Will Nose Continue to Grow After Nose Job?

Question

I'm getting a Nose job this friday and my doctor didn't really talk to me much about it. The only part I'm nervous about is if my nose will continue growing even after the surgery? I'm 15 years old.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In someone who’s only fifteen there’s significant potential for continued growth following rhinoplasty surgery. For this reason, rhinoplasty should be approached with caution in patients in this age group
                Physical maturity is important for several reasons. Operating on the nose before growth has stabilized can have significant consequences. Under these circumstances continued growth following rhinoplasty surgery can result in nasal changes that may alter the appearance of the nose. In addition, rhinoplasty surgery performed at an early age has the potential to disrupt facial growth.
  
                Although opinions vary from surgeon to surgeon regarding the earliest age for rhinoplasty, most surgeons feel that an age of 15 to 17 for women and 16 to 18 for men is appropriate. Each patients situation is unique and several factors may alter these numbers. In children with congenital nasal birth defects or post-traumatic nasal deformities, surgery may be indicated at an earlier age. In this group, significant nasal aesthetic deformities, deviation of the nasal septum, and difficulty breathing may make early intervention a necessity. 
  
                If you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery as a teenager, it’s important to discuss the issue with your parents. If everyone agrees that rhinoplasty is an option, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be appropriate. The vast majority of patients who undergo rhinoplasty as teenagers report high levels of satisfaction.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

We typically do not perform rhinoplasty on anyone until after their nose has already finished growing. That would be around age 14 to 16 for a girl and about age 15 for a boy. Now, as we age, our noses do sometimes appear elongated owing to the downward-pulling effect of gravity over many decades. However, they are not actually growing. I hope this helps.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

First off, in regards to your concern that your doctor “didn’t really talk to [you] much about it,” I would suggest considering a new plastic surgeon. A good doctor will sit you down at your consultation appointment and will explain to you the details of your surgery. Personally, I take this time to answer any and all of my patients’ concerns, comments, and questions and am sure to be sensitive to the fact that this is a big decision in my patients’ lives. That being said, it is likely that your nose will indeed continue to adapt as you mature. Since you are only 15 years old, and females go through puberty until about age 18, your body is probably still changing. It might be best if you wait a few more years before undergoing your nose job so as to attain the best, most permanent results. Although the female and male  face continues to mature till 18 - it is safe to do rhinoplasty on a female at age 14 and males at age 15 and I do it all the time - the nose doesn't really grow after that much but skin stretches as we age

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Hi Jazmine,
It's concerning that your surgeon hasn't spoken much to you before surgery.  It's important that you have all of your questions answered prior to surgery and feel comfortable prior to commencing with surgery.
An interesting study was published this year in the Archives of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;134(12):1288-1293).  The authors found that the average age for the nasal growth spurt to stop in girls was 13.1 years.  Using the variance within the population they studied, they concluded that 98% of girls were done with nasal growth at the age of 15.8 years.  They therefore concluded that rhinoplasty could be performed safely in all girls at age 16.
It's very unlikely that your nose will grow after surgery, but it is possible to a small amount.  If you're not comfortable with that answer, you should delay surgery.
Best of luck!

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Miss Reyes,
You must be very truthful and not tell any lies like our friend Pinocchio. 
It is important to know that the great majority of your bone growth has been completed before having rhinoplasty. There are bone studies that can be carried out to assess the growth maturity of a teen. If a patient has passed through puberty, their shoe size has stabilized (as well as their overall growth), and their skin is not overly thick and oily, then they are a candidate for rhinoplasty (though on the very early end of the age range).
It is important that the patient really wants the surgery, and has thought about it for some time. They should not have it done unless they want it from deep within their heart. It will not "change one's life" and  expectations must be real. They should not have rhinoplasty to "please" their parents or others.
Most importantly, choose a well trained, experienced, rhinoplasty surgeon whom you trust.
Be well, and remember, no more lies.
Dr. P

John Diaz, MD · Answer

Having a rhinoplasty at age 15 is a little unusual. It is a little young to have a procedure of this complexity and importance. However, it can, and is, done.
Personally, I wait until patients are a little older before I consider performing a rhinoplasty. The nose continues to change slightly as we age. In general, it is best to wait until your development is stable before considering doing this surgery.
Having said that, the most important thing you should do is have another discussion with your surgeon, and your parents. Write down all of your questions and concerns on a piece of paper so you don't forget during the appointment.
After your discussion, you and your parents should have a better idea about whether or not to let you have the rhinoplasty.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The nose is one of the last structures to reach skeletal maturity. I will assume, from your name, that you are a female. In females this is typcially from 14-16. Therefore there is a possibility that your nose may continue to grow. In many ways, you will be the best judge of this. Has your nose been stable for the past 6 months?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The nose will not grow after your surgery. The bigger problem is what the others have stated. You should be able to talk to your doctor and know what he's going to do and be available to you after surgery.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, if you have not talked with your doctor about the specifics for your planned surgery, then you need to schedule an appointment and make sure this happens before your surgery. Why would you agree to an operation without even discussing it. Second of all, your nose continues to change throughout your life. If you have finished development, you likely will be fine for the surgery. Good luck.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure, and requires the surgeon to spend some time discussing what will happen with the patient, and in your case since you're only 15, your parents as well. If you are not aware of what is involved or still have questions, you should speak with your surgeon first before proceeding with surgery.  In terms of whether or not your nose will grow after the procedure, it probably won't be anything that you would notice, although I think most surgeons would probably wait until you're 16 before have the procedure.
Hope this helps, and if you're having any doubts, please seek out a second opinion.
Good luck,
 
Dr. Salemy

Will Nose Continue to Grow After Nose Job?

Answers (20)

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