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

It is possible to reset a broken nose at age 16 and improve air flow through it. This will require  osteotomy was placed in the nasal bones to reset them straight, and a septoplasty to improve the breathing. Look for a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for best results.  Patients will require parental consent up until age 18.

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