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While it’s not uncommon for adult patients to contend with insecurity and embarrassment due to their nose shape, a disproportionate or asymmetrical nose can be especially distressing for younger patients. A lack of harmony between the nose and surrounding facial features can lead to unique challenges for teenage patients, including bullying, a poor body image, teasing among peers, decreased confidence, and reduced social development. Whether your motivations for nose surgery involve addressing a lifelong insecurity, repairing an injury, enhancing breathing, or simply obtaining greater facial balance, teenage rhinoplasty from our board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City can offer a pathway towards a more fulfilling, positive quality of life.
Rhinoplasty for qualified teens can be an extremely rewarding and life-changing procedure when performed for the right reasons by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Open communication between a teenage patient, their parents/guardians, and their surgical team can help ensure the process is smooth, safe, and empowering. Dr. Neal Goldberg has specialized training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, making him well-qualified to achieve the highest quality of results for teenagers and adults alike.
What are the Qualifications for Teenage Rhinoplasty?
Teenage rhinoplasty is a specialized type of cosmetic or functional nose procedure designed for adolescents, typically between the ages of 15 and 19. Whether performed for aesthetic enhancement, improved breathing, or correction of congenital (birth-related) issues or trauma, teenage rhinoplasty requires careful consideration of physical, emotional, and psychological readiness. Good candidates are distinguished by the following factors:
- The nose has reached near-complete physical maturity (usually around age 15 for girls and 16 for boys)
- Good general health with no unmanaged medical conditions
- There is a genuine desire for change, rather than patients succumbing to pressure from others
- Realistic expectations and a robust understanding of risks and benefits
In order to achieve the best quality of results after a teenage rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Goldberg prioritizes a compassionate, communicative approach that includes both the teen and their parents in the decision-making process. He can speak with you about male rhinoplasty and liquid rhinoplasty (non-surgical) options as well so you can determine the most effective technique to achieve your goals.
How is Rhinoplasty for Teens Performed?
Teenage rhinoplasty can address a wide variety of concerns, including humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose, a droopy or upturned nasal tip, wide nostrils, crookedness, or a deviated septum and breathing issues. There are two primary surgical approaches: open rhinoplasty — which involves a small incision on the columella (tissue between nostrils) for greater visibility — and closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are made inside the nostrils with no external scarring. The procedure typically takes one to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
What is Recovery From Teenage Rhinoplasty Like?
The recovery period after teenage rhinoplasty is straightforward, but requires diligence. Initial swelling and bruising peak around two to three days post-surgery, and improve over the next couple of weeks. Splints are usually removed within 7 days, and most teens can return to school within 7-10 days. While visible improvements appear within a few weeks, final results may take months to fully refine. For this reason, many adolescents and teenage patients undergo the procedure during the summer months and return for the following school year with more confidence than ever.
Parents should monitor their child for signs of infection and ensure medications are taken as prescribed. Rest, periodic ambulation (walking, light chores around the house, etc.), and hydration are encouraged. Dr. Goldberg will provide comprehensive rhinoplasty recovery and aftercare information.
How Much Does Teenage Rhinoplasty Cost?
While the estimated range for the cost of teenage rhinoplasty is between $9,000 and $18,000, a patient’s personalized quote varies based on several factors, including:
- A surgeon’s experience and reputation
- Your geographic location
- The complexity of the procedure (cosmetic vs. functional)
Facility and anesthesia fees also contribute to the overall cost. Our office would be happy to provide plastic surgery financing options through CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ Credit, and PatientFi® for qualified patients, if desired.
Dr. Neal Goldberg understands how intimidating the rhinoplasty procedure can be for younger and older patients alike. He is committed to giving New York City patients considering nose surgery a well-informed understanding of the rhinoplasty procedure so they can make an educated decision about their care. Contact Dr. Goldberg today for more information about our rhinoplasty options, or to book a consultation.