A rhinoplasty could alter the size, shape, and specific nose characteristics of individuals who are unhappy with their nasal appearance. Since the contours of the nose heavily influence the balance between facial proportions, it is understandable that many teenagers express the desire for cosmetic surgery. Even still, there are many essential considerations to go over before getting a teen rhinoplasty in Washington, DC.
Most importantly, a prospective patient’s age and nasal development influence whether rhinoplasty surgery is suitable or if putting off the operation until later is necessary. However, if a patient qualifies for the procedure, it could reshape nose contours and improve facial symmetry, boosting self-confidence.
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek can consult with teenagers to determine whether nasal surgery is appropriate for them.
Teen rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reshape or enhance the appearance of a teenager’s nose. Teen rhinoplasty can also be performed to correct misalignment after injury. Some of the most common aesthetic concerns a rhinoplasty can correct are bumps, lumps, crookedness, or too wide or narrow nostrils. Since the nose is the face’s focal point, contouring or reshaping it can create a well-balanced appearance.
Like routine rhinoplasty surgery for adults, teen rhinoplasty surgery could correct a broad spectrum of cosmetic features of the nose to change its shape, size, and breathing function. For instance, the operation could improve nasal and facial asymmetry, reduce more prominent nostrils, and correct crooked or bumpy bridges. It could significantly improve breathing difficulties, such as a deviated septum that reduces airflow to the nostrils.
The most prominent benefits of a teenage rhinoplasty procedure in Washington, DC, might be the emotional ones. For younger people especially, cosmetic irregularities could result in substantial emotional distress, embarrassment, and lower self-esteem. However, the operation has been shown to improve teenage patients’ confidence and, subsequently, their quality of life. Having a positive view of oneself during this critical development stage in life is important.
Some patients may need to get a rhinoplasty as a teenager due to congenital disorders and nasal structural issues, such as correcting nose abnormalities to improve breathing. It is important to bring up these limitations during your consultation so Dr. Somenek can plan accordingly.
The best candidates for teen rhinoplasty are in good health, have no pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and have realistic expectations of what rhinoplasty can and cannot do. Since teen rhinoplasties are performed for cosmetic and functional purposes, it’s important to understand why you want one. It’s equally important to understand that you might not be happy with the cosmetic result. While some rhinoplasties can completely change someone’s appearance for the better, you should only undergo the surgery if it’s something you really want to do.
Every patient is different, so the appropriate age to have rhinoplasty will vary. Generally, it’s best to wait until your nasal structures are completely developed, which is somewhere between 15 and 17 years old. However, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Somenek, who can determine if the time is right to undergo the procedure.
The first step to preparing for teen rhinoplasty is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Here, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and learn more about the procedure. Dr. Somoneck will examine your nose and surrounding facial structures. Your medical history will also be reviewed at this time. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, be sure to discuss them during your consultation. Once cleared for surgery, you’ll be given pre-operative instructions, which include stopping certain medications and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products.
Dr. Somenek performs teen rhinoplasty under general anesthesia, with the procedure lasting 2-3 hours. He can employ either an open or closed technique. Open rhinoplasty involves creating a thin incision at the base of the nose, with inconspicuous and well-hidden scarring. Closed rhinoplasty, also known as “scarless” rhinoplasty, is performed using incisions inside the nostrils. Dr. Somenek will select the best approach based on your unique goals and anatomy.
The doctor will adjust the underlying bone and cartilage through your incisions, sculpting a more attractive, balanced nasal shape. If necessary, he may build up certain areas that are too flat by grafting bone and cartilage from another region of the body. As a final step, your incisions are closed using state-of-the-art sutures.
The recovery period after teen rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the case and how quickly the patient heals overall. Immediately after surgery, the face and the area around the eyes will be swelling and bruising. Patients may also have nasal congestion, which will subside as they continue to heal.
Most patients can resume their regular activities, including going to school, once the bandages are removed and the majority of the swelling and bruising has subsided. Typically, most patients are able to resume their activities one to two weeks after having a rhinoplasty.
The cost of teenage rhinoplasty in Washington, D.C., can vary depending on the surgical techniques chosen and the extent of the work performed. Dr. Somenek understands the importance of planning ahead financially, and he will provide a detailed price quote once your private consultation is complete.
Dr. Michael Somenek, M.D., is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who excels in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. His superior skill, artistry, and attention to detail are coupled with a genuinely warm and compassionate demeanor, making him an ideal choice for younger patients seeking aesthetic improvement in a safe and welcoming space.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging facial plastic surgeries to perform, and Dr. Somenek’s elite training background and prioritization of patient safety make him an excellent choice for teens seeking nose surgery in Washington, DC. He has been honored as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, a distinction achieved by only 7% of US physicians. Additionally, Somenek+PittmanMD was voted Best Plastic Surgery and Best MedSpa by the readers of DC Modern Luxury Magazine.
Dr. Somenek completed his medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, staying on for five additional years of postgraduate training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He pursued an intensive fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under world-renowned aesthetic luminaries Dr. J. Regan Thomas and Dr. Dean Toriumi to hone his skill set further. In 2018, Dr. Somenek and Dr. Troy Pittman created Somenek+Pittman MD in Washington, DC. Dr. Somenek is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, textbook chapters, and presentations in his field.
Though undergoing plastic surgery during the teenage years requires some extra considerations, teen rhinoplasty in Washington, DC, offers several emotional, cosmetic, and medical benefits. Further, the process includes an assessment of a patient’s nasal development, cosmetic concerns, nasal anatomy irregularities, and emotional impacts to determine eligibility for surgery. It is important for individuals to hold off on scheduling a consultation until they are at least 15 years old for girls and 17 years old for boys.
After the procedure, many teenage patients report significant improvements in their self-esteem and confidence, which can, in turn, affect their social life. If you are of the right age and want long-term cosmetic and medical improvements to your nose, fill out a contact form to set up a private consultation.
