Is 61 years old too old for a rhinoplasty?

Question

My nose is drooping. I also do not like the slight hump just below the bridge. I was concerned my age may be a detriment. Cartilage too brittle. Thank you.

Erin Smith, MD · Answer

At our practice, we evaluate every patient on an individual basis for the appropriateness of a rhinoplasty, regardless of age! I recommend you make an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon who can evaluate your nose in person and help you determine if the procedure is right for you.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Age is not really a contraindication to rhinoplasty. The ligaments that help hold the nose together do weaken over time and can cause the nose to droop some. These things can be corrected in rhinoplasty just like in a younger patient. The only thing that is different is that in older patients, the skin doesn't tighten up as well so if the skin is thick, it might be harder to make a significant difference in the size of the tip, but it's always better. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation.

Christian Conderman, MD · Answer

Hi!
I've done many nasal surgeries and I've found that so long as expectations are realistic and you feel comfortable with your surgeon that age 61 is definitely not too old to get a rhinoplasty. As you mentioned, noses tend to droop as we get older and this is due to a number of factors: primarily the effect of gravity and the loss of inherent strength of the ligaments and cartilage in our noses as we get older. These are discussion points at the time of consultation but shouldn't prevent you from having a rhinoplasty with someone that is a rhinoplasty specialist. Hope that helps!

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi , Rhinoplasty can enhance the nasal profile appearance including nasal hump or addressing the tip. It is better for you to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the surgical procedure and the post op recovery process.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. You are not too old to undergo rhinoplasty. In fact, I perform rejuvenation rhinoplasty all the time (often alongside facelifts, lip lifts, etc), because the nose changes as we get older--usually in ways detrimental to form and function. More important than age is your overall physical health because rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Best,Dr. Tower

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can understand from your question.It would be better for your doctor to examine you face to face.Best regards!

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

As long as you are decently healthy and can safely undergo surgery, you are not too old to have a rhinoplasty. This is not an uncommon thing to see as one ages. Your cartilage might be brittle, but it would be hard to know without feeling and assessing in person. If that is the case, the surgeon should hopefully recommend something to reinforce your cartilage (like possibly cadaveric rib). Good luck!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

In some ways, it can be easier to operate on an older nose than a young nose, when the cartilages can be soft. Cartilage gets firm, but not "brittle."

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no reason that a rhinoplasty would not yield an acceptable and satisfying result in an older individual. Cartilage does not get brittle, but the septal cartilage can have islands of ossification; this would unlikely cause any issue in performing the operation well, however. As long as you are medically able to have an elective operation, than rhinoplasty is available to you.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I routinely perform rhinoplasties in patients in their 60s.  It is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you.

Is 61 years old too old for a rhinoplasty?

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