The high school years are full of discoveries for teens. New subjects are introduced, experimentation takes place, and learning abounds. Exploring new aspects of the world can lead to self-examination. Many teens come to the conclusion that they are unhappy with the size or shape of their nose during these years. Some teens have discovered difficulty with breathing and are anxious to get the condition remedied. Others wish to achieve facial balance by reducing the size or changing the shape of their nose. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is one of the most-requested procedures for teens. Many want to have this procedure before going to college.
There are numerous reasons individuals consider rhinoplasty surgery:
- Hump nose
- Hook nose
- Crooked nose
- Injured nose
- Difficulty breathing
Sometimes a specific area of the nose is the concern:
- The tip of the nose
- The size of the nostrils
- The bridge of the nose
Since the nose is such a prominent feature, it’s important to choose an experienced, highly-qualified surgeon. Farzad R. Nahai, MD, in Atlanta, GA, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to delivering superior results for his patients. You are in excellent hands with Dr. Nahai and his highly-trained team at The Center for Plastic Surgery at MetroDerm, P.C.
Consultations with teenagers and their parents are critical to the success of the procedure. At this important meeting, Dr. Nahai discusses the risks and benefits of the procedure. He knows how to initiate honest communication and dialogue to make sure the teen is mature enough to handle the surgery and is doing it for the right reasons.
Dr. Nahai discusses every aspect of rhinoplasty surgery and recovery with his teenage patients and their guardians to make sure everyone has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Some individuals believe that reshaping their nose will transform their lives, make them more popular, or make them look like a famous person. These are examples of unrealistic expectations that need to be addressed.
Surgical alterations do not change a person’s temperament or personality. Rhinoplasty candidates must understand that self-development is ongoing throughout the teen years and that teenage rhinoplasty should be viewed as stepping stone to help a young person evolve and flourish. Dr. Nahai loves to help teens become the best they can be.
When examining teenagers to determine whether the time is right for rhinoplasty, Dr. Nahai conducts a thorough physical examination of the facial bones, septum, and cartilage. He must determine whether the teen’s bones have completed growing. Readiness varies between the ages of 15 and 19. Besides the physical exam, Dr. Nahai studies the patient’s medical history carefully. The time must be right in order to avoid possible revision surgery at a later date. After this thorough assessment, the teen and his/her family can make an informed decision about whether to undergo surgery.
Part of the pre-surgery discussion should be about cost. Generally, health insurance does not pay for plastic surgery. In some cases, it may cover some or all surgical costs if there is a medical reason for the operation. At any rate, be sure you fully understand what costs you will be responsible for. Dr. Nahai’s office can give you information about financing options for cosmetic surgery.
School vacations are a good time to schedule rhinoplasty, which is an outpatient procedure. Sometimes after the surgery Dr. Nahai places soft packing in the patient’s nostrils and places a splint on the nose to keep the bones stable for healing. There is some pain, and Dr. Nahai will discuss pain management with you. Cold compresses are the key to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. The splint is removed after approximately one week. During recovery, the patient must rest and follow Dr. Nahai’s post-surgical instructions to a “T.”
Patience is important after rhinoplasty. The results are not instantaneous. Dr. Nahai will work with you to determine when it is safe to resume sports and other strenuous activity. The patient must agree to give the surgery time to heal.
Bruising and swelling are a normal part of the recovery process. It gradually fades; some swelling will remain and diminish over the next several weeks. Teenage skin heals quickly and smoothly, and the results last a lifetime.
If you or a teenage member of your family is considering plastic surgery, call the office of Dr. Farzad R. Nahai to schedule an appointment. Dr. Nahai is a caring individual and a skilled surgeon. His office is convenient to all locations in metro Atlanta and centrally located in the Southeast. Check “rhinoplasty” off your back to school list for this fall.
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