Are You a Teen Considering Rhinoplasty? This Article is A Must Read.
Rhinoplasty is the most common form of cosmetic surgery among North American youth*. Often times, young people are bothered by inherited family features such as a large hump or hooked tip. For patients who have very prominent noses that are the focus of their face, having surgery at a younger age can help improve confidence and self esteem. There are, however, several special considerations teens must take into account before they get a nose job.
Are you old enough for rhinoplasty?
Since your nasal anatomy needs time to fully develop, there are minimum age requirements for rhinoplasty. The American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgery outlines that rhinoplasty surgery is safe once the nasal anatomy is developed - for girls are 15 and over, and boys age 16 and older. Dr. Buonassisi assesses each candidate carefully and patients under the age of 18 must have parental consent in order to proceed with surgery.
Do you really need a nose job?
Determining whether your reasons for rhinoplasty are healthy/realistic or not is an important step in the process. While cosmetic surgery can change your appearance - and, to some extent, the way you feel about yourself - it cannot change your life. If you believe a new nose will make you more popular or help you get better grades, or you hope to look like your favourite movie star, your motivations may be off. Also, while rhinoplasty can make great improvements to the nose, it's important to keep in mind that there are physical limitations to what it can do. In other words, the changes you envision may simply not be possible.
Can you wait to have this procedure?
You may be anxious to ''fix'' your nose, but waiting until you are older (and, perhaps, more comfortable with/confident about your body) is always the best option when it comes to any type of cosmetic surgery.
Not only is your nasal anatomy still developing in your teenage years, the shape and size of your nose (particularly in proportion to the rest of your face) need time to mature. Think about it: the way your nose looks right now could change to the point that, in a few years, you may really like your natural nose!
Even if you have reached the physical/medical threshold for rhinoplasty, you may not be ready, emotionally, to take the plunge. Your body image and self-esteem may change to where you no longer feel you need a nose job; you may even redefine your thoughts around cosmetic surgery in general. As such, it may be wise to wait.
How do your parents feel?
Communicating with your mom and dad is key when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Remember, anyone under the age of 18 must have parental consent in order to qualify for rhinoplasty, so talking to and gaining your parents' approval is a necessary part of the process.
Your mom and dad - or any other adult whose opinion you trust - can give great, honest feedback on whether your reasons for wanting rhinoplasty are healthy/reasonable or not. A second opinion from someone who has your best interests at heart can save you the time and cost associated with a surgical procedure you may not really need.
Have you done enough research?
If you absolutely cannot wait to get a nose job, and your parents are in agreement, you must be aware of the fact that rhinoplasty is a big decision that requires a great deal of research leading up to the actual event.
Not only will you have to seek out and book consultations with various surgeons in order to find one that suits your needs, you must also educate yourself on the risks associated with cosmetic surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
