The Right Age For Rhinoplasty: The Minimum and Maximum Age to Have a Nose Job

Rhinoplasty has gained wide popularity recently, thanks to improved medical technology and the growing trend towards plastic surgery. No matter your country, culture, race, or religion, rhinoplasty is a highly desired cosmetic surgery for people from all walks of life. And rightly so, as everyone wants to feel good, and not everyone is born with the nose they want to live with. For some, it is a medical problem; for others, it is an aesthetic issue. But the good news is that rhinoplasty offers a long-lasting solution to both medical conditions and public image concerns.

However, “Is there such a thing as being too young or too old for rhinoplasty?" you might ask. "And if so, what is the right age to get a nose job?" Very often, the question is especially important for children and teens, who are susceptible to embarrassment or bullying at school for their nose and are anxious to undergo surgery and embrace their new look. Well, lucky you; this article looks deeper at rhinoplasty in different age groups and the ideal age to get a nose job. So keep reading to find out more.

Does Age Matter For Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure, and like other surgeries, age becomes an important factor in evaluating a patient's risk for complications. First, most plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia over local anesthesia for rhinoplasty to get the best results. As the name suggests, general anesthesia is when you become fully unconscious and unaware of the procedure being performed.

Since general anesthesia tends to be a little harder on the brain and the body, age becomes an important factor, especially for older adults. 

Furthermore, age-related health conditions, like hypertension and heart and lung conditions, also increase the risk of side effects. Likewise, the mental maturity of the person undergoing rhinoplasty also matters. It is not just the size or shape of the nose; a person considering rhinoplasty must have realistic expectations and choose rhinoplasty for the right reasons. Not only is a nose job a permanent procedure, it only changes the look of a nose and not how they feel inside about themselves. So, if a person is in their early to mid-teens, having rhinoplasty in their late teens could be worth the wait. 

Minimum Age For Rhinoplasty

While 18 is the technical age to reach adulthood, the minimum age to get a nose job is when the nose reaches its full adult size, usually around 15 to 17 years. Most surgeons are reluctant to perform the procedure on a nose that has reached less than 90 percent of its adult growth, as the best results are obtained with a fully matured nose. Research suggests that secondary rhinoplasty rates are higher in teenagers than in adults. Furthermore, rhinoplasty on an underdeveloped nose may lead to nose distortion and disturbed facial growth.

Since girls tend to develop a little faster than boys and their nose reaches adult size earlier, they can get a nose job at 15 to 16. On the other hand, boys can get rhinoplasty one or two years later, at 16 or 17. However, regardless of gender, the exact right age varies from person to person. As a result, face-to-face evaluation is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty.

Also read: What Happens before Rhinoplasty and How to Prepare for the Procedure

However, there are no concrete reasons to avoid rhinoplasty earlier. You can get a nose job earlier if you have a medical condition or want to correct imperfections due to sports or non-sports injuries. If the child is physically and mentally mature and has realistic expectations, the procedure can be performed as early as 12. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic procedures teens choose. However, children below 12 should not get rhinoplasty. 

Maximum Age For Rhinoplasty

While there is no age limit, rhinoplasty over 55 is quite uncommon for cosmetic reasons. That said, you can still get a nose job in your 60s or 70s. However, the approach and results may be affected by old age. For example, skin elasticity decreases with age, and the skin does not bounce back as quickly as the skin of younger people. Furthermore, as the person ages, it takes longer to recover from the surgical wounds, with incisions taking longer to heal and the swelling lasting longer. 

Rhinoplasty in older people is a unique challenge for the facial plastic surgeon. The changes in muscle strength and the weakened nasal cartilage require extra care from the surgeon. Even minor changes and small imperfections become more apparent in older adults. However, rhinoplasty in the elder is quite common for medical reasons such as nasal obstruction or traumatic deformity. Furthermore, rhinoplasty for aesthetic concerns is not uncommon in the middle-aged group between 40 and 60.

The Right Age For Rhinoplasty

While there are no specific guidelines as to when is the right age for rhinoplasty, 18 to 40 is considered the ideal range by most plastic surgeons. Research suggests that the median age for rhinoplasty is 26 worldwide. By this time, you not only have matured physically but mentally as well and have realistic expectations. Your nose has achieved full growth, and your body can tolerate the stress of a cosmetic procedure. Your skin is elastic to make changes, the recovery time is shorter, and the overall risk of complications is low. 

However, if you are below 18 or above 40, you may still be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Furthermore, age itself is not that important, but rather your overall health and the body's ability to withstand the stress of surgery. Talk to your plastic surgeon for more information and what precautions you must take if you are under 18 or over 40.

Is Rhinoplasty Different In Younger People From The Old? 

Rhinoplasty procedure in younger people is essentially the same as in older people, with similar desired outcomes. However, the focus of the procedure is on different things. For example, rhinoplasty for younger people typically involves:

• Fixing asymmetry
• Removing nasal humps
• Trimming an overly long nose
• Narrowing or straightening the nasal bridge

However, in middle-aged and older people, the main focus typically is:

• Narrowing a bulbous nose
• Lifting a drooping tip
• Decreasing the size of the nose
• Correcting breathing issues caused by weakened cartilage

Am I A Good Candidate For Rhinoplasty?

You are a good candidate for the procedure if you are between 18 and 40 years old and have no medical condition, such as a bleeding disorder. Furthermore, if you have a medical condition such as a deviated nasal septum or congenital nose deformity, have realistic expectations, and understand the limitations of the procedure, you are an excellent candidate.

On the other hand, being below 18 or above 40 does not automatically disqualify a person from getting rhinoplasty. It just means that your plastic surgeon must ensure you are the right fit for the procedure. 

What are the risks of rhinoplasty for teenage patients?

If you are a teenager and your nose has yet to achieve its adult size and shape, your doctor would recommend waiting a year or so, depending on your age. This is because of the following factors: 

• Incomplete facial growth: The main concern with rhinoplasty in younger patients is that their facial growth may not be complete. The nose typically continues to grow and change until the late teens or early 20s. Performing rhinoplasty before growth is complete can lead to unpredictable outcomes and may require additional surgeries later on.
• Emotional and psychological factors: Teenagers may not be emotionally mature enough to make a decision about cosmetic surgery, and they may not fully understand the potential risks and complications. It's important for younger patients to discuss their reasons for wanting the surgery and to have realistic expectations about the results.
• Anesthesia risks: Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, which carries some risks, such as allergic reactions or complications related to the heart or lungs. These risks may be higher for younger patients, particularly if they have pre-existing medical conditions.
• Surgical complications: As with any surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. These risks may be higher for younger patients, who may have less developed immune systems or who may not follow post-operative care instructions as closely as adults.
• Unsatisfactory results: Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires an experienced surgeon to achieve the desired results. However, even with a skilled surgeon, there is always a risk that the results may not meet the patient's expectations. This can be particularly distressing for younger patients, who may have less experience dealing with disappointment or may be more prone to negative reactions from peers.

It is crucial for parents and teenagers considering rhinoplasty to discuss the procedure with a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience working with younger patients. The surgeon can help determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery and can provide guidance on the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 13, 14, or 15-year-old get a nose job?

Yes, a 13, 14, or 15-year-old can get rhinoplasty for medical reasons such as sports or non-sports-related injuries. However, to improve aesthetic concerns resulting from genetic imperfections, it is better to wait until the nose is fully developed, usually by 15 - 16 years of age for girls and 16 - 17 years of age for boys.

How much is a nose job for a 13, 14, or 15-year-old?

The rhinoplasty cost for a 13, 14, or 15-year-old is the same as for an adult. It ranges from $2500 to $10000, with an average cost of around $5400. However, the overall cost depends on many factors, such as your doctor's experience, location, technology, and staff availability. 

Do people under 18 need parental consent to get rhinoplasty?

While no laws in the US prevent teenagers from getting rhinoplasty, parental consent is usually needed for under-18s. Thus, the responsibility falls on parents to help their children make the right decision.