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Is 15 Years Old Too Young for Rhinoplasty?

I am a 15-year-old male. I want to have Rhinoplasty performed and I want to know if it is safe and recommended for my age. My goal isn't to be more popular or well liked, I just want to be able to love my body and be a more confident person. In other words, I loathe my nose. It is big, ugly, and has been making me fearful my whole life. It has a large bump, and is just overall to big. Help!

Asked 29 months ago by jk630 in Chicago, Illinois
Sort 14 expert answers by:
+1

Too soon to make any judgement.

 You should complete growing first. In females this would be fine. But in males it is best to wait until you are at least 18 -20 years old.
Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

I wait until my male patients have reached the age of 18

In my practice, I would prefer to wait until my male patients have reached the age of 18 before Rhinoplasty is performed.  The exception to this are the cases of traumatic nasal deformities; which I operate on as soon as possible to avoid future problems.  In my opinion waiting a few more years is worth not having to deal with poor out come for the rest of your life.
Amir Moradi, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wait until 17 years old for male rhinoplasty

It is advised to wait until age 16 or 17 for men since the nose and face have not finished growing at this point. At that 17, it is acceptable to undergo a rhinoplasty to change and alter the shape of the tip and bridge.
William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

15 years is old enough for rhinoplasty

Yes, 15 years is old enough but it has to be a conservative rhinoplasty.  Special attention should be paid to not reducing the dorsum too much. Any work on the nasal septum has to be only minimal to straighten it and no cartilage should be removed. Regards
Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty Age

You are right around the cut off. The reason we dont like do surgery at an early age is because the face has not completely grown, so the chance of needing revision surgery does increase. Knowing this and if you are willing to take the chance then I would move forth. You are around the earliest age I would perform rhinoplasty for a female patient. Good luck.
Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should be fine physiologically

A 15 year old male is generally old enough for rhinoplasty. This operation is emotionally stressful as it changes your appearance, and so you must be mature enough to handle that aspect. Good luck.
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Age for rhinoplasty.

Hi. For a boy, 15 is definitely too young to have a rhinoplasty.  Boys' faces grow more slowly.  Also, boys mature psychologically more slowly.  In New York, we typically wait till a boy is 17 or so.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should consult now for Rhinoplasty

Most males at 15 are still growing. The best idea is to visit with an experienced cosmetic nasal surgeon. Discuss your desires and be examined. The doctor will ask a lot of questions regarding your physical maturation. Most likely, he or she will suggest waiting one year. What will help is taking photos at the current consultation. When you return one year later, follow-up photos will tell -- objectively -- if your facial structure has changed. If not, it might be the right time. Or, the... more
Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

The age for rhinoplasty is not absolute

As you read from answers to your question , there is no simple answer. I believe this a decision between you , your family and your doctor. Maturity is not measured by age only and you need a careful evaluation by your doctor to make a decision about your surgery. Your comment about to be more popular and well liked is something that need to evaluate .
Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty is okay for teens

Rhinoplasty is defininitely an option for you. Many teenagers with cleft lips and cleft palates get rhinoplasties to help with their facial aesthetics, and in order to improve your self-image a rhinoplasty for you would be okay. Rhinoplasty is a very well tolerated procedure typically done as an outpatient with minimal pain. Talk with your plastic surgeon about your specific goals that sound very reasonable according to your initial statement. Good luck!
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Physical and emotional maturity for Rhinoplasty

Dear Jk630, Two factors affect all cosmetic surgery decision making. PHYSICAL maturity and EMOTIONAL maturity. There is NO POINT operating on a structure which has not completed its growth. The nose usually stops growing around 16 to 18 years of age. Therefore, for an IDEAL result that would not be affected by subsequent growth, rhinoplasty should be postponed until then. For patients to fully understand the risks, benefits and consequences of a cosmetic procedure, the patient should be of a... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty for 15 Year Old Male?

Hi Jk, If you have gone through puberty, and you have kept the same shoe size over the past year or two, then you can be evaluated for rhinoplasty by a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon. Basically it is best until your bone growth has stopped before having your rhinoplasty. 15 years old is on the early side for rhinoplasty in males, but it sounds as if you have given it great thought for a long time. Male 15 year old skin is usually oily and thick. By waiting a few years, the skin thins a... more
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty may be performed after puberty.

As long as your growth-spurt associated with puberty has ended, your age should not be problematic as you go for Rhinoplasty Consultations. You should see several board-certified, experienced Rhinoplasty specialists, and view as many photos as possible before choosing. I hope this was helpful, and best of luck.
Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Right age for teenage rhinoplasty

Jk630, Yes, you are too young at this time. Rhinoplasty is a more common plastic surgery for teenagers. The nose is relatively larger than the rest of the face during this time. Due to this facial imbalance or asymmetry, many teenagers pressure their parents for cosmetic surgery. Body parts that might appear too large or too small now can become more proportionate over time. The nose continues to grow as we age, but the largest rate of nasal growth occurs during teen years. Generally, this... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
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