Teen Rhinoplasty

Dr. Etai Funk, MD, FACS is top Houston rhinoplasty surgeon and double board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Ear, Nose, Throat Surgery. One of his areas of expertise lies with nasal surgery or rhinoplasty. Many of his teen patients and parents will frequently ask, “How old do you have to be for a rhinoplasty or nose job?” Because of the many physical changes a teenager’s face exhibits during adolescence, it is important to understand the developmental anatomy of the face during puberty. Your sinuses continue to grow which expands your face. Your jaw (especially for boys) begins to increase in size. Your nose changes shape and enlarges along with your face which is why many teenagers express displeasure with the appearance of a "big nose".

It is important for a teenager to be mature enough to handle a change to the body image, especially with the face.

Houston Teen Rhinoplasty Before & Afters View Teen Rhinoplasty Before & Afters

If you’re unhappy with your nose, every time you look in the mirror you may notice a droopy tip, crooked nose, bulbous, or broken nose. On Facebook and Instagram photos, all you see is your nasal hump or hook nose. It’s an overwhelming feeling and one that may easily make you self-conscious. Although your friends and family say your nose is just fine, ultimately it is you who wears it each day. It is you who decides if it is a displeasing feature. This feeling may come and go, but ultimately the uneasiness will typically persist.

Because unhappiness with the appearance of a nose is a common complaint for teenagers and because teenagers represent a significant portion of our practice population, Dr. Funk dedicated this page to teenagers interested in rhinoplasty or nose surgery. The nose, specifically the septum (the wall that separates the two sides of the nose) serves as the focal point or center for midfacial growth. Prematurely disturbing this growth center could lead to abnormal development of the face. Therefore, it is essential that a qualified surgeon evaluate your facial growth and ensure that it is an appropriate time to consider a rhinoplasty. Most teenage girls can have rhinoplasty approximately one year after their menarche (first menstrual period). Teenage boys are more variable, but the surgery can typically be performed successfully by age 16.

At what age can I have a rhinoplasty or nose job?

It is important to have completed the growth of your midface and nose before pursuing a nose job. Having nose surgery too early may alter the growth of your face and lead to disproportions between your upper, middle, and lower face. This may not be aesthetically pleasing. As a teenager, you must also be ready psychologically for this change in your body image. Some patients do not have the proper expectations or reasons for pursuing this type of surgery. As a general rule though, most teenage girls can have surgery 1-2 years after the first menstrual period. Boys can typically proceed by age 16.

As long as surgery was performed at the appropriate time, your nose should not continue to grow, but will actually contract. The healing process actually takes an entire year and your nasal skin will slowly contract over the structural framework of bone and cartilage.

Does a nose job hurt?

Rhinoplasty, or nasal surgery, is not necessarily painful, but is slightly uncomfortable. The first night after surgery, you experience some discomfort, but very little pain. Each subsequent day you will find you are feeling better and better. Pain medications are provided to alleviate any discomfort after surgery if it exsits.

How much time off school for a nose job?

Typically, most patients need 1-2 weeks of rest after a rhinoplasty. Mild bruising, if any, around the eyes should disappear within a week and patients can get back to normal activity at 2 weeks.

When is the best time to get a nose surgery?

On average, most students need about eight days off after surgery. Winter break and summer are very popular times to have rhinoplasty performed, so it is essential to establish an appointment early in order to obtain a surgical date for these periods of time. Whether you are in Houston, Katy, or Sugarland, TX, call Dr. Funk to obtain a professional evaluation of your nose.

How soon can I play sports after a nose surgery?

Typically, teens can return to a normal workout routine at three weeks and engage in contact sports at six weeks.

Do people notice if you have had a nose job?

Those people who do not know you underwent surgery will not notice a significant change. They may comment on your eyes, hair or lips, but won't be able to put their finger on what is different. Your nose will blend in with your face and provide a natural appearance. Dr Funk prides himself on providing a natural unoperated appearance while improving your breathing. Most importantly, YOU will notice the change!