What's the youngest age for rhinoplasty & how big a change can be made? (Photos)

Hello, and thank you for your question. Surgeons have been known to perform rhinoplasty on patients as young as 15 for girls and 16 for boys. This is the age when the nose has finally reached its peak growth stage, and rhinoplasty then becomes a viable option for correcting or enhancing nasal features for medical and cosmetic concerns. A surgeon will first need to assess a patient’s nasal bones, cartilage, and septum to determine if the patient’s nose is fully developed, as well as assess the patient’s eligibility for the procedure. A good surgeon will never encourage the surgery if he/she is not 100% confident that the patient is a suitable candidate.

Rhinoplasty, regardless of age, is a very complex procedure. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with a strong rhinoplasty portfolio. Your surgeon will do a proper evaluation, determine your eligibility for surgery, recommend the best approach to address your concerns and goals (a surgeon will have an eye for facial balance and symmetry too), and help ensure the best possible outcome. Recovery will also depend on the concerns addressed and the surgical technique used. In general, a patient will need to rest for 1-2 weeks and avoid strenuous activities for up to four weeks. Full results should be achieved after a full year.

Hi, there! Rhinoplasty can be performed when the nose has completed 90% of its growth, which can occur as early as age 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys. I would recommend starting with a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery to discuss if rhinoplasty can address your concerns.

I would recommend writing down the following questions before scheduling your consultation:
1. Are you unhappy with the tip of your nose?
2. Do you feel that your nose is too wide?
3. Do you want to make your nostrils smaller in appearance?
4. Are you looking to decrease the general size of your nose?
I hope some of these questions will help you pinpoint what it is that you don't like about your nose. Cost will vary due to various factors like anesthesia fees, facilities fees, etc. I wish you the best as you research your options when scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation.

Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

At what age can a female have a Rhinoplasty‘s? Most surgeons consider 15 years of age to be the youngest that a female can undergo rhinoplasty. Usually for males the age is 16. Your nose can be made considerably smaller if you wish. There is almost no limit to how small a nose can be made theoretically, but aesthetically the after image which you show appears too small and too scooped and too overdone.