The right surgery, at the right time.
Young people consider rhinoplasty for many reasons: a hump that has appeared with growth, a nose broken playing sport, or a nose that has never breathed well. Our ENT-led team helps young people and their parents decide whether surgery is right, and when, with safety and growth always in mind.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota, MBBS, MS (ENT, Head & Neck), Chief Rhinoplasty Surgeon, Centre for Advanced ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MicroCare ENT Hospital & Research Institute.
- Cosmetic surgery
- After growth
- Girls usually
- From 15 to 16
- Boys usually
- From 17 to 18
- Under 18
- Parent consent
- Time off classes
- 7 to 10 days
- Contact sports
- After 6 weeks
Rhinoplasty for young people
Rhinoplasty in youth means nose surgery for teenagers and young adults. It needs extra care, because the face is still developing and because the decision should come from the young person, made with good information and their family's support.
Our role is to give honest, unhurried advice: whether surgery will help, whether it should wait, and how to keep the nose healthy and breathing well as it grows.
Before you decide, read Prof. Dr. Vinnakota's book Your Best Nose, which answers 100 common rhinoplasty myths.
When has the nose finished growing?
Usually around 15 to 16
Most girls' noses reach their adult size and shape by the mid-teens.
Usually around 17 to 18
Boys' noses often keep growing for a year or two longer.
Common reasons young people consider rhinoplasty
A hump
A bump on the bridge that has appeared or become more noticeable with growth.
Nasal hump correctionA crooked nose after injury
A nose that has been broken playing sport or in a fall.
Post-accident nose deformityA blocked nose
Mouth breathing, snoring or poor sleep from a deviated septum.
Functional rhinoplastyA crooked or uneven nose
A nose that leans to one side or looks uneven.
Crooked nose correctionA congenital difference
A nasal shape present from birth, such as the nasal deformity seen with a cleft lip.
Is your teen ready for rhinoplasty?
Physical growth is only part of the answer. Before recommending surgery, we look for:
- A nose that has finished growing.
- The young person's own wish, not pressure from friends, family or social media.
- A clear, specific concern and realistic expectations of what surgery can do.
- Emotional maturity to cope with swelling and a recovery that takes months.
- Good general health and no smoking or vaping.
- A parent or guardian's consent for anyone under 18.
Patient results
Photographs of patients of MicroCare ENT, shown with their consent. Every nose is different and individual results vary. See all before and after pictures.
Breathing comes first
Many young people who want a cosmetic change also have a blocked nose they have never noticed, because it has always been that way. As ENT surgeons, we examine the inside of the nose with an endoscope at the first visit.
Conservative septal surgery
When a growing nose needs septal correction, only what is necessary is done, to protect future growth.
Shape and breathing together
Once growth is complete, cosmetic changes and breathing correction can be done in one operation.
SeptorhinoplastyOur process for young patients
- Family consultationThe young person and a parent meet Prof. Dr. Vinnakota together, and we also listen to the young person on their own.
- ExaminationFacial proportions, growth, photographs and a nasal endoscopy to check the airway.
- Time to decideWe encourage families to take time to think, and to come back with any questions, before booking surgery.
- Surgery and recoverySurgery in a hospital setting with full anaesthesia care, followed by a clear recovery plan.
- Follow-upRegular reviews for up to one year as the nose settles.
Planning around studies and sport
- A splint protects the nose
- Splint removed at about day 7
- Return to school or college
- Avoid exam periods for surgery
- Light exercise resumes
- Contact sports after at least 6 weeks
- The nose settles into its final shape
Cost and insurance
The cost depends on whether the surgery is for breathing, injury, appearance or a combination, and on how complex it is. Surgery for breathing problems or after an injury is often eligible for insurance or TPA cover; cosmetic changes are self-paid. Interest-free EMI options are available. More about rhinoplasty cost.
Why families choose MicroCare ENT
ENT-led care
Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota has more than 26 years of experience with the growing nose and airway.
Honest advice
We will tell you if surgery should wait, or is not needed at all.
Hospital safety
An NABH-accredited hospital with full-time anaesthesia care and modular operation theatres.
Long-term follow-up
Regular reviews for up to one year after surgery.
Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota
MS (ENT, Head & Neck) · Chief Rhinoplasty Surgeon, Centre for Advanced ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MicroCare ENT Hospital & Research Institute
More than 26 years in ENT surgery, with endoscopic sinus surgery training at the University of Graz, Austria, and rhinoplasty training at Marien Hospital, Stuttgart, under Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Gubisch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for rhinoplasty?
For cosmetic changes, we wait until the nose has finished growing: usually around 15 to 16 for girls and 17 to 18 for boys. Each young person is assessed individually, because growth varies.
Can a teenager have surgery for breathing problems?
Yes, when it is needed. A severe blockage, a nasal fracture or a septal haematoma after injury is treated at any age. Septal surgery in a growing nose is kept conservative so it does not affect growth.
Will rhinoplasty affect my child's facial growth?
Surgery done after the nose has finished growing does not affect growth. That is why cosmetic rhinoplasty is planned after growth is complete, and any earlier surgery is limited to what is medically necessary.
Does a parent need to be involved?
Yes. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian attends the consultation and gives consent, and the young person must also want the surgery for themselves.
When is the best time to schedule surgery?
School or college holidays work well. Plan for 7 to 10 days away from classes, and avoid exam periods. Contact sports should wait at least 6 weeks.
My nose looks bigger in selfies. Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Phone front cameras held close to the face make the nose look larger than it really is. We assess your nose with standard photographs taken from a proper distance.
What if my teen is very anxious about their appearance?
We take time to understand the concern. If the worry seems out of proportion to what we see, we may suggest talking it through with a counsellor before any decision about surgery.
See also what is rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty and our FAQs.
Begin with a conversation
Parents and young people are welcome to meet Prof. Dr. Sriprakash Vinnakota together. Leave your name and number and we will open WhatsApp with your details filled in, or call +91 94949 40725.