Is 15 Years Old Too Young for Rhinoplasty?

As others have mentioned, growing up with a facial feature you dislike can lead to problems with confidence. Things such as bullying and intimidation are real. That being said, rhinoplasty can often help one's self-confidence but needs to be done in a safe manner. The patient has to be psychologically ready for the change and mature enough to cope with the swelling and "post-op blues".  Also, the body must be done or nearly done growing, especially in the craniofacial area. The youngest I have ever operated on for cosmetic reasons is a 15 year old female and the youngest for a male has been a 16 year old who had not changes shoe size in over two years. In general, however, I wait to 16 in women and 17-18 in males. Hope this helps. 

Having a nose that is out of character
with your face because it is too large, bulbous, large hump can be a difficult
issue during growing up and a source of lowered esteem and confidence. Although
surgery to re-shape the nose with rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of the
nose it is important that other factors are considered:
Teenage years are one of the most challenging periods
in our lives. As we develop from childhood to adulthood, our physical
appearance takes center stage. Although teenage insecurities are a normal part
of adolescence, if a young person’s self-esteem is adversely affected by
unsatisfactory facial features, such as the shape or size of one’s nose, then
rhinoplasty may provide a solution. Physical growth of the nose is complete towards 13 to
16 years old for girls and 15 to 17 years old for boys. Adolescents should only
seek nasal reconstructive surgery when their noses have reached their full
size. Most boys mature later than girls, and this explains why their procedures
typically take place later.Psychology and maturity are important, as are the ability to
understand the concepts of surgery with rhinoplasty. Teenagers must determine
their reason for surgery and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks. Consultation and discussion over objectives from rhinoplasty,
understanding of the surgery as well as expectations from surgery are important
throughout the decision-making process. The teenager needs to be sufficiently
mature to cope with the recovery period, which may involve bleeding, bruising,
discomfort and swelling.

At 15 years of age, if you are a female and you have not grown anymore, this is the earliest age you can do a rhinoplasty especially if there is both aesthetic and functional deformity. In a male, I like to wait until they are at age 17.

Yes, 15 years is old enough but it has to be a conservative rhinoplasty.  Special attention should be paid to not reducing the dorsum too much. Any work on the nasal septum has to be only minimal to straighten it and no cartilage should be removed.
Regards

You are right around the cut off. The reason we dont like do surgery at an early age is because the face has not completely grown, so the chance of needing revision surgery does increase. Knowing this and if you are willing to take the chance then I would move forth.
You are around the earliest age I would perform rhinoplasty for a female patient.
Good luck.

Rhinoplasty is defininitely an option for you. Many teenagers with cleft lips and cleft palates get rhinoplasties to help with their facial aesthetics, and in order to improve your self-image a rhinoplasty for you would be okay. Rhinoplasty is a very well tolerated procedure typically done as an outpatient with minimal pain. Talk with your plastic surgeon about your specific goals that sound very reasonable according to your initial statement. Good luck!

 You should complete growing first. In females this would be fine. But in males it is best to wait until you are at least 18 -20 years old.

Hi Jk,
If you have gone through puberty, and you have kept the same shoe size over the past year or two, then you can be evaluated for rhinoplasty by a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon. Basically it is best until your bone growth has stopped before having your rhinoplasty. 15 years old is on the early side for rhinoplasty in males, but it sounds as if you have given it great thought for a long time. Male 15 year old skin is usually oily and thick. By waiting a few years, the skin thins a bit and is less oily. But if this is something that will greatly effect your self-esteem, then you probably will benefit from reshaping your nose sooner rather than later.
Try to get at least three experienced rhinoplasty surgeons opinions before choosing your doctor. Fortunately for you there are many excellent rhinoplasty specialists in Chicago.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

As long as your growth-spurt associated with puberty has ended, your age should not be problematic as you go for Rhinoplasty Consultations. You should see several board-certified, experienced Rhinoplasty specialists, and view as many photos as possible before choosing.
I hope this was helpful, and best of luck.

Jk630,
Yes, you are too young at this time.
Rhinoplasty is a more common plastic surgery for teenagers. The nose is relatively larger than the rest of the face during this time. Due to this facial imbalance or asymmetry, many teenagers pressure their parents for cosmetic surgery. Body parts that might appear too large or too small now can become more proportionate over time.
The nose continues to grow as we age, but the largest rate of nasal growth occurs during teen years. Generally, this rate slows greatly at age 16 for most girls, and 17 for most boys. As a result, most plastic surgeons wait until this age before considering rhinoplasty for teenagers.
Best of luck.