Can You Get a Nose Job at 16?
Most people will agree that porcelain-like, perfectly sculpted noses are a thing of beauty. Many will go as far as to make a visit to a plastic surgeon to have their nose altered. But the question remains; can you get a nose job at 16?
Issues to Consider
There are a few issues to consider when deciding whether or not you should get a nose job at 16:
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- Age Restrictions – Almost all surgeons will agree that 18 is the minimum age for rhinoplasty. Though there are some states in the US that will allow a minor to obtain cosmetic work with the proper consent.
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- Maturation of the Face – Until the face has stopped maturing (ages are usually around mid-20s to early 30s) it is usually considered too early for a person to receive a nose job.
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- Heightened Risk – Nose jobs performed on minors often result in a softer, more subtle result. This can be a challenge as the structure of the nose can still be changing as the face is still maturing. As a result, revisionary work is a high probability.
Alternatives to Rhinoplasty
In the event that a minor is not allowed (or chooses not to) to receive a nose job, there are a few alternatives that may help to reduce the appearance of their nose:
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- Nose Strip – Nose strips are small pieces that fit directly on the nose and can be used to reduce its appearance.
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- Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty – Non-surgical rhinoplasty or “nonsurgical nose job” is a procedure that uses injectable fillers to alter the shape and size of the nose.
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- Changes to Hair or Make Up – Altering your hairstyle or wearing make up can help to draw focus away from the nose and make it less noticeable.
In Conclusion
Minor or not, it is important to understand that a nose job carries significant risks no matter what age the patient is. Not only is there the possibility of unsatisfactory results, but there is also the risk of infection and nerve damage. In summary, it is important to take into consideration all of the risks before deciding to undergo surgery.