Youth/Teen Rhinoplasty

What is a youth/teen rhinoplasty?

A youth/teen rhinoplasty is specific to individuals under the age of 18 only. These rhinoplasties can only be performed by a plastic surgeon with parental consent once the child has stopped growing. An open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, or endoscopic rhinoplasty technique can be utilized. These procedures can be used for both cosmetic reasons, such as a crooked nose or birth defect, and functional purposes, such as a breathing problem.

The Anatomy of the Nose

What cosmetic concerns does a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure treat?

1. Nose Shape: Alterations to internal nasal structures can be used for nose reshaping (like straightening a crooked nose) to alter and enhance the profile and overall shape of the nose.
2. Nose Size: Reductions to soft tissues and the nasal bone can change the size of the nose and improve facial features and proportions.
3. Cosmetic Breathing Issues: Changes to the internal nasal structures (like a deviated septum) can alter air flow through nasal passages to ease breathing problems.
4. 4. Nose Angle: Genetics or nasal trauma (think: a nasal fracture) can cause a crooked nose, nasal deviation, or concerns with the angle of the nose, and those concerns can be addressed with surgical intervention.
5. Nose Bump: For people dealing with structural dorsal humps, both non-surgical and surgical rhinoplasty may be able to address them.

Who is the ideal candidate for a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure?

A youth/teen rhinoplasty candidate is under eighteen, has parental consent, and has stopped growing. A thorough physical and mental evaluation will also need to be performed. A youth/teen rhinoplasty is generally performed after facial trauma (i.e. a reconstructive surgery), for those with a birth defect, in those with functional breathing problems, or in an individual who has severe psychological distress associated with the appearance of the nose. A youth/teen rhinoplasty is not performed in those who have not ceased growing or who are not psychologically prepared for the accompanying changes.

What is the average recovery associated with a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure?

The recovery associated with a youth/teen rhinoplasty is dependent on the approach. An open rhinoplasty will be the most invasive and have two to three weeks of initial healing. A closed rhinoplasty or endoscopic rhinoplasty typically has one to two weeks of recovery. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are associated with all procedures. Candidates will wear a splint or cast for the first week and can return to most activities within one to two weeks.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty recovery.

What are the potential side effects of a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure?

General side effects associated with all youth/teen rhinoplasties include numbness, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, and nosebleeds. An open rhinoplasty has a significantly higher risk of visible scarring.

What can someone expect from the results of a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure?

The results of a youth/teen rhinoplasty are permanent and evolve over the course of one year.

What is the average cost of a youth/teen rhinoplasty procedure?

A youth/teen rhinoplasty surgical procedure can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery. To learn more, check out our [complete guide to rhinoplasty cost](https://aedit.com/procedure/rhinoplasty-nose-job/cost).