As cosmetic surgery becomes more accessible and popular among younger demographics, an increasing number of teenagers are opting for procedures. Rhinoplasty is reportedly the most sought-after surgery among adolescents, yet experts caution that teenagers should not undergo nose jobs. Below, we explore why teenagers should avoid rhinoplasty.
A plastic surgeon from a cosmetic hospital shared with the author: "We frequently encounter teenagers seeking rhinoplasty at our hospital, but we always advise them against it. Some even express dissatisfaction, assuming we're 'all talk' or 'unqualified to perform the procedure'... Yet I cannot compromise on principle."From a medical perspective, the nasal bridge and root bones are still developing during childhood and adolescence. A low nasal bridge, upturned tip, and wide-set eyes are normal characteristics that typically change during puberty. Performing rhinoplasty at this stage not only interferes with natural nasal development but also yields poor postoperative results.
Expert: Rhinoplasty for Minors May Backfire
Research indicates that physical development stabilizes around age 20 for males and age 18 for females. By this stage, nasal bone structure has largely matured, and the alar cartilage and lateral nasal cartilage have reached full development with minimal further change. If nasal defects persist and the individual expresses a desire for rhinoplasty, surgery may be considered.
For minors, however, rhinoplasty is generally inadvisable.
During childhood growth, the nasal bridge and root bones are not yet fully developed. This results in a flat nasal bridge, wide-set eyes, and upturned nostrils—a natural appearance, not a deformity.
During adolescence, hormonal influences accelerate systemic development, leading to rapid maturation within a few years. However, facial development lags behind this pace. Consequently, even tall individuals may retain a "baby face," preserving the appearance of a low nasal bridge.After adolescence, as the body matures, facial structures largely "settle into place." At this point, many people's nasal bridges gradually become more prominent, and the "abnormality" of a low bridge disappears. If minors undergo rhinoplasty driven by a desire for beauty, the implanted artificial nasal bridge can interfere with the nose's later development, ultimately backfiring.
Conversely, once skeletal growth ceases in adulthood, rhinoplasty results become permanently stable. Moreover, adults possess greater psychological maturity and rationality, enabling them to approach and understand the procedure with proper perspective.
So what is the appropriate age for undergoing rhinoplasty?
Experts generally recommend that girls wait until they are at least 18 years old. For boys, who develop later, it is best to wait until after age 20. By this stage, physical development has largely stabilized, minimizing the likelihood of significant future changes.Furthermore, at this stage, their psychological state is relatively mature and rational, allowing them to properly understand and approach the surgery. Of course, preoperative examinations by plastic surgeons are still necessary to rule out any contraindications.
Therefore, those eager to enhance their appearance must wait until the "right time" before undergoing surgery to avoid lifelong regret caused by impulsive decisions.
In summary, rhinoplasty for adolescents is inadvisable. Experts recommend that boys undergo cosmetic procedures after age 20, while girls should wait until after age 18. The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is adopting a mature, objective, rational, and scientific approach to understanding and engaging with it—not blindly following trends. Choosing reputable hospitals and surgeons with extensive surgical experience is essential to ensure both safety and effective outcomes.