Teenage Rhinoplasty
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 improved an improved nasal appearance with better facial proportions or improved facial symmetry, a teenage rhinoplasty may be a good option for you. We are located 19 minutes from Downtown Atlanta and 16 minutes from Buckhead.
What is 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.
Who is a Good Candidate for 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 your 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 parent/guardian is a key factor to a successful outcome. A consultation appointment is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a teenage rhinoplasty. You must be accompanied by your legal guardian during such an appointment.
How is the Teenage Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?
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 (see FAQs below). 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 of your nose. Each of these techniques has their 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 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 for improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed one week after your procedure, at which point in 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 that 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 your 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 full final results of your teenage rhinoplasty after about one year with essentially invisible incisions.
Schedule Your Consultation
Teenagers who are interested in learning more about teenage rhinoplasty can contact our Atlanta office today to schedule a consultation appointment. During this appointment, you and your parent/guardian, who must accompany you to your appointment, will speak with Dr. Walker regarding what you like and don’t like about your nose, as well as your overall cosmetic goals. Dr. Walker will then determine if a teenage rhinoplasty is the right match for you, and create a unique treatment plan to help you meet your aesthetic goals.
