How Young Is Too Young for Rhinoplasty?
“Mom, I hate my nose.” If your teen is complaining about their nose’s appearance, you may be wondering about rhinoplasty. Is your child too young for the procedure? Can teens even have cosmetic surgery? We’ve got the answers you need about age and rhinoplasty.
Can Teens Get Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic surgery isn’t common during the teen years, unless we’re talking about rhinoplasty. This procedure is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for teen patients. In fact, teens account for approximately 14% of all rhinoplasties performed in the U.S.
Teens can and do receive rhinoplasty, but not all teens are ready for surgery. Before your teen receives cosmetic surgery, we’ll talk with them to make sure they are both physically and emotionally ready it.
Many teens are still growing, both in the body and in the nose. Cosmetic rhinoplasty shouldn’t be performed before the nose reaches its full adult size. Every teen develops differently, but this typically occurs during the mid to late teens. We start considering rhinoplasty for female patients around the age of 15-16. Males develop more slowly, and usually need a year or two longer before they are ready rhinoplasty. Your child may develop physically at a slower or faster pace than average.
Setting Healthy Expectations
Physical development is important, but so is your teen’s emotional readiness for rhinoplasty surgery. Our surgeons have been trained in assessing patient readiness, and will speak extensively with your teen about their goals, desires, and expectations for surgery.
We only work with teenage patients if we determine that they are emotionally ready. Many teens are encouraged to wait a little longer before pursuing plastic surgery.
The Parent’s Role in Teenage Rhinoplasty
Ultimately, the rhinoplasty decision for your teen should be made by your teen. Don’t encourage them to seek cosmetic surgery. Let them come to you and ask about the procedure initially. Suggesting plastic surgery to another, even your own child, can be problematic because they may not have the same concerns that you do about the appearance of their nose.
If your teen is ready, we would love to sit down and chat. Teenage rhinoplasty is a collaborative process that involves the plastic surgeon, the parent, and the teen. All three parties must work together, and be on board, for the surgery process to begin and continue. We welcome you to our beautiful office location for a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During the consultation, we’ll meet with both teen and parent while exploring your treatment options. Call us at 512-371-8817 and learn more about teen rhinoplasty in Austin, TX.
Parents must be supportive of rhinoplasty for a teen to receive the procedure, but the big decisions will belong to the teen. After all, it is their body that rhinoplasty will permanently change. We encourage parents to learn about the procedure with their child and to support them throughout the decision making process, whether or not they decide to have surgery. Parents are also a valuable support during recovery. After the age of 18, teens can pursue rhinoplasty without parental involvement or support.
Learn more about rhinoplasty in Austin, TX by contacting Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre.
