Teenage Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (a nose job) is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries performed on teens. Although it’s a big decision, many teenagers put quite a lot of thought into this choice, and are confident that this procedure is right for them. Dr. Mentz’s three-dimensional imaging system provides powerful guidance and patient-doctor communication, and he will take time with you and your family to find the perfect nose for you.

Why do Teenagers get Rhinoplasty?

The reason why teens undergo a nose job is the same reason that adults do: they’re unhappy with the appearance of their nose. The teen years represent a period in life when an individual is at their most self-conscious and appearances matter the most.

When a nose doesn’t fit a face or has certain imperfections, it can be a huge source of emotional damage for a teenager. Dr. Henry Mentz performs rhinoplasty for teens that achieves a much improved and more balanced look, bringing together the facial features for better harmony. Often Christmas and summer holidays provide opportunity for discrete transitions.

Patient Testimonial

This patient had a rhinoplasty by Dr. Mentz 9 months ago. He's incredibly happy with his results. Check out this short video to hear what he had to say about his experience.

Dr. Mentz’s Surgical Technique for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is performed using either a closed technique or an open technique. In a closed technique, the incisions are hidden inside the nose, and no scar is left. In an open technique, an incision is made across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue that’s between the nostrils). A scar is left, but it is nearly invisible.

Through the incisions, Dr. Mentz will re-shape the bone and cartilage as needed in order to re-sculpt the nose. He may change the position of the nasal bones to help the nose become narrower or straighter. He may also build up certain areas by using cartilage or bone from the nose or another area of the body. The skin and tissues are then re-draped over the new nasal contour. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

A rhinoplasty can usually be completed in 2 to 3 hours on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

Recovery

The majority of patients require 1.5 to 2 weeks of recovery, so this should be considered when scheduling the procedure in regards to missing school or work. After the surgery, nasal packing and a splint may be placed to assist with support and healing. The packing is typically removed the day following surgery, and the splint is usually removed after one week. During recovery, it’s very important to rest, avoid exercise and sports, and closely follow the home care instructions that we provide you with. There will be some bruising and soreness during the first week, and swelling can last for months — but it will subside a little more every day. Congestion may feel intense.

Results

The most common question we hear from teenagers who are interested in rhinoplasty is, “How long do results take?” Although the general answer is two months, your final rhinoplasty results could actually take up to a year to become apparent.

This will depend on your skin type and what specific work was done. Once the swelling goes down, your nose will look better and better with each day.

Candidates for Teenage Rhinoplasty

Your nose must be finished growing before you can undergo rhinoplasty. The surgery can usually be done for female patients over the age of 15 and males over 17, but it will be necessary for Dr. Mentz to determine any possible limitations.
Good candidates know specifically what they want to change about their nose, and are able to communicate this clearly to the surgeon.

Good candidates should be absolutely sure that they want the procedure. It should not be a quick or light decision that they’ve only begun thinking about.
You must understand that rhinoplasty will not make you look perfect. That doesn’t exist. The surgery will improve your nose — it won’t completely change your appearance.

A Note to Parents

When your teenager begins talking about rhinoplasty, it can make you feel conflicted. Is this a phase that will pass? Would allowing them to get rhinoplasty help them or hurt them? Are you encouraging them to “cave into” society and its outrageous standards for beauty? It all depends on your teenager. If he or she just started asking about rhinoplasty after seeing their favorite model’s “perfect” nose, it may be a fleeting thing. However, if your teenager has been thinking about nose surgery for a long time (years), it’s unlikely that they will ever change their mind.

You may also notice he or she trying to change the appearance of their nose with makeup tricks, hiding their nose in photos, or frequently talking about how much they dislike it.

Teens should be emotionally and mentally mature enough to make this decision, as it is a permanent surgery. Because any kind of facial surgery must be approached delicately, we encourage you to guide your teenager to help him or her find the appropriate plastic surgeon. Not only should this be a board-certified facial specialist who is experienced and skilled; it should be someone who your teen feels comfortable with.

Dr. Henry Mentz, Rhinoplasty Specialist

Since 1991, Dr. Henry Mentz has been one of the leading experts in aesthetic plastic surgery. He is an internationally respected plastic surgeon who holds the distinctive honor of being the nation’s first triple board-certified plastic surgeon (in Plastic Surgery, and Head and Neck Surgery). He has also been in practice for over 30 years, and is among the most well-trained and sought-after plastic surgeons for facial surgery. In fact, 50% of the services he provides every year is facial rejuvenation, which includes rhinoplasty. In addition, you are extremely well taken care of when you choose to work with Dr. Mentz. His clinic is one of the only practices that provides a signature concierge surgical and recovery experience. He is warm and compassionate, professional and friendly — and it’s his goal to provide you with an outstanding patient experience that results in aesthetic empowerment. The best you is what we do.