Likewise, psychologists believe that by waiting until
the later years of adolescence, the person’s decision
is more apt to be the result of mature consideration,
not just a passing fancy.

Nonetheless, there are instances when nose surgery may
be justified at a younger age. Careful consideration
should be given in the presence of a severe degree of
breathing difficulty or a significant deformity that
could cause permanent psychological problems.

Ultimately, the decision to operate should be based on
the emotional as well as the physical development of
the patient.

In most cases, surgery may be performed safely, with
no effect on continued nasal development, if the child’s
now is at least 90 percent grown. A young teen suffering
from prolonged airway obstruction, as the result of
injury or a birth defect, or who has expressed a strong,
persistent desire for surgery may, in fact, be a good
candidate for the procedure.

Nose surgery can produce equally successful results in
older adults, provided they too are in good physical and
psychological health.

As with most cosmetic procedures, however, the added risks
that come with age must be taken into consideration. After
age 40, nasal bone is more brittle, and the tissues become
thicker and more difficult to sculpt.

In addition, the skin of the nose is less elastic and,
consequently, may not shrink as tightly to the new shape
of the nose.

With Your Beauty in Mind,