Will my Nose Keep Growing? I Am 17. (photo)

Question

Hi. I came across a doctor who simply did not want to do surgery on me because I'm 17 (born February). He told me that I should come back December because my nose might get deformed after the nose job. What I want to know is, is this true? And what are the chances of this happening? My other doctors seemed fairly sure that my face has stopped developing.. Note: I'm having the hump reduced, tip lifted, and the overall nose narrowed.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Facial growth is complete in females by the early teenage years. By now your nose should be stable in size and would not influence strategies of a plastic surgeon performing a rhinoplasty on you.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear diana5701,

	
		At the age of seventeen, almost everyone is ready for surgery, especially females who mature sooner than males
	
		Your nose should not get deformed after surgery unless it suffers some trauma
	
		You should also consider a chin augmentation at the same time, it will really improve the results of your rhinoplasty and look natural


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Each patient needs to be evaluated as a individual. However most girls are past their growth spurt by the age of 15 and are physically ready for rhinoplasty. Most boys have a later growth spurt and that is pushed to 16 years of age. However, more importantly is the psychological maturity of the patient and the ability to make a mature adult decision regarding the reasons for rhinoplasty.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

I think it is safe to operate your nose at your age. Consider consulting with a surgeon that has experience with rhinoplasty.

Umang Mehta, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and photos. I wrote an article about this subject (link below). For girls, the usual rule of thumb is 2 years after the onset of menses (the start of your menstrual periods). In general, this means around age 16, though for some, it is possible to consider the surgery at even age 14 or 15. Typically teenage boys should wait until around 17 or 18, as the face continues to change and mature a bit later for boys, as they go through their growth spurts. Every situation is different, so these are just general guidelines. Obviously, it's also important to consider emotional maturity as well.  

	By age 17, I would suspect that it's unlikely that your nose will change to any great extent. The most important bit of advice I can give you is to select a surgeon who truly specializes in rhinoplasty and does a large volume of noses, as this is a very delicate and precise operation which requires specific training and experience. 

	Best regards,

	Dr. Mehta

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Most  facial plastic surgeons around the country  would agree that age 17 for a woman is in acceptable time to undergo a rhinoplasty.Best to seek out 2-3 consultations and opinions

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Maybe obtains additional IN PERSON opinions might afford you a better response. I see no issue doing your rhinoplasty NOW!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that is is OK to perform a rhinoplasty on a young lady at 17. By this point you should be at adult size.  Certainly reasonable.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Generally your nose has matured by age 17.  You and your parent should see a board certified surgeon for evaluation.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

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Will my Nose Keep Growing? I Am 17. (photo)

Answers (9)

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU