Rhinoplasty: How Young Is Too Young?
Rhinoplasty, which is more commonly known as a nose job, is one of the most widely performed plastic surgery procedures, and one of the only cosmetic treatments that can be performed on teens. Rhinoplasty enhances the size and shape of the nose, and eliminates imperfections like bumps or depressions.
Although rhinoplasty can be considered for individuals in their teen years, it is important that the procedure is not done too early, which leads us to the question, “how young is too young for rhinoplasty?” Here, facial plastic surgeon David A. Sherris, whose practice serves the Buffalo, NY, area, discusses how age can affect rhinoplasty results, and when a patient is considered old enough for a nose job.
How Does Age Affect Rhinoplasty Results?
Age is an important factor to take into consideration when determining candidacy for rhinoplasty. One reason that age matters is because it can have an effect on rhinoplasty results. If a patient undergoes rhinoplasty before their nose has reached its full adult size, then the nose will continue to develop in the months or years following their procedure. As the nose continues to grow and mature, it will alter the results of rhinoplasty treatment, and can leave patients dissatisfied with how the nose looks. To avoid the need for revision rhinoplasty, it is essential that this treatment only be performed on patients whose facial features have fully developed.
At What Age Is Rhinoplasty Appropriate?
Many of our Buffalo patients want to know how old they need to be to qualify as a rhinoplasty candidate. It isn’t possible to give a specific age limit, because everyone grows and develops at their own rate.
Typically, girls tend to mature faster than boys. Based solely on physical readiness, female teens may be ready to undergo rhinoplasty treatment as early as 15 or 16 years old. Boys generally grow at a slower rate than girls, and are often not physically ready for rhinoplasty until they are 16 or 17. Again, these are only estimations. Some people naturally mature faster or slower than others. The only way to determine if a patient is too young for rhinoplasty is to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Sherris.
Assessing Patient Readiness
It is essential that we consider physical development when determining rhinoplasty candidacy, but emotional readiness is equally important. Dr. Sherris meets with all his Buffalo patients prior to scheduling a rhinoplasty procedure. He assesses patient readiness based on physical and emotional maturity, as well as the reason the procedure is being requested, and the expectations that the patient has for treatment results.
Any teen who is considering rhinoplasty should be doing so because it is their decision, and not because they have been encouraged to do so by family members or friends. Patients should also have realistic expectations for treatment. Rhinoplasty can enhance a person’s natural beauty and boost their confidence, but patients should not expect the procedure to solve problems or dramatically change their lives.
Contact Us
Rhinoplasty enhances the appearance of the nose to bring greater balance to the face. If you believe that you can benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. David A. Sherris would be happy to determine if you are an ideal candidate for treatment. To schedule a personal consultation at our facial plastic surgery practice, send us a message online or call (716) 884-5102 at your earliest convenience.
