In a recent Vogue interview, American model Bella Hadid revealed that she underwent a rhinoplasty procedure at age 14. She went on to express that it is a decision that she now regrets, stating that she “thinks (she) would have grown into it.” As a well-known mogul in today’s fashion industry, it is no secret that a model of her caliber has much influence in trends ranging from clothing to cosmetic appearances. Inevitably, Hadid’s appearance is frequently examined by the public and this statement has raised several questions regarding teenagers undergoing the nose procedure in question.
A rhinoplasty procedure, or nose job, is a standard plastic surgical procedure that helps refine nasal aesthetics and/or improves complications with breathing. Although a common, safe, and routine practice, a rhinoplasty requires a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon to maximize the chance of achieving your goal and minimizing any complications.
In the year 2020, 44,686 patients that underwent rhinoplasty were between the ages of 13 and 19, and these numbers are only increasing.
Generally, rhinoplasty is suitable for any adult who wants to undergo the procedure, but many people wonder, what is the appropriate to get nose surgery? Or, even more importantly, how young is too young to consider an invasive surgical procedure?
Reasons for a Rhinoplasty
Often candidates note the desire to feel more confident and content with their appearances. Regularly the concerns that we have can vary, and some may feel more concerned about their noses in particular. A prominent hump on the bridge could make you feel self-conscious about your profile, for example. Rhinoplasty removes or adds bone, tissue, or cartilage to make natural-looking changes. Men and women of all ages choose to opt for a rhinoplasty procedure for several reasons such as to:
- Correct a breathing problem
- Treat a cosmetic issue
- Address a birth defect
- Repair the nose after trauma
Furthermore, and especially in younger patients, negative body image can be a motive. Outside sources such as social media or “influencers” can have a negative affect on anyone, but even more so on younger impressionable users. This can lead to self-esteem issues, bullying, or mental health issues and some look to plastic surgery as a solution.
Regardless of the reason, it is important to discuss your motive with a board-eligible or board-certified surgeon that can properly examine every aspect of your surgery and ensure that you are a candidate. A surgeon will take everything into account, especially the patient’s age!
Ideal Age for Rhinoplasty
There are no specific laws in the United States that prevent teenagers from getting cosmetic surgery; however, parental consent is required for patients under the age of 18. However, having plastic surgery while you’re too young and your body is still developing can be detrimental to your overall health and wellness as you continue to age and mature. Children shouldn’t undergo rhinoplasty because they’re still growing, and so are their noses!
Once a person has stopped growing, nose surgery is safe and effective. Every individual is different, but in general, females can be considered candidates for rhinoplasty around age 15 or 16 and males a year or two after that. The ideal candidate will be near their full body height and development, have a noticeable or significant distortion that can be corrected, and have the emotional maturity to understand the limitations of the results that can be achieved with this surgery.
It is important to note that there can be exceptions to these guidelines, for example young people with congenital facial defects, such as a cleft lip and nasal deformities. A cleft lip causes major asymmetry of the nose and the first procedure on the lip and nose may be performed as early as 3 months of age. Evidently, this is a unique situation and not what most people think about when they inquire about a rhinoplasty.
Furthermore, there is no upper age limit for undergoing rhinoplasty, as long as the patient is a healthy candidate for plastic surgery.
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a decision that should not be taken lightly. One should always consult with family, friends, and doctors before considering having any type of life changing procedure. Even as an adult – this decision is something that is going to affect all aspects of your life moving forward, which is why younger people need to be even more cautious when considering a cosmetic surgery.
Although procedures can seem traditionally very similar, every patient, case, and body is unique. At Synergy Plastic Surgery, our board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeons offer complimentary consultations and ensure that every patient receives their own personalized Synergy Experience!
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