Often I am evaluating a young patient for rhinoplasty and this topic needs to be re-visited in my opinion. Improving the appearance of a nose combines the art with the science of rhinoplasty. This is where science plays a major role in deciding when to do rhinoplasty. An aesthetically poor appearance of the nose can have a devastating effect on a young patient from a social standpoint.
We know through our scientific analysis that the nasal anatomy matures during the teen years. It is generally understood that the female nose matures between the ages of 16 to 18 and the male nose takes a bit longer. In general the male nose matures closer to 18 to 20 years of age.
Theoretically, we can perform rhinoplasty at the age of 16 in girls, BUT this has to be based on the surgeons assessment of the facial anatomy of that patient. What I tell patients is that it not just enough to evaluate the nose, my assessment has to include other structures on the face. How does the nose fit in relationship to other parts of the face for instance, the jaw bone and the orbital bones. Sometimes, these other structures are lagging behind in terms of growth and waiting is the best option for that patient. My job is to help patients determine this issue. In most cases, 16 is the earliest that I would initially consider a female patient for cosmetic rhinoplasty.
We know through our scientific analysis that the nasal anatomy matures during the teen years. It is generally understood that the female nose matures between the ages of 16 to 18 and the male nose takes a bit longer. In general the male nose matures closer to 18 to 20 years of age.
Theoretically, we can perform rhinoplasty at the age of 16 in girls, BUT this has to be based on the surgeons assessment of the facial anatomy of that patient. What I tell patients is that it not just enough to evaluate the nose, my assessment has to include other structures on the face. How does the nose fit in relationship to other parts of the face for instance, the jaw bone and the orbital bones. Sometimes, these other structures are lagging behind in terms of growth and waiting is the best option for that patient. My job is to help patients determine this issue. In most cases, 16 is the earliest that I would initially consider a female patient for cosmetic rhinoplasty.
