Can a 16 Year Old Girl Get a Rhinoplasty?

Question

i am 15 years old right now and for a long time i havee hated my nose and i was wondering if i could get something done to change it when i turn 16 this summer. what do you think i should change to make it fit my face more. i kind of just dont like the tip it is over projected. doesnt fit my face at all. about how much would this cost?

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

The appropriate Age to go ahead with Rhinoplasty surgery is determined by the ongoing facial growth. The concern is that the nasal septum and bones have gone through the growth spurt that is associated with the middle teen years. If the surgery is performed before the completion of the growth spurt, then there is a real possibility that your results will be negatively affected by further unexpected growth. For most girls, the growth spurt is complete by age 16. For boys the growth spurt starts and ends a bit later, usually by age 18. Your photo supports your concerns. Usually, by the time you get to see a plastic surgeon, you know exactly what you would like to be different with your nose. Discuss those concerns with him/her and find out what options there are for you.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Despite the limited view of your posted photo I think it does get your point across. Since you are still a minor you will need parent approval and consent for surgery. I can't see why you could not have surgery at the age of 16. The issue is if you are too young at the time of surgery the surgery will make a nose proportional to your face at that time. When you get older the proportions then change so much that the nose no longer fits your facial proportions and its correction may not then be possible. That is why we like to wait for skeletal maturity before doing the surgery. In most females that occurs by the age of 16.
	
	Your posted photo though is so limited in view that there is no way to know what specific changes would make it more closely fit your facial proportions.
	
	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It's usually okay to go ahead with rhinoplasty in females when they're about 14-16 depending on their facial and emotional maturity.

	It's difficult to say what exactly should be done to your nose to make it fit your face better without seeing more of your face. Your concern of tip overprojection is certainly one area that can be addressed with surgery. It may also be possible to refine your tip cartilages as well.

	Rhinoplasty costs vary quite a bit depending on surgery complexity, your surgeon's experience and regional price differences.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

In general, I have done young girls at 14 years of age and above for the past 35 years without a problem. Choose quality and don't shop price!

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

Having surgery at any age depends on two things. The anatomic problem evident that can be reasonable changed and the mental maturity to have it done. You also never want to operate on anatomy that is in a growth phase. Usually at age 16 your nose should be developed enough to be safely operated upon. Being a minor you will need your parents permission and they should be in full agreement. As to what needs to be done to improve your nose you will need to submit better photos including side views. Your best bet is to see a qualified surgeon who has a lot of experience in performing rhinoplasties.

Can a 16 Year Old Girl Get a Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty for young girls.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for young girls.

Answer: Rhinoplasty at Age 16

Answer: Rhinoplasty at Age 16

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can a 16 Year Old Girl Get a Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty for young girls.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for young girls.

Answer: Rhinoplasty at Age 16

Answer: Rhinoplasty at Age 16

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.