What’s The Right Age For A Nose Job?

What’s The Right Age For A Nose Job?

A rhinoplasty — more commonly known as a nose job, is one of the most common surgical procedures and also one of the most difficult to perform. Patients primarily seek treatment for breathing issues, cosmetic reasons or to correct irregularities resulting from birth defects, trauma or accidents. This highly sought-after treatment is popular across an incredibly broad range of demographics, with people of varying ages, genders and backgrounds seeking a nose job for both medical and aesthetic purposes.

What age can you get a nose job?

At our clinic, one of the most commonly asked questions we receive is “how old do you have to be to get a nose job?” with many requesting if they can get a nose job at 16 or even 14 years of age. The Medical Board of Australia’s guidelines specify that the minimum age an individual can receive a rhinoplasty is 18 years old, as this is typically the time their facial growth and development has finished. While there is no concrete minimum age for nasal surgery, younger patients wishing to receive a nose job for cosmetic reasons should wait until they are emotionally mature enough to cope with recovery and the changes to their face.

At the other end of the spectrum, elderly patients are able to undergo rhinoplasty as long as they are medically fit. In fact, nose jobs are a particularly common procedure amongst this demographic. When we age, nasal cartilage becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, causing the tip of the nose to lengthen and droop. As a result, many elderly patients choose to undergo a nose job to restore facial harmony and improve nasal function.

What is the best age to get a nose job?

Though certain medical conditions may necessitate undergoing a nose job at an earlier age, we advise waiting until 18 years of age before seeking a nose job for cosmetic purposes. Many doctors prefer performing rhinoplasty on older patients as their body has stopped growing. This decreases the amount of risk involved and provides more certainty regarding the final outcome, as the nose job is less likely to be impacted as the patient ages.

Can you get a minor nose job?

A nose job can vary greatly in complexity and duration, as the procedure will always be tailored to suit the patient’s specific needs. Different desires require different techniques. For example, cartilage may be removed to refine the nose tip, whereas other nose jobs can involve breaking and resetting the nasal bones to create a more narrow and straight appearance. Another important differentiation is if an open or closed approach is taken. During a closed rhinoplasty, your doctor will access the nose via the nostrils — however, with an open nose job the surgeon might make an external incision in the tissue between your nostrils in order to lift up the skin and expose the internal structure.

While a nose job can be very simple or very complex, even a small change in one part of the nose can affect its appearance and function. Whether you are an adult or a teenager, there is no surgery without risk and it is essential you have honest and transparent conversations with an experienced surgeon before going through with rhinoplasty. Looking for more information on nose jobs? You learn more about rhinoplasty in our FAQs.

Book your consultation today

If you’d like to determine what age you can get a nose job, the best place to start is to book a consultation or fill out a quick enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible. When you choose our practice, Dr Shahidi will work with you to identify your particular objectives and create a solution that elevates both the appearance and function of your nose.