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Should I Wait to Get Rhinoplasty & Chin Augmentation Until I'm 18?

asked 2 years ago by srs16 in Grand Rapids, MI
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 544 times
Tags: age 17 or under

I have always had a convex facial feature set which has given me trouble from my friends, schoolmates, peers etc. I have a nose which is hooked and wide nostrils combined with a weak receding chin. The rest of my body is in shape but my face just drags me down. I have been considering Plastic Surgery since I started high school, but never set a date in stone. Should I wait till I am 18 or is it not as serious as others and myself make it out to be?

11 answers to Should I Wait to Get Rhinoplasty & Chin Augmentation Until I'm 18?

Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation at age 16 is acceptable

As long as you are over 16 years of age it is acceptable to undergo nose and chin surgery. It is possible to reduce the convexity of the nasal bridge and place a small to medium sized chin implant in for augmentation purposes. The wide nostrils can be reduced through alarplasty. You should wait until you are at least 16 years of age and will need your parental consent before proceeding with this type of surgery.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation for Teenaged Patients

CranioFacial and NasoFacial disproportions can be very difficult for teenagers. Plastic surgery of the nose and face can result in very pleasing results. Performing plastic surgery procedures in teenaged patients is complicated by many factors. Certainly performed surgery before facial growth has stopped would mean that the facial surgery could under go changed post operatively. Additionally, many decisions to have surgery made when one is still in the formative years may not have the... more

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty can be done as young as 14 or 15 years of age as long as the patient is mature

Historically, most plastic surgeons have advised patients to wait until they were at least 16 years of age. This was due to concern about injuring centers of facial growth and possible lack of maturity of the patient. I have found that rhinoplasty can safely be done as young as 14 or 15 years of age. Key points to consider are whether you have completed your growth spurts and whether you are emotionally prepared for the results of surgery. My advice is to... more

Gregory Pippin, MD
New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.pippinmd.com

Can do sooner if your parents are supportive

As long as your facial growth is complete or near completion (there are ways to assess this) you can do the procedures earlier than age 18. Obviously your parents/guardians will need to give their consent if your are under 18. I have done rhinoplasty + chin augmentation on 16 year olds.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Age for Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation

There is nothing magical about age 18; it is only a guideline. Each patient should be evaluated individually. Over the past 35 years have done rhinoplasties or chin implants on young men under 18 years of age, especially when there are psychological issues. Consult with a good, experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

16 is a good age to consider rhinoplasty in teenage boys

Cosmetic surgery in teens is best approached at the time when they have reached both emotional and facial maturity. Facial growth will continue into the twenties, though nasal shape is such that rhinoplasty is stable and the results predictable at age 16. Emotional maturity is important because cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty and chin augmentation affect appearance and how you perceive yourself. You need to have a firm grip on how you feel about your nose, and what you like. From the... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Age for rhinoplasty and chin augmentation.

Generally speaking, the more adult the patient is, both anatomically and psychologically, the better. Surgery on the nose and chin can often be done around 16-17 years old (and debatably younger in some cases). I generally like to see that the patient's nose has taken on its adult appearance and hasn't changed in the last year or two. The chin can certainly be considered before 18, though. The secondary issue is the minor status of the patient. At least here in the U.S., a patient... more

David C. Pearson, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty and age

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that this has been such a problem for you. You are a good candidate for both a rhinoplasty and a chin implant. In boys, we like to wait until age 18, in girls age 16, prior to facial surgery. We use these age cut-offs to ensure that the bones have stopped growing, and that the patient is mature enough to undergo surgery which will change his or her appearance. I suggest seeing 1-2 plastic or ENT surgeons in your area who do rhinoplasty surgery. You'll be able... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

You can consider Rhinoplasty Surgery and Chin Implant Surgery at age 16.

I agree with your assessment, and you could consult several experienced, board-certified Rhinoplasty specialists for an opinion regarding your surgery. I don't think you need to wait till age 18 to address your concerns. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

At what age can you have a Rhinoplasty

Surgery such as rhinoplasty can be performed as early as 14-15 years of age. Many factors come into play, especially the maturity of the patient. As long as the patient is mature enough to understand all that is involved and has been given the proper counseling by the surgeon and the parents, than it can be a life changing experience. It sounds to me like you have given the decision to have rhinoplasty surgery a fair amount of thought which is great in a surgeons eyes. Next step is... more

Louis M. DeJoseph, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

Best Age for Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation in Teenager

Hi Srs, It sounds as if you have given a great deal of thought to your nose and chin. It really depends on how much your nose bothers you. If you are through with your growth spurts then it is okay to have rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. If it doesn't bother you too much, then it is okay to wait until you are older. Good luck and be well. Dr. P