For many three-year-olds, falling off a swing is an everyday accident. But for Halima Khaliq, a seemingly simple fall at the age of three would have lasting effects on her life, impacting both the shape and function of her nose. By the time she reached her teenage years, the fall had led to breathing difficulties and a whistling sound that not only interfered with her breathing but also diminished her self-esteem. What began as a childhood accident transformed into years of physical discomfort and social anxiety.
But with the help of Dr. Fath Arshad at Leeds Private Hospital, Halima’s life has changed. At the age of 23, she can finally say, “I have my life back.”
The Struggles of Halima’s Journey
Halima’s struggles with her nose were much more than cosmetic; they were a constant source of pain and discomfort. As she recalls, “My nose has been causing me enormous pain and suffering for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t just the breathing difficulties that made me miserable; I felt self-conscious and unable to relax in social situations.”
Years before finding Dr. Arshad, Halima underwent surgery to address her nasal issues. Unfortunately, that procedure left her with worsened breathing difficulties and did little to alleviate her anxiety about the appearance of her nose. In search of a solution, Halima turned to the internet and began looking for a specialized surgeon in Yorkshire. That’s when she came across Leeds Private Hospital and Dr. Arshad’s expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Arshad’s Approach: A Blend of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expertise
Dr. Fath Arshad’s path to becoming a specialist in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery began after completing his medical degree at the University of Leeds in 2007. His further training in head and neck cancer surgery exposed him to various forms of plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly focusing on reconstruction after cancer surgery. This experience sparked his deep interest in plastic surgery, and he soon found his passion for helping patients rebuild their physical appearance and function, combining aesthetic goals with medical necessity.
Dr. Arshad views surgeries like Halima’s not just as cosmetic procedures but as reconstructive surgeries that address functional needs alongside appearance. He noted, “Although Halima’s case was considered cosmetic or cosmetic surgery, it was actually reconstructive surgery because there was a large functional component to the surgery. It was really important for her to be able to breathe through her nose.”
Understanding the Mental and Physical Aspects of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Arshad is acutely aware of the psychological impact that aesthetic surgery can have on patients. He explained, “We are, in effect, like psychiatrists with a knife because a lot of times we are not dealing with tissue, but with the patient’s psychological feelings.” Assessing a patient’s mental well-being is just as important as understanding the physical aspects of the surgery.
Dr. Arshad’s careful approach ensures that patients are not only getting physical improvements but also emotional healing. “It is crucial for me to assess the patient properly to make sure that the treatment I am doing is improving their physical and mental health,” he said.
The Surgery: A Complex and Life-Changing Procedure
Halima’s surgery required Dr. Arshad to perform a complex procedure on her septum, which is the membrane between the nostrils that separates the nasal passages. To achieve the desired outcome, cartilage from Halima’s rib was used to rebuild and strengthen her nasal septum.
Dr. Arshad explained, “The cartilage from her rib was necessary because the previous surgery had removed the original cartilage from her nose. By harvesting cartilage from the rib, we were able to rebuild the septum and provide the necessary structural support to her nose.”
Halima admitted that she was initially anxious about the procedure. “I was really unsure, but after a few chats with Dr. Arshad, I was reassured because they know what they are doing and what they are talking about.” Her trust in Dr. Arshad’s confidence helped calm her fears and prepare her for the surgery.
The surgery required a two to three-centimeter incision to access the seventh rib and remove the cartilage necessary to repair her nose. Dr. Arshad shared that the incision healed so well that it was barely noticeable, and the results were transformative, both functionally and aesthetically.
The Transformation: Breathing Better and Living Freely
For Halima, the improvement in her breathing was immediate and life-changing. She no longer struggles with the whistling sound when she breathes or feels self-conscious about her nose. “I no longer obsess about the appearance of my nose and feel more relaxed around family and friends, even in formal settings. Also, my breathing ability has improved significantly,” Halima said, reflecting on how the surgery gave her not only functional relief but also emotional freedom.
To express her gratitude, Halima and her family presented Dr. Arshad and his team with a cake as a heartfelt gesture for the life-changing care they provided. It’s a small token of thanks for the restoration of confidence and self-esteem that has made a world of difference in her life.
Dr. Arshad’s Reward: Helping Patients Rebuild Their Lives
For Dr. Arshad, helping patients regain confidence and self-esteem is an immensely rewarding part of his work. He said, “It is extremely rewarding to help patients regain their confidence and self-esteem. Our job is to restore their physical and mental health.”
By combining aesthetic techniques with functional surgery, Dr. Arshad and his team at Leeds Private Hospital are offering patients like Halima more than just a new appearance—they are providing a chance to live freely, with confidence, and without the physical and emotional burdens of long-standing issues.
Halima’s story is a testament to the transformative power of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. With the right expertise and care, it’s possible to restore function, enhance appearance, and, most importantly, improve quality of life.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Fans Shocked By Madonna’s Smooth Face In New Photo
- Chelsea Lazcani Shuts Down Surgery Rumors
- Huda Beauty Named Most Popular Brand In Q1 2025
