Are There Age Restrictions for Rhinoplasty?
Maybe you are a teenager who feels self-conscious of your nose’s appearance and wants to do something about it. Or maybe you are the parent of a teen who has requested rhinoplasty, but you do not know if your child is ready for the procedure. You could be considering rhinoplasty for yourself later in life, but are unclear whether your age disqualifies you from surgery.
No matter what the circumstances, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about the criteria for rhinoplasty candidates. Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, one of Beverly Hills’ most in-demand rhinoplasty surgeons, would be happy to evaluate you or your teenager and determine whether the surgery is advisable.
Nasal Development Is More Important than Age
When evaluating a rhinoplasty candidate, the most important factor Dr. Ghavami thinks about is whether the candidate’s nose is fully formed. Operating after the nose has reached its peak maturity offers the best chances at a successful, lasting outcome. (On the other hand, operating on a nose that is still growing and changing can negate some of the benefits of surgery.) In general, the nose stops developing in girls around the age of 15 or 16 and boys around the age of 17 or 18.
Another crucial factor to consider in younger candidates is emotional readiness. Undergoing elective surgery is a serious matter. Dr. Ghavami wants to ensure that younger candidates want rhinoplasty for the right reasons, and that they are psychologically and emotionally equipped to handle the life-changing experience.
Am I Ever “Too Old” for Rhinoplasty?
If you are an adult considering rhinoplasty for yourself, you generally do not have to worry about upper age limits. No one is ever “too old” for cosmetic or functional improvements. With that in mind, there are physiological factors to consider when planning rhinoplasty.
For instance, your skin is less elastic than it was in your youth, and it is more difficult to drape as you get older. You may be able to achieve subtle improvements but not a dramatic transformation. The quality of your skin can also affect how you bruise, swell and scar after surgery.
Also, consider that medical comorbidities — such as diabetes, heart problems or lung problems — are more common in elderly adults and elevate the risks of elective surgery. You will be asked to undergo a physical examination and get clearance from your general doctor prior to rhinoplasty.
But as long as you are candid with your rhinoplasty surgeon about your health, and you have reasonable expectations of your results, your age is largely irrelevant.
To learn more about the qualifying criteria for rhinoplasty candidates, please call (310) 275-1959 or email Dr. Ghavami today.