With the right motivations, approach, and plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty can be a positive and life-changing procedure for teens and older adolescents. More commonly known as a “nose job” or nose surgery, rhinoplasty is one of few aesthetic surgeries that can be safely and successfully performed for teenagers who have reached full maturation of their nasal structure. That said, crucial to the long-term satisfaction of teenage rhinoplasty is physical and emotional maturity, as well as an in-depth consultation to explore your (or your child’s) reasons for surgery.
Dr. Ira Savetsky, an elite board-certified and fellowship-trained New York City plastic surgeon, understands the nuances of performing nose surgery for younger patients and knows the decision requires careful thought. As a rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Savetsky delves into considerations for teenage rhinoplasty patients and provides guidance for individuals in NYC, Manhattan, or surrounding areas who want to address cosmetic or functional (breathing) difficulties with their nose.
Can I Get Rhinoplasty as a Teenager?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly requested facial plastic surgery procedures among teenagers. While some teens wish to correct a prominent bump, a drooping tip, or a nose that feels out of proportion with the rest of the face, others want the procedure to improve breathing, address a deviated septum, repair lingering damage from a sports injury, or for other medical reasons.
Generally speaking, candidates for teenage rhinoplasty should be at least 18 and have the following:
- Physical maturity: The nose should be fully developed before surgery. Most girls reach this point around age 15 or 16 while most boys reach maturation around 17 or 18, although every individual is different.
- Emotional maturity: Teens should want to undergo rhinoplasty for themselves, not due to pressure from friends, social media, a partner, or family. They should be able to describe what bothers them about their nose in specific terms and understand that rhinoplasty refines a feature rather than changes their whole appearance.
- Parental approval: A parent or legal guardian must provide consent for teenage patients and should be closely involved with the whole process.
- Realistic expectations: Younger patients should understand the limitations and risks of rhinoplasty very well. During a consultation, Dr. Savetsky examines the nose inside and out, discusses goals, reviews medical history, and explains the risks, recovery, and likely results. Photos or computer imaging may be utilized to help teens and parents visualize realistic outcomes.
- Good general health: A review of one’s medical history is required to confirm they are well enough for surgery and anesthesia. If approved, teens should avoid smoking and vaping entirely, as well as certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Willingness to undergo recovery: Planning for recovery is another key step. Most teens require about 1 – 2 weeks away from school. Contact sports and strenuous activity are off limits for several weeks or months. Scheduling surgery during summer or a long school break typically makes recovery much easier. Swelling can take one year or more to fully settle, so patience is part of the process.
In some cases, rhinoplasty may be recommended as a result of significant breathing problems or a nasal injury that affects function.
How to Look for a Top Rhinoplasty Surgeon for My Teen
- Start with credentials: Look for a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which signals rigorous training and specific experience.
- See portfolio: Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who have similar features as your teen. Pay attention to whether the results look natural and authentic on each patient’s face.
- Book a consult to gauge rapport: During a consultation, notice how a rhinoplasty surgeon interacts with your teen. A good surgeon speaks directly to a patient, asks thoughtful questions about their motivations, and is willing to recommend waiting if the timing isn’t right. Be wary of anyone who promises perfection, pressures you to book quickly, or dismisses your concerns.
- Ask questions: Gain insight into how many rhinoplasties a given surgeon performs per year, how they determine whether a patient’s nose has finished growing, what the recovery will look like, how complications or revisions are handled, and total cost factors.
- Learn about a surgeon’s reputation: Reading reviews and getting a second opinion can also give you confidence. Taking the time to find the right plastic surgeon is one of the best ways to help your teen have a safe experience and a result they’ll be happy with for years to come.
Dr. Ira Savetsky — Serving Patients in NYC, Manhattan, and Nearby Boroughs
Whatever the primary reason for surgery, rhinoplasty for younger patients deserves careful thought. A teenager’s face, as well as their sense of self, is often still changing, which is why the decision to get rhinoplasty requires an in-depth conversation with a parent/guardian, an experienced plastic surgeon, a primary care physician, among others. Contact Dr. Savetsky at our New York City-area office today.