Some people know from an early age that they feel unhappy with their nose and want to have it changed. For others, this awareness happens in school when people start teasing each other, and a large or oddly shaped nose can become a target. When are you old enough to get a nose job and get good results?
What is a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)?
A rhinoplasty can correct many concerns people have about their noses, including size, shape, width, or the presence of a bump or undesirable angle. Fixing each of these problems requires a slightly different approach, but Dr. Stein specializes in rhinoplasty and will develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
How Does a Nose Job Work?
Dr. Stein performs rhinoplasty under IV or “twilight” sedation, which carries fewer risks than full anesthetic while still protecting you from feeling any discomfort. Incisions occur either inside the nose (a closed rhinoplasty) or along the creases of the nose (an open rhinoplasty). Either way, no visible scars remain. Depending on the type of procedure, Dr. Stein may replace pieces of cartilage in your nose, reshape the existing cartilage, or otherwise manipulate the structure of the nose to give the desired results.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Nose Job?
Surgeons should only perform rhinoplasties on mature noses, except in cases where the person’s breathing has become compromised. Most noses have reached maturity by a person’s mid-teens, a few years earlier for girls than for boys. While the average age falls at 14 for girls and 16 for boys, Dr. Stein will help decide if the nose has developed enough for a rhinoplasty to have good results.
How are Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasties Different?
Aesthetic rhinoplasty corrects a visual aspect of the nose that makes a person unhappy or self-conscious about their nose. On the other hand, a functional rhinoplasty fixes a problem that has caused the person trouble breathing through their nose. Some surgeons may consider a functional surgery at a younger age than an aesthetic surgery in order to improve a young person’s breathing.
How Long is Recovery from a Nose Job?
After about a week, most people can return to their routine, although some bruising and swelling may remain. You will need to rest and recover while not engaging in any activities that might put stress on your facial area or put pressure on your nose.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?
If you have reached your mid-teens and Dr. Stein determines your nose has matured enough for surgery, you may be a good candidate. If you have experienced trauma or injury to your nose at any age that makes breathing difficult, you may also make an excellent candidate.
Take the Next Step
Are you interested in rhinoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein at Stein Plastic Surgery based in Raleigh, NC today! Simply fill out the form on this page or give us a call at (919) 261-7099.
*Individual results may vary.