What Age Can You Get Rhinoplasty?
If you're thinking about getting a nose job, one of the first things you might wonder is: what age can you get rhinoplasty?
Maybe you're a teen who’s unhappy with the shape of your nose. Or maybe you're an adult who's been waiting for the right time. Either way, understanding the ideal age for nose surgery is key to getting the results you want.
Facial Development Comes First
You can’t rush facial plastic surgery. Your nose needs to stop growing before you're ready for a rhinoplasty procedure.
For most young patients, facial development and facial growth is complete at the following:
• Girls: around age 15 or 16
• Boys: around age 16 or 17
That’s the minimum age range for teen rhinoplasty. But age alone isn’t the only factor—some teens develop earlier, and others later. A rhinoplasty consultation helps determine if you're physically ready.
Emotional Maturity is Just as Important
Plastic surgery isn't just about your face. It’s about how you feel about yourself.
If you're thinking about rhinoplasty at a young age, your surgeon will consider if teens are good candidates for rhinoplasty using these guidelines:
• Are your expectations realistic?
• Are you emotionally mature enough to handle the procedure and recovery?
• Is this something you truly want, or are others influencing your decision?
If the answer to all three is yes, and your nose is done growing, you might be ready for nose job surgery.
What Is the Ideal Age for a Nose Job?
There’s no perfect age that applies to everyone. The ideal age depends on both facial maturity and emotional readiness.
Many rhinoplasty patients have surgery in their late teens or early twenties, but others wait until their thirties or even fifties.
• Teenage patients may want to correct a bump, crooked bridge, or wide nostrils
• Adults might seek subtle refinement or consider rhinoplasty as part of overall facial rejuvenation
• Older patients often combine rhinoplasty with other procedures, like a facelift
As long as you're healthy and a good candidate, you're never too old for rhinoplasty.
Types of Rhinoplasty by Age Group
Different ages often bring different concerns, which can influence the type of rhinoplasty techniques you need.
• Teen rhinoplasty usually focuses on correcting cosmetic issues while maintaining a natural look
• Male rhinoplasty often emphasizes a stronger, straighter nose shape
• Revision rhinoplasty may be needed for patients of any age if a prior surgery didn’t deliver the desired outcome
• Open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon greater visibility and is often used in more complex cases
• Closed rhinoplasty uses hidden incisions and is typically used for simpler changes
No matter your age, the procedure should be tailored to your face and your goals.
Common Nose Surgery Concerns for Younger Patients
Many teens may be interested in nose surgery during middle and high school. Social pressure, body image, and self-esteem all come into play.
That’s why a detailed rhinoplasty consultation is so important. During your appointment, the facial plastic surgeon will:
• Evaluate your cartilage and bone structure
• Check if your nose has fully developed
• Ask about your motivation and expectations
• Discuss potential risks and recovery involved in surgical rhinoplasty
Not every teen is ready for rhinoplasty surgery, and that’s okay. Sometimes waiting just a little longer makes a big difference in both safety and results.
Healing and Recovery: Young Age vs. Older
Recovery after rhinoplasty can vary depending on your age. While the procedure is generally safe for all ages, the healing process can differ slightly.
Younger patients often experience:
• Faster healing due to stronger blood supply and skin elasticity
• More concern over social downtime, especially during school breaks
• Greater emotional sensitivity during recovery
Older patients may notice:
• Slightly longer swelling or bruising
• Skin that may take longer to adapt to changes in nasal structure
• More patience and understanding of the recovery process
Regardless of age, following your post-op instructions and giving your body time to heal is key to seeing the best rhinoplasty results.
Facial Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic vs. Functional Concerns
Your reason for wanting a rhinoplasty can also influence when it's appropriate to have surgery.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is done to improve the shape, size, or appearance of the nose. Most patients seeking cosmetic surgery are interested in boosting confidence or balancing facial features.
Functional rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is used to correct breathing issues, a deviated septum, or nasal trauma. Sometimes, the two goals are combined into one procedure.
For teens, cosmetic goals tend to be the main motivation. For adults, especially older patients, functional improvement is often just as important.
Are You Too Old for Rhinoplasty Procedures ?
Some patients wonder if there’s an age limit. The short answer is no—there’s no upper limit as long as you’re healthy. As you get older, your skin may become less elastic, and healing may take slightly longer. But with good care and an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, age is rarely a barrier. In fact, older patients often find that a subtle nasal change balances out other age-related features, especially when paired with facial plastic procedures.
Long-Term Results by Age
When it comes to rhinoplasty, age can influence how long your results last and how your nose continues to age after surgery.
• Teens who undergo nose surgery at the right time can enjoy decades of results with no need for future revisions.
• Adults typically have more stable facial structures, so their outcomes are highly predictable.
• Older patients may experience subtle aging changes around the nose over time, but these are usually minimal and don’t affect the surgical outcome.
The goal at any age is to create a natural-looking nose that complements the rest of your face.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The rhinoplasty procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Whether you're young or older, the basic steps are similar.
• Your plastic surgeon will reshape bone, cartilage, or both
• Incisions may be made inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the base (open rhinoplasty)
• The nose is bandaged and supported as it heals
Recovery varies by patient, but most people return to normal activities within two weeks.
How a Consultation Helps You Decide
If you’re thinking seriously about cosmetic rhinoplasty, scheduling a consultation is the best next step.
During this visit, you’ll talk through your goals, learn about your options, and find out if now is the right time based on your age, facial features, and emotional readiness.
Whether you're interested in teenage rhinoplasty or considering a revision rhinoplasty as an adult, this appointment helps set realistic expectations and ensures you're fully informed.
Summary: Age, Readiness, and Realistic Expectations
So, what age can you get rhinoplasty? It depends on a few things:
• Facial maturity—usually around 15 to 17 years old
• Emotional maturity and motivation
• Whether your facial structure is ready for surgery
• Your specific goals and nose shape
There’s no single right age. Some patients are ready in their teens, while others wait until much later. What matters most is that you feel confident, informed, and prepared.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty in Dallas, Dr. Derderian offers experience in both cosmetic and functional procedures. Whether it’s your first consultation or you’re exploring revision options, his goal is to help you make the best decision for your face—and your future.