Teenage Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is the most common plastic surgical procedure performed among teens, with 33,673 procedures performed last year, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Despite its popularity, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is no doubt a difficult one for both the teenager and the parent. Parents may remember nose jobs from their generation as looking obviously “done” with a high risk for error. While rhinoplasty is a very complex procedure, the techniques have evolved and advanced significantly within the last thirty years. There is not one “cookie-cutter” approach. Whether the patient needs correction of a deviated septum, or they seek correction of a certain feature of the nose, at Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery in Ohio, each procedure will be customized to produce a result that will meet the patient’s individual needs.

Is rhinoplasty the right choice for my teenager?

Since the nose is the most prominent part of the face, confidence in this decision is of utmost importance. A parent should not feel guilty about allowing their teenager to undergo this procedure if the way the teenager’s nose looks is having a significant impact on his or her quality of life. In these cases, the need for surgery goes beyond aesthetics. Rhinoplasty can literally give some teenage patients a positive attitude and increase in self-image. At a sensitive period in life where social acceptance bears much weight on self-esteem, increasing your teenager’s confidence through surgery at this time may be the right choice.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed when the nose is almost fully grown, which is usually age 16 for boys and age 15 for girls. Your teenager should also be mature about the decision, have the proper motivation for the surgery, and be mentally prepared for both the procedure and recovery.

Most teens undergo rhinoplasty during summer break, but many also get it done during the shorter spring and winter breaks. Parents should allow for about two weeks of recovery time for their teenager before they can return to school. Some return to school earlier but may have slight bruising and swelling. They should also avoid physical education class for one to two months.

It is important to understand that, as a top plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Shah strives to create a natural-looking contour to the nose, which will fit the patient’s face. The result should not make your teen look like another person. Once he or she returns from recovery, others should be able to tell that your teen looks different, but they shouldn’t be able to detect plastic surgery.

Some teenagers may be embarrassed at the thought of getting rhinoplasty surgery. At Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery, we assure that the consultation will be confidential. In about an hour, Ohio board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shah will review the details of the procedure and assess any concerns you and your teenager may have. Dr. Shah understands that the decision for your teen to undergo rhinoplasty is a very personal one, and he will provide you with the necessary information during your consultation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah, please call the Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery at (614) 322-2500. You may also fill out our online contact form for more information.