Rhinoplasty, or “nose job”, is one of the oldest procedures in the history of modern facial plastic surgery yet remains one of the most popular procedures today. Rhinoplasties are so popular because they can be done at a younger age than most cosmetic procedures and they last a lifetime. So what is the best age for a rhinoplasty?
An appropriate age for a rhinoplasty is once the individual reaches both physical and emotional maturity. This age is different for each gender, typically girls around the age of at least 16 and after the age of 17 or 18 for boys. This is about the time when the sinuses are fully developed. There are unique circumstances when there is a deformity that causes functional issues. For circumstances like these, surgeries may be done earlier.
A candidate for a rhinoplasty would be someone who wishes to change the appearance of their nose and/or improve functional results and are at least 16 to 18 years of age. The term septorhinoplasty is used when both functional and cosmetic aspects are being changed. Functional refers to the repositioning or reshaping cartilage and bone to improve nasal breathing. Cosmetic concerns include making changes to the size, shape or proportion of your nose.
It’s also important that candidates are at an age where they are healthy and have realistic expectations about surgery. When a patient comes in for a consultation they typically have an idea of what they want their nose to look like. Our incredible surgeons are able to communicate what is realistic and what can actually be done to help them achieve their goals.
It’s important that a patient has reach an age where they are physically and emotionally mature enough to handle surgery, especially the recovery process. Rhinoplasty surgeries are performed in the operating room while the patient is asleep. When the patient wakes up they’ll usually have a cast on their nose and results are not fully apparent. The nose stays swollen for a while after surgery but after two months the patient will have a better understanding of what their nose is going to look like.
Rhinoplasty surgery can be done on a healthy, young individual or a healthy, older individual. This procedure is and will continue to be one of the most common cosmetic procedures that offers life changing results.
To learn more about rhinoplasty in Draper or Layton, Utah, please call our office at (801)776-2220 or contact us HERE.