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What Is A “Teenage Rhinoplasty”?

The term refers to surgical alterations of the nose in younger patients, typically under the age of 18. Teenagers may complain of aesthetic problems, breathing problems, or both. Younger patients differ from adults both physically and emotionally, and it is important to understand these differences before proceeding with a treatment plan.

AT WHAT AGE CAN I GET A RHINOPLASTY?

Teenagers within the 14-17 age range can undergo a nose job in certain situations. However, cosmetic rhinoplasty in this age bracket can be challenging due to the potential ongoing development of facial features. For younger individuals, rhinoplasty is often performed for medical reasons, such as resolving breathing difficulties and other nasal functions.

The decision to proceed with a rhinoplasty in young individuals should involve a thorough discussion among the patient, their guardians, and the plastic surgeon. This decision should take into account not only the physical readiness of the patient’s face but also their emotional maturity, as the surgery can have significant, life-altering implications. Ultimately, the decision to undergo this surgical procedure is highly individualized, based more on developmental and emotional readiness rather than chronological age.

FOR TEEN RHINOPLASTY AT 14, 15, 16 AND 17 YEARS OLD, CONSULT DR. MOURAD IN NYC

What Are Some Of The Emotional Considerations To Consider In Teenage Rhinoplasties?

  • Emotionally, the motivations and reasons for a teenager in wanting a rhinoplasty must be determined. It may be the result of peer and social pressures, teasing, struggles with identity and feeling like an outcast. Adolescent years are important in forging an individual’s identity, self-esteem, and confidence.
  • A person’s physical appearance is only one aspect of what defines a person. Surgically altering a person’s physical appearance, especially in adolescence, may not necessarily lead to improved self-esteem and confidence. It is important to understand the motivating factors that underly a teenager’s desire for altering their physical appearance to ensure that expectations are met, and no emotional issues go on unrecognized.
  • In teenagers, more than any other type of patient, it is important to understand the complete nature of a patient’s complaints and issues beyond the physical. It is vital that patients and their families recognize the complexity of all factors that may be motivating a young patient to seek surgical changes.

It is only when a surgeon understands the whole picture, that they can begin to embark on a treatment plan for their young patient. These conversations often happen in the presence of parents and/or guardians. However, sometimes teenagers may feel more inclined to disclose information in private. It is important for your surgeon to recognize the social and emotional factors prior to focusing on the physical appearance of the nose.

TEENAGE NOSE SURGERY IS A SERIOUS CHANGE, BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY – CONSULT WITH AN EXPERT

 

 

What Are Some Physical Considerations When Performing Teenage Rhinoplasties?

Adolescence is an important time for physical growth, as changes in hormone levels lead to facial and skeletal changes and growth. The nose is particularly sensitive to these changes and continues to grow not only in adolescence but throughout our adult life. During puberty though, these changes are accelerated and more pronounced. Surgically altering the nose during this sensitive time has a risk, and may lead to long term issues related to the size, appearance and function of the nose. The nose is like a tent, with internal and external support structures composed of cartilage or bone. Removing or altering critical points of this nasal structure during teen nose surgery will weaken the foundation of the nose, leading to complications such as deficient growth in the long term. Additionally, the bone and cartilages of the nose at a younger age are weaker and less developed, making teen rhinoplasty procedures more delicate..

THE APPROACH TO TEENAGE RHINOPLASTY SURGERY

When performing rhinoplasty in a younger patient, surgeons must be conservative in their alterations of the structures of the nose. Cartilage should be “spared”, and the internal structure of the nose should be reinforced to allow for continued growth. Rhinoplasty in teenagers is usually deferred to the age of 15 in girls and 16 in boys to give facial features time to mature. However, if a patient suffers from a congenital or traumatic defect of the nose or significant nasal airway obstruction, surgery can sometimes be performed at a younger age. As with all cosmetic surgeries, realistic expectations and knowledge of the potential risks is essential.

 

HOW IS ADOLESCENT NOSE SURGERY PERFORMED?

The techniques used on teenage rhinoplasty patients are similar to a traditional rhinoplasty. For teenage nose surgery, a facial plastic surgeon can choose between two surgical techniques, open and closed rhinoplasty, to achieve the aesthetic goals of teen patients.

OPEN RHINOPLASTY

Teenage rhinoplasty can be performed through what is referred to as an “open approach”. This teen nose surgery process involves a small incision underneath the nose, followed by elevation and exposure of all of the internal structures of the nose. This is the most commonly performed type of rhinoplasty in both adults and teenagers. This type of rhinoplasty is often used in complicated cases and nasal reconstruction.

CLOSED RHINOPLASTY

This a “minimally invasive” rhinoplasty surgery, that does not involve an incision on the outside of the nose. All incisions are hidden within the inside of the nose. This type of procedure allows for the same access to the critical portions of the nose and allows for the same type of changes as through a more conventional approach. Post-operative swelling is limited by this type of cosmetic procedure. Dr. Mourad prefers to use this technique, especially in younger patients, as it limits the amount of tissue disruption seen with the open approach, with a better healing profile. Dr. Mourad also prefers this technique because there is no external evidence of “having a nose surgery”, which also may allow for better social acclimatization for teen rhinoplasty patients in the post-operative period.

CONSULT DR. MOURAD IN NYC ABOUT NOSE RESHAPING FOR TEENAGERS

 

WHAT ARE SOME POST-OPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS IN TEENAGE NOSE JOBS?

The healing process is similar to that in a regular rhinoplasty procedure. The surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Patients usually have nasal splints and an external cast that is applied for the 1st week after surgery and removed at the first post-operative visit. Teenagers can be cleared to be back to the classroom the next day. Sometimes, teenagers may not want to be seen in their post-operative cast and elect to stay home from school during their first recovery week. Some teenagers may elect to have nose surgery performed in the summer as to limit missed time from school and reduce any perceived social stigma.

RECOVERY TIME FOLLOWING FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

Like after rhinoplasty for adults, physical activity should be limited following a teenage nose surgery. Students can resume light aerobic activity 3 weeks after surgery, with a return to full physical activity at 6 weeks after surgery. Sports that may inadvertently cause direct trauma to the nose should be avoided by teen patients for at least 3 months after surgery (e.g. boxing, basketball, football, contact sports, etc.) However, student-athletes that wish to return to their regular sporting activities can return sooner with appropriate precautions.

CONSULT A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURES IN TEENAGE PATIENTS

Meet Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is board-certified in head and neck surgery and highly-trained in cosmetic plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. Dr. Mourad is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He treats many conditions, both cosmetic and complex, that affect the head, neck... Learn More »

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