How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Rhinoplasty?

Your nose plays a major role in shaping your face, so if you have any concerns, they can seem uncomfortably obvious. Correct size, symmetry, and many other issues with rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and function of your nose. Rhinoplasty is one of the world’s most popular aesthetic procedures, helping people regain their confidence and facial harmony.

What is Rhinoplasty?

People who want to change their noses often benefit from rhinoplasty, casually known as a “nose job.” This surgical procedure corrects issues such as overall size, asymmetry, and bumps or an unpleasing shape. Rhinoplasty is a customized procedure based on your goals. Your Specialty Aesthetics Surgery surgeons have extensive expertise in creating harmonious, natural-looking rhinoplasty results.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Your surgeon may perform your rhinoplasty in one of several ways. During a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are hidden inside the nose. This method is usually used for minor corrections and reshaping. An open rhinoplasty uses a small incision between the nostrils to lift the tissue and access the deeper structures of the nose. Your surgeon will discuss the details of your procedure so you feel confident about what will happen. Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Rhinoplasty?

You may have been unhappy with your nose since childhood, but there is an appropriate age to consider rhinoplasty. This age is based on normal facial development since the structures of the nose are not fully developed until about 18 years of age. As a result, we recommend that a rhinoplasty candidate be at least 18, although only a consultation can determine the right age for you.

If you are old enough and your nasal bones are developed enough, your surgeon will assess other factors such as your medical history, overall health, and expectations for the procedure. The best candidates for rhinoplasty have achievable goals and no major health problems. You may not be a candidate if you are pregnant or have certain health issues.

What Can a Rhinoplasty Treat?

While many people think of a “nose job” as a technique for improving your appearance, rhinoplasty can also offer functional improvements. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is performed to address issues such as concerns about nose shape, width, and symmetry. A functional rhinoplasty is performed to address issues such as a deviated septum that prevents you from breathing well through your nose. A deviated septum means the structure between your nostrils is shifted to the side, a problem that can only be corrected with rhinoplasty.

You may consider rhinoplasty if you have concerns that include:

An abnormally shaped or crooked nose
Difficulty breathing through your nose
A nose that looks too large for your face
An unusually wide bridge
A wide, drooping, or otherwise unusually shaped nose tip
Narrow nasal passages
A hump or bump on the bridge
An unusually long or narrow nose

Your Specialty Aesthetics Surgery surgeons also specialize in ethnic rhinoplasty, allowing them to shape and sculpt your nose while preserving and highlighting the features that make you naturally beautiful.

What is Recovery Like After Rhinoplasty?

You may have dressings and a nasal splint on your nose after surgery. You will typically experience some swelling and bruising, especially for the first few days. Ice packs and resting with your head elevated will help these issues resolve more quickly. We usually recommend five to seven days off work to recover. You can resume strenuous activities after four to six weeks with your surgeon’s approval.

What Results Will I See After Rhinoplasty?

You can see improvements immediately after surgery, but your nose will not achieve its final appearance for several months. Residual swelling will fade during this time, and your nasal structures will settle into their new position. Most people enjoy continuous, gradual improvements for six months or more.

Rhinoplasty results can last a lifetime, especially if you protect your nose from trauma. The structure of your face will change with age, but the adjustments to your nasal structure will not. You can expect to enjoy your sculpted, proportionate nose for the rest of your life. Nasal trauma may change the shape of your nose and require a revision procedure.

Is There a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

No non-surgical procedure can provide the same results as a rhinoplasty. However, a non-surgical rhinoplasty uses injectables such as dermal fillers to create a more pleasing shape. Dermal fillers can add volume and definition to your nose, smoothing out bumps and correcting asymmetry. While this procedure provides subtle, temporary changes, it may be a good option for you if you are not ready for a surgical procedure.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about rhinoplasty? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary