Why do I have to wait until I'm 18 years of age to have my nose fixed?

There is no general rule regarding the youngest age at which a rhinoplasty can be done safely. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, though, it is best to wait until puberty is over. In women, a rhinoplasty may be done as early as age 14 and in men as early as age 16. However, exceptions do exist in both directions, i.e. where it may be better to wait even longer or the opposite, surgery may be done below that age. The last change in shoe size is an indicator whether or not one is still growing. If the shoe size has not changed in over a year and the patient's nose looks mature, it is pretty safe to perform a rhinoplasty under the age of 18. Please remember, though, that parental consent is required in minors.  Best wishes!

There is more scientific evidence coming out that conservative surgery on the nose in children under 18 will not have any long term detrimental effects. You should not have to wait till you are 18. Find a surgeon who has experience in doing nasal surgery on younger individuals.RegardsDr. J

It is generally accepted that the nose reaches adult size in
most patients at 15 in females and 16-17 in males. A rhinoplasty can be performed
after that time.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or
any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you,
physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full
medical history, evaluating your level of maturity, and discussing the pros and
cons of the operative procedure with you and your parents would not be in your
best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist)
that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California