When Is It Too Early to Consider Rhinoplasty?

By: Dr. Leonel Perez

5/26/2025

Rhinoplasty, or a "nose reshaping procedure," has become a popular option for people looking to address cosmetic concerns and breathing problems. But how young is too young for this life-changing surgery? 

 Dr. Leonel Perez explains that patients should only consider rhinoplasty once their noses have finished growing. This is because getting the procedure too early can interfere with future growth and lead to complications or less-than-ideal results. 

Whether you're curious about what causes breathing problems or want to learn the dos and don'ts of rhinoplasty, our team at Beyond Esthetics is here to help. Call now for a consultation in Annandale, VA, and get the process started today. 

How is rhinoplasty done? 

So, what causes breathing problems in the first place, and how is rhinoplasty done? Breathing issues can happen for a lot of reasons, but one common cause is structural problems inside the nose, like a deviated septum or narrow nasal passages. These issues can block air from flowing freely, making it harder to breathe. 

Rhinoplasty can fix these structural problems and more. The procedure involves making small incisions inside the nostrils or at the base of the nose, depending on what the patient needs. From there, Dr. Perez carefully reshapes and reconstructs the nasal tissue to improve both how the nose looks and how well it works. 

People choose to get rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, such as:  

  • Improving breathing through the nose 
  • Fixing a deviated septum 
  • Addressing nasal asymmetry 
  • Treating birth defects or injuries to the nose 

When is the best time to think about rhinoplasty? 

In most cases, the ideal time to consider rhinoplasty is once the nose has fully developed, which usually happens around age 18. At this stage, changes made during surgery are more likely to be long-lasting. 

That said, there are some situations where younger patients can undergo rhinoplasty with parental consent. This often happens when correcting birth defects or serious injuries that make breathing difficult. 

No matter your age, it's important to have realistic expectations. Rhinoplasty can provide great results, but it may not solve every problem. Taking the time to understand the process is key to making the right choice. 

Dos and don'ts of rhinoplasty 

If you're considering a nose reshaping procedure in Annandale, VA, understanding the dos and don'ts of rhinoplasty can improve your experience and outcomes:  

  • Do consult with an experienced surgeon: Dr. Perez has extensive experience performing both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty techniques. 
  • Do prioritize communication: A consultation is the opportunity to get to know Dr. Perez and develop a trusting relationship. Be honest about your concerns. 
  • Don't rush into surgery: Take the time to thoroughly research and consider aspects of rhinoplasty before making a decision. Rushing into surgery may lead to regrets or unsatisfactory results. 
  • Don't compare your results to others: Each person has unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes, so try to have realistic expectations for your surgery. 

Get the answers to questions about rhinoplasty 

What causes breathing problems? And how is rhinoplasty done? At Beyond Esthetics, we understand that you have questions about your nose reshaping procedure. Dr. Leonel Perez is dedicated to providing answers and helping you feel comfortable throughout your journey. Call now to book your pre-surgery consultation in Annandale, VA. We can address cosmetic concerns like nasal asymmetry and more.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.