The nose forms the central focus of the face, and if the shape or size of the nose doesn’t match the shape of the rest of the face, it can really affect how others perceive a person. Being unhappy with the shape or size of your nose can seriously adversely affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. It is, therefore, not surprising that rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a nose job, are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, particularly among young people.
Facial growth
As teenagers grow, their faces also grow and develop, and quite a few teenagers end up being unhappy with how their nose fits into the rest of their face. Having low self-esteem and a lack of confidence during this critical period of life can have life-long consequences on a person’s social and professional development. Therefore, many parents end up wondering how soon their child can get a nose job.
However, it is important to not proceed with a rhinoplasty until the nose and face stop growing. Dr. Diktaban generally suggests waiting until age 16 to ensure the face has completed development. Only after the nose and face have finished growing can Dr. Diktaban properly evaluate the structure of the face and, in consultation with the teen, decide on the best approach to making the size and shape of the nose better complement the structure of the rest of the face.
What can be changed?
Rhinoplasty can be a very simple procedure or a very complicated one, depending on the extent of the work being done. Practically all parts of the nose can be re-shaped:
- The bridge can be straightened and smoothed
- The nose’s tip can be reshaped
- The size of the nostrils can be changed
- The entire nose can be made larger or smaller
- The internal structure of the nose can be corrected to improve breathing difficulties
The procedure and recovery
Nose surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning your teen will come home after the procedure and does not need to spend the night at a hospital. Dr. Diktaban uses carefully and meticulously placed dissolvable sutures rather than packing the nose so that recovery is more comfortable, however, considerable swelling and bruising during the first week is normal. Your teen can return to school, work, and social activities after about 7-10 days; it will not be apparent to others at this point that surgery has been performed. However, more strenuous activities should be avoided until 2-6 weeks after the procedure, depending on the intensity of the activity.
Request a Consultation
Practically all individuals who undergo rhinoplasty are ecstatic about the results. They report dramatically improved confidence and self-esteem and feel empowered by their improved facial symmetry. Many teens who were shy and insecure come out of their shells and develop into confident, outgoing adults after a rhinoplasty.
For more information on teen rhinoplasty or the new preservation rhinoplasty for teens. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Diktaban by calling 212-988-5656.
Dr. Theodore Diktaban, MD FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, specializes in safe and subtle cosmetic treatments, enhancing natural beauty and boosting self-confidence in the Upper East Side and New York City.
