Is 11 Years Old Too Young for Septoplasty Surgery?

Hi

Your concern is valid.  11 is typically too young for a septoplasty and definitely too young for a rhinoplasty BUT there are some exceptions.  If his blockage is anatomic to the point he cannot breath or function then something may need to be done at a younger age.  You need to make sure an excellent rhinoplasty surgeon does his surgery because typically you get one good shot at a good repair and if the surgery is done in a poor fashion it makes subsequent correction much more difficult.  Occasionally a more minimal surgery like a turbinate reduction or a very limited localized septoplasty may be possible deferring the bigger surgery till later but if a surgeon does a big dissection but doesnt get it corrected then future septorhinoplasty will be difficult.  

And yet, maxillofacial development may be influenced by this type of surgery at a young age and that is why you have to weigh the pros and cons but being unable to breath is miserable. 

Your concerns about having a septoplasty at a relatively young age are very reasonable. It is a complicated situation if the deviation is as severe as you describe. One must balance the issues of affecting nasal growth with the effects on maxillo-facial growth of having such a chronically obstructed nose.

You won't be able to get a very specific advice via this venue as we can't examine your son to get a proper overall picture of his situation. If you have doubts I'd recommend seeking a second opinion from another surgeon to find out more.