an amazingly talented surgeon and I feel privileged to have been his patient. I couldn’t be happier.

What do you think of Dr. Le?

I think the world of Dr. Le. He is a warm and caring professional. I appreciate how supportive he has been throughout my recovery. He shares in my joy each time I come to his office for a follow-up visit. I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Le.

Would you recommend him to others?

Absolutely! Anyone who is considering a rhinoplasty should also consider speaking with Dr. Le. I would not entrust my face to just any plastic surgeon. I wanted the best. I chose Dr. Le based on his extensive clinical background and experience. After meeting him in person and viewing his work, I felt confident that he could give me the results I was looking for and he certainly did.

Interview by Michelle W. Murray

This page was last updated on: September 5, 2007.

If you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services, please call 410-328-FACE (3223). You may also e-mail Dr. Thomas Le directly at tle@smail.umaryland.edu.