As surgical techniques become more sophisticated and as young people become more and more interested in taking care of their appearance and health, it’s only natural that those seeking surgeries such as rhinoplasty would include young men and women. However, there are certain considerations a surgeon must pay attention to before approving and scheduling this type of surgery for those under a certain age. This brings up the question, how young is too young for rhinoplasty?
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery on the nose and it is usually done for one of two reasons: cosmetic or functional. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can correct aesthetic issues such as a crooked nose or a bump on the nose or it can be used to reduce the width of the nose or reshape the nose tip. Functional rhinoplasty addresses health concerns such as a deviated septum or nasal fracture that can reduce the flow of air and affect a patient’s ability to breathe freely. Many times, rhinoplasty surgery can correct both aesthetic and functional issues at the same time. Dr. Kotler uses a closed technique that involves only internal incisions, resulting in reduced scarring, swelling, and recovery time.
What is a Good Age to Consider Rhinoplasty?
Deciding at what age a patient can undergo a rhinoplasty surgery is important. Dr. Kotler always takes into consideration the patient’s physical growth and development as well as their emotional and mental maturity. Physically, women complete most of their nasal growth by the age of 15 and men complete it by the age of 17. Therefore, those under these ages will normally not be good candidates for surgery as it may complicate their natural growth and development.
If it’s determined that a prospective patient has finished their physical growth, the surgeon then looks at their maturity and emotional development. Although consent can generally be obtained from a patient at 16 years of age, Dr. Kotler only uses this as a guideline. He takes the time to talk with each young patient to determine if they fully understand the surgery, why they want the surgery, and if they are aware of the risks and recovery time of the surgery. He will also consult with the parent of those under 18 to ensure they are fully aware of all the risks of the surgery and how to help take care of their child during recovery.
Ensuring the young patient has reasonable expectations for the result of their rhinoplasty is also important. If a young patient desires the nose of a certain celebrity or wants a result that will not look natural or fit in with their other facial features, Dr. Kotler may find they are not good candidates for surgery. During his consultation, the surgeon will ensure that the patient and his or her parent do not have unrealistic expectations and that they fully understand what the end result of the surgery will be both aesthetically and functionally.
How Can I Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon for Rhinoplasty?
Whether you are a young person seeking out rhinoplasty or you are the parent of a minor who wants to get rhinoplasty, it’s vital that you choose a caring and compassionate surgeon who is an expert in his field. Dr. Robert Kotler is a super-specialist who has performed more than 10,000 major procedures in his career. Ninety-five percent of his surgeries are on the nose, which allows him to provide a very high level of expertise to his patients. Dr. Kotler is knowledgeable and experienced in all types of rhinoplasty including ethnic rhinoplasty and other challenging cases that require intense structural work. Dr. Kotler has been awarded the coveted Patients’ Choice Award and is ranked as one of the top physicians in the nation. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotler, you will know you’re working with a true professional who will provide the highest level of patient care.
Deciding whether a rhinoplasty surgery is appropriate for a young person is not a decision that should be taken lightly. It should be a shared decision between the patient, his or her parent, and the plastic surgeon who will perform the surgery. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kotler today to find out if functional or cosmetic rhinoplasty is the right choice for you or your child.
