"I Lost a Piece of My Face" — Woman's $10k Nose Job Becomes a Nightmare

A Mother’s Tragic Experience with Cosmetic Surgery

Ashley Caselli, a mother of four, made the decision to undergo a nose job not for aesthetic reasons but to address chronic breathing difficulties. However, what was meant to be a life-changing procedure turned into a nightmare when she spent $10,000 at Dr. Lindsay Sturm’s clinic, only to end up with a result that left her feeling more distressed than before.

Caselli shared her heartbreaking experience with the Daily Mail, describing how her nose appeared smaller and her face looked “smashed.” She explained, “It just looked smashed. It doesn’t look finished. It looks like I am missing a piece of my face; my nose doesn’t even have a tip anymore.” The surgery not only affected her appearance but also worsened her breathing issues, forcing her to breathe through her mouth and constantly adjust her nose for more air.

The physical changes had a profound impact on her self-confidence. Caselli now dreads being in public, constantly wondering if people are staring at her nose. She said, “Every day, I look in the mirror and I am saddened by it, and when people look at me, I constantly wonder, are they looking at my nose?” Her emotional well-being has been severely impacted, affecting how she interacts with her family and participates in daily activities.

Before this surgery, Caselli had already undergone one nose job, which did not fully resolve her breathing problems. This led her to seek a second procedure, hoping that Dr. Sturm could provide the solution she needed. Sturm assured her that she could fix any issues and, based on her personality, Caselli chose to trust the surgeon.

However, things quickly went wrong. After the surgery, when Caselli removed the bandages, she noticed something was off. She described, “I actually voiced my concerns because I did see some issues. One side of my nose that I wanted changed originally, that was still the same, and the side that was a little swollen didn’t look right.” In addition, the profile view of her face looked different, with the tip of her nose seemingly missing.

When Caselli reached out to Dr. Sturm, the response was far from reassuring. Instead of addressing her concerns, the surgeon told her not to expect a perfect nose. Caselli expressed her desire for a functional and presentable nose, but Sturm continued to make her feel inadequate.

Dr. Sturm’s history of questionable practices is well-documented. According to reports, the Iowa Board of Medicine charged her with professional incompetence, including failure to exercise the degree of care expected from an average physician. In May 2025, these allegations were brought to light, leading to serious consequences for her career.

Despite these charges, Dr. Sturm has surrendered her license without admitting to any wrongdoing. She faces multiple lawsuits from previous patients and has filed for bankruptcy, as reported by local media. Her actions have left many patients, like Ashley Caselli, dealing with long-term physical and emotional damage.

Caselli’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in cosmetic procedures and the importance of choosing a qualified and reputable surgeon. Her experience highlights the need for thorough research, clear communication, and proper follow-up care to ensure that patients receive the results they deserve.