Rhinoplasties, or nose jobs, keep growing in popularity and have quickly become one of the top performed cosmetic surgeries in the world. With its rise in popularity, teenager rhinoplasty has become more common, with many young adults are seeking rhinoplasties to correct nose shape. However, there’s an ongoing debate on what age is considered “too young” for rhinoplasty.

Particularly with the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, younger patients are now seeing more before-and-after video transformations than ever. And with so many social pressures, the desire to feel confident in their own skin prompts them to look for more information on the procedure.

Board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Stallworth are constantly navigating ever-changing beauty trends and providing sound guidance to all of their patients, especially teenagers.

Why Do Teens Want Rhinoplasty?

Here are some of the most common complaints teenagers share during rhinoplasty consultations:

  • They dislike the shape of their nose.
  • They believe they have a nose that is “too big.”
  • They dislike humps or bumps on the bridge of their nose.
  • Many feel as though their nose is crooked.
  • Some complain of a hooked nasal tip.
  • Some have issues with the width of their nose.
  • They may be uncomfortable with snoring caused by functional nasal problems.
  • Some have a deviated septum.
  • Some experience breathing difficulties.

Many times these issues cause self-esteem issues in teenagers, and they may convince their parents to bring them in for a consultation.

What’s the right age for rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is beneficial for patients of pretty much any age, but there are certain factors such as safety, health risks, and having a well-developed nasal anatomy that must be considered. 

While this will vary from person-to-person, rhinoplasty surgery becomes safer and more appropriate once a person has reached skeletal maturity.  This means that their bone growth has slowed and even stopped in the face.  There are many factors that help determine this – has some stopped growing taller?  What is their expected growth based on parents and siblings?  Have they been in braces or do they need other dental or oral surgery work?  Have feet stopped growing?  Young women are are often eligible for the procedure at around 15 or 17 years old (a few years after their first menstrual cycle). Young men generally continue to grow as they get older, making them ideal candidates after 17-18 years old. Development of the nose is a critical component to consider. A fully developed nose will help ensure the nasal area does not require a revision rhinoplasty in the future.

During an initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly examine the patient’s nasal anatomy and health history. Then the doctor will go over the patient’s options. If they are a minor, parents will need to be present. Any patient under the age of 18 must have parental consent in order to be approved for the procedure.

The most important factors to consider before conducting rhinoplasty on a teenager are:

  • Development of the nose
  • An understanding of the recovery period
  • Emotional maturity
  • Motivation to undergo rhinoplasty
  • Expectations
  • Parents’ thoughts and consent

Recovery Period

Teenagers must understand that they will have to undergo a recovery period after surgery. With their hectic young lives, this involves staying out of sports and away from strenuous physical activity for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising will develop, and a couple of days of bed rest is required.  They will generally need to be at home for one week after surgery. And the results are NOT instantaneous – the majority of swelling will dissipate in 10-12 weeks, but 20-30% of swelling will persist and slowly go down over the course of a year. Any teen seeking rhinoplasty should plan accordingly. Often, the ideal time to schedule the procedure is during summer when school is out or over holiday breaks.

If you’re at the appropriate age, we’re here to assist you! 

Whether you want to improve breathing, reduce the size of your nose, or correct a nasal imperfection, rhinoplasty may be the right option for you. The professionals at Texas Plastic Surgery are ready to help you learn more about your options and provide recommendations for your particular case. Schedule a consultation!