Can a 17-year-old Have Rhinoplasty?

Question

I want to have rhinoplasty done to make my nose smaller and fix it up. When I was little, I   had a severe accident on my dorsum. It altered the way my nose looks. Then at the age of 16, my nose was fractured while in boxing so now the left side is deviated internally and Ihave some breathing problems as a result. Also I simply hate the way my nose looks. It is causing me so much depression that I avoid going out at all costs and in school, I have severe limitations of interaction as a result.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

It is perefectly reasonable for a 17 yo male to proceed w/ cosmetic Rhinoplasty. Facial growth is complete by this time. Consult with a specilaist in Rhinoplasty for best outcomes. 
Dr. G.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

I have operated on female teenage patients ages
14 and up and male teenage patients at 15 and up. There are measures to
determine their growth but in general the female nose matures by age 14 and
male nose by age 15. There are exceptions to these rules if there are fractures
or severe functional issues where surgery may be performed sooner. In short,
yes a 17 year old can have a rhinoplasty. I recommend researching for board
certified facial plastic surgeons in your area for a consultation. During a
consultation, surgeons generally examine the nose and provide you with details
on what alterations will be made, while keeping your wishes in mind.

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

In most cases, rhinoplasty should be delayed until the facial skeleton has matured. This is typically in the mid to late teens. For girls, cosmetic rhinoplasty should be delayed until at least 14-16 years old. For boys, facial skeletal growth is usually complete between 16-18 years old. When rhinoplasty is performed after this stage, it is unlikely that the changes from surgery will detrimentally effect facial skeleton development.What is of equal importance to the physical maturity of the face is the emotional maturity of the patient. When considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to do it for the right motivations-doing it for yourself to look good and feel more confident about your appearance. Additionally, it is important to have realistic expectations about the type of result that can be achieved following rhinoplasty surgery; an improvement in the appearance of the nose, improved balance and harmony between the nose and your facial features, and a timeless result-a result that will look good both right now and in the future as you get older.Since this has been bothering you for some time, you would benefit from consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss what option might be best for you. With your history of trauma to your nose, your surgery may be even more complex so you should spend a lot of time researching to find the right rhinoplasty surgeon for you.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It&rsquo;s not the physiological age, but rather the psychological maturity. Surgeons become increasingly concerned and uneasy the younger the patient. Originally this was due to a belief that surgery at a young age would somehow interfere with the future development and growth of the cartilage and hence the nose. Although many surgeons still believe this, studies have now shown this concern isn&rsquo;t justified. So it&rsquo;s back to the maturity of the patient as the deciding factor. Why? Because the post operative course is smoother if you are aware of what to expect and have the ability to manage the stress, pain and healing. You need to ask yourself if you feel you're ready. Maybe ask your parents. If the answer is yes, then go ahead.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello,
17 is the minimum recommended age for a male to undergo rhinoplasty.  However, circumstances are unique in every situation, and I would really need to see photos and/or perform an examination to give you the best advice. If you wish, you may send any photos to Lisa, my patient care coordinator and I would be happy to give you my opinion. My contact info is listed in my profile. Thank you and best of luck.
Dr. Nassif

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You should consult a board-certified, experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon, with your parents, to get an idea of what to expect after surgery. Computer imaging is helpful in showing you what to expect, and to make sure you have realistic expectations.
It's normal to want to repair your broken nose. It's not typical to be so depressed by the appearance of your nose that you avoid going to school.
Please discuss your depressed feelings with your parents and pediatrician as soon as possible: i.e. before seeking Cosmetic Consultation. It has been my experience that Rhinoplasty Surgery will improve your appearance, but will likely NOT improve your depressed mood.
I hope this is helpful for you.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It should be an improvement functionally and cosmetically. But I agree with Dr. Beraka that it would be helpful for you to get psychologic help before.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

By 17 most people are finished with their growth spurt, therefore, physically you are ready to have a nosejob. The main consideration in teens is when they are emotionally and psychologically ready to have this change. For teens who have thought out the process, extraordinary changes can take place in self esteem that often outweigh the physical changes, plus the improvement in breathing as well.
I suggest you seek a rhinoplasty specialist to discuss your options for looking and breathing better. You can also discuss your current and future participation in sports to see when the timing is right for you.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It sounds as if your nose may be crooked from trauma as well as perhaps other sports related injuries. I would recommend seeing a facial plastic surgeon who has experience in both the inside and outside of the nose to deal with the breathing issues that you may have as well.
As far as age is concerned, typically we recommend that males wait until the age of 16 and females until the age of 15. However, I would recommend you wait to have definitive repair when you are done boxing. It would be even more difficult to fix a nose once a rhinoplasty has been done if you have further trauma to your nose.
In New York City, I highly recommend Dr. Minas Constanides. He is in Manhattan and is an expert on rhinoplasties and crooked noses.
I hope this information helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your nose presents some challenges over the traditional condition of a prominent hump and full tip.
Your first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon to review the internal as well as the external anatomy. Steps for correcting your breathing must take into account your cosmetic goals. Sometimes these conflict.

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