Can You Get a Nose Job at 13?
Children and adolescents are seeking out plastic surgery in ever-increasing numbers. Before rushing to give your teen a nose job at 13, you should be aware of the risks and legalities of doing so.
Legal Considerations
In many places, a minor needs written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to receive a nose job or any other type of plastic surgery. It’s important for parents to weigh the potential physical and emotional risks of the procedure to determine if it’s appropriate for their teenage child.
Risks
While rhinoplasty has relatively low risks, there can be complications like infection and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Small adolescent noses are still developing, so early surgery can impair proper growth, leading to breathing difficulties and possibly further surgery.
There can also be significant psychological issues with a nose job at 13. Teens are already grappling with self-image during puberty and destabilizing that can be a problem. Teens often feel pressure to meet societal standards of beauty and putting undue pressure on them to change their appearance can be detrimental to their psychological health.
Alternatives to Surgery
If your teen is self-conscious about their nose’s shape, there are alternatives to surgery:
- Makeup: Contouring makeup can be used to give the illusion of a different nose shape.
- Speech Therapy: Teenagers may become self-conscious about their nose due to or speech impediments or pronunciation issues. Speech therapy can help alleviate this issue.
- Retainers: Teeth retainers are designed to help correct the shape of teeth, but some models are designed to help reshape the nose in adolescents.
Whether or not 13 is too young for a nose job is ultimately a decision for a parent to make with their child. It’s important to weigh the potential risks of surgery both physically and emotionally as well as explore alternative solutions.