Teenage Rhinoplasty
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
The teenage years can be exciting, nerve-wracking, confusing, and fun all at the same time! Teens have busy schedules with school and activities, so self-consciousness isn’t something they want to deal with. If you are unhappy with the look of your nose and want an improved nasal appearance with better facial proportions or improved facial symmetry, a teenage rhinoplasty may be a good option for you. We are conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
What is a Teenage Rhinoplasty?
Like traditional rhinoplasty, teenage rhinoplasty, also referred to as “nose job,” is a cosmetic procedure done to reshape your nose to enhance your facial harmony while optimizing nasal airflow. This procedure is very popular among teenagers. Rhinoplasty can address many nasal problems, including:
- Size of the nose.
- Dorsal hump, nasal bridge height, and width.
- Crooked nose.
- Bulbous tip.
- Nasal tip size, rotation, and projection.
- Nostril size, width, and shape.
- Amorphous nasal shape.
- Alar-columellar relationship
- Nasal asymmetry.
- Nasal obstruction.
As part of a teenage rhinoplasty, Dr. Walker corrects a deviated septum, if present, a condition in which the nasal septum is crooked or off-center, contributing to difficulty breathing. Nasal valve collapse correction and inferior turbinate reductions are also commonly performed in conjunction with a teenage rhinoplasty. Dr. Walker can adjust essentially any nasal structure to produce proper alignment for easier breathing, which often leads to decreased snoring, increased exercise tolerance, less frequent dry throats, and overall improved quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of a Teenage Rhinoplasty?
Teenage rhinoplasty can have a life-changing impact, both physically and emotionally. Many teens who are unhappy with the shape or size of their nose feel self-conscious in social situations, and a rhinoplasty can bring the nose into better proportion with the rest of the face, creating a more balanced and confident appearance. Functionally, this surgery can also help correct breathing issues caused by a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, which may lead to better sleep quality, fewer sinus problems, and improved athletic performance. Another important benefit is that when performed at the right age and for the right reasons, teenage rhinoplasty can help teens avoid years of insecurity or discomfort tied to nasal appearance or function. Ultimately, the procedure can support a healthier self-image and allow teens to feel more at ease in their own skin. Many teenagers who are off to college undergo this procedure prior to making new friends.
Who Are the Best Candidates For a Teenage Rhinoplasty?
While it is best to wait until fully grown, girls can generally undergo rhinoplasty as young as 14-15 years old, while boys can undergo rhinoplasty as young as 16-17 years old. This will heavily depend on each person, though, depending on their physical and mental maturity. Dr. Walker will evaluate your individual case to determine if you qualify for surgery and if it is being performed for the correct reason. A prerequisite for considering rhinoplasty in the teenage years is to have completed the growth spurt. It is very important that the teenage client fully understands how a rhinoplasty is performed, the required downtime, and what results can realistically be achieved. Clear communication between Dr. Walker and the teenager with the parent/guardian is a key factor to a successful outcome. A consultation appointment in Atlanta is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a teenage rhinoplasty. Your legal guardian must accompany you during such an appointment.
What’s the First Step?
Whether it’s for aesthetic or functional reasons, the first step you’ll want to take is to have a private consultation with Dr. Walker at his Atlanta office with a parent or guardian. This visit is an opportunity to go over your concerns, questions, and desired outcomes for the procedure, as well as your medical history. Dr. Walker will use state-of-the-art imaging technology to give you an idea of what the end result might look like. If you decide to move forward with the procedure, pre-operative instructions will be given to you, and you’ll go through the steps of the recovery process. Then, your pre-operative visit and surgery can be scheduled.
What to Expect on the Day of Teenage Rhinoplasty Surgery
Teenage Rhinoplasty is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. There are two main rhinoplasty approaches used today: external/open rhinoplasty and endonasal/closed rhinoplasty. During an open rhinoplasty, a tiny external incision will be made at the bottom of your nose between the nostrils that will become essentially invisible. In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are hidden inside your nose. Each of these techniques has its own pros and cons, and Dr. Walker can help determine which technique is most suited for you. Dr. Walker will then reshape the nose structure as needed and, if necessary, correct a deviated septum. He utilizes various cartilage grafting techniques (obtained from your septum in most cases) to reshape your nose for the desired permanent aesthetic and functional improvements.
Teenage Rhinoplasty Recovery
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will go home the day of your surgery under the care of a responsible adult family member, typically your parent. The recovery from teenage rhinoplasty occurs in various stages. There is an initial 1- to 2-week period during which the bruising (if present) subsides and the nasal external and internal swelling improves, resulting in improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed one week after your procedure, at which time you can let the water run over your nose again when washing your hair. Most patients experience some discomfort for the first couple of days, which most patients can control with Tylenol, although a small amount of prescription pain medication is prescribed to you in case you do experience some discomfort. You are encouraged to rest during the first week and to adhere to Dr. Walker’s thorough post-operative instructions, including a low-sodium diet, avoidance of strenuous activities, no nose-blowing, no straining with bowel movements, and avoidance of coughing if possible. You can go back to school after the first week has passed.
This is followed by a 4- to 6-week period of continued swelling resolution during which strenuous activities and salt/sodium intake are discouraged. The post-surgical period is almost over, and the detailed post-operative results are starting to become more apparent. There is still residual swelling on the nose, and this will change from day to day. Some days, the nose will look better than others, as the swelling continues to go up and down. Although the swelling completely subsides after about a month, the secondary healing stage will start with skin contracture of the nose and continued nasal refinement, taking on the shape of the underlying framework, a process that takes multiple months. The residual swelling is starting to decrease from top to bottom. The top of the nose (bridge) is looking more refined. Strenuous activities may be resumed after 4-6 weeks.
By the three-month mark at the latest, you have gotten used to the new facial aesthetic that your teenage rhinoplasty has given you. Generally, most of the visible changes will have occurred by the three-month mark, although it really takes a full year or so for the final nasal shape to be present. Most clients no longer feel subconscious about their nose after 4-6 weeks. The tip of the nose is usually the last area to completely “heal.” There may still be a small amount of fullness in this area after 3-6 months. Dr. Walker will closely monitor your healing throughout the recovery process with regular follow-up visits if possible.
You will be able to enjoy the full final results of your teenage rhinoplasty after about one year with essentially invisible incisions.
How Much Does a Teenage Rhinoplasty Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of a Teenage Rhinoplasty in Atlanta varies based on the complexity of the procedure, whether it includes functional improvements (like correcting a deviated septum), and the techniques used during surgery. At WalkerMD, Dr. Walker creates a customized surgical plan for each patient, so pricing is determined after a thorough consultation and examination. A personalized quote will reflect the specific needs and goals of the patient and will be provided to you at the end of your consultation. Financing options may be available to help make the procedure more accessible for families.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
Expertise in rhinoplasty requires training, experience, anatomical knowledge, and excellent technical skills. Having trained under one of the most renowned nose experts in the world, Dr. Dean Toriumi in Chicago, Dr. Walker is widely recognized as one of the finest rhinoplasty surgeons in the Southeastern United States and the entire nation. Many of Dr. Walker’s patients travel across state lines and internationally from overseas to seek Dr. Walker’s rhinoplasty expertise. He has exceptional qualifications and has based his career upon delivering consistently excellent results in primary and very complex tertiary rhinoplasty surgeries. He is known for individualizing his surgical plans for every patient and for his artistry in the operating room. He will spend as much time as needed to deliver the best possible result to every patient. From the initial consultation to the surgical procedure, Dr. Walker is devoted to giving as much time as is necessary to meet and hopefully exceed all of his patients’ expectations. He follows his patients long-term (months to years) to ensure they achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Although rarely necessary, an early in-office intervention such as steroid injections, needle shave, or other small interventions can prevent the need for revision surgery down the line.
Schedule Your
Consultation
If you’re a teen considering rhinoplasty, we’re here to help you explore your options with care and support. Contact our Atlanta office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Walker. During this appointment, you and your parent or guardian (who must accompany you) will have the opportunity to discuss what you like openly (and don’t like) about your nose, along with your overall aesthetic goals. Dr. Walker will carefully evaluate whether teenage rhinoplasty is the right choice for you and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to help you achieve the look you envision.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Teenage Rhinoplasty FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.