Should Teenagers Undergo Rhinoplasty?

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most popularly performed cosmetic surgery procedure among teenagers in 2009 was rhinoplasty, ahead of breast reduction and breast procedures to correct asymmetry. While certain plastic surgery procedures are reserved exclusively for adults, many plastic surgeons will perform rhinoplasty on teenaged patients who meet certain criteria.

At Dr. Joseph Fodero’s plastic surgery practice in New Jersey, rhinoplasty patients are evaluated carefully to determine candidacy. In order to undergo primary rhinoplasty, regardless of age, a patient must:

• Have a nose that has developed fully, or reached at least 90 percent of its development. This is essential in that a nose that has not matured fully will change over time, regardless of the immediate results of the nose surgery. This could cause the results of surgery to become undone, or the rhinoplasty could actually interfere with the healthy development of the nose. In either event, secondary rhinoplasty would become necessary at a later date.
• Be emotionally ready to undergo rhinoplasty. Patients of all ages must be able to establish realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery and be emotionally mature enough to understand and handle the potential risks of surgery.
• Understand the recovery process. Recovery from rhinoplasty is not necessarily a quick process. During the recovery stage, patients will be restricted in their activities for a period and will experience some swelling and bruising. Patients of all ages must be prepared to make adjustments to their routines during the weeks after surgery and understand that their results will take time to emerge.

If you have questions about your candidacy for rhinoplasty, contact the New Jersey plastic surgery practice of Dr. Joseph Fodero today. Dr. Fodero has performed hundreds of successful rhinoplasty procedures, including male rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, secondary rhinoplasty, and both open and closed rhinoplasty.