How to Talk to Your Parents About Getting a Nose Job
You’ve been thinking about getting a nose job for a while. Whether you are a younger teen who needs parental consent or you’re of age but still respect your parents’ opinion and want to keep them informed about your decisions, you’ll want to state your case carefully. You don’t want to feel dismissed (“You don’t need surgery”) or get criticized (“You’re too young to be making this decision”), so it pays off to plan this conversation carefully. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind.
Before the Big Talk
Do your research on rhinoplasty
You’ll want to have all the facts on hand regarding this surgical procedure—what you need to do to prepare for it, the healing time and post-operative care, among other things. You should also know that parental consent is required for cosmetic surgery procedures that are performed on children younger than 18, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Find a qualified doctor
You will want a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in performing rhinoplasties, especially on teens and young adults. It may even help to see if you can schedule a phone or in-person consultation with the surgeon who can present you with all your options and give you a qualified assessment of your personal case. The doctor will also want to meet with you to be assured that you are emotionally equipped to handle a rhinoplasty.
Write down what you want to say
When it comes time to sit down with your parents, you may start to feel nervous, especially if you anticipate that they may take issue with your decision to get a nose job. So you don’t forget, write down the important points you want to make—it can also help you stay calm and focused if the discussion becomes heated or emotional.
During the Discussion
Tell them why you want a nose job
If you want a cosmetic procedure (rather than one to treat a medical condition) you should be honest with your parents and tell them why. If you have been dealing with feelings of low self-esteem or been bullied because of your nose, tell them how rhinoplasty will improve your quality of life. You want to express how important this is for you, while at the same time showing them that you have realistic expectations for the end result—a natural-looking nose that works in harmony with the rest of your facial features.
Tell them that you understand what rhinoplasty entails.
This is where all your research comes in handy. Your parents may not understand the details involved with a nose job, such as what is required for post-operative care, for instance, or when to expect the swelling to go down. Giving them this kind of information can help them get a better grasp on what a nose job will be like—and by doing your homework on the subject, it shows that you have the maturity to undergo the procedure.
Invite them to go to the doctor with you
This, of course, isn’t optional if you are underage, but if you are older and your parents want more clarity on the procedure, your facial plastic surgeon can answer their questions—especially if you’ve carefully selected a board-certified physician such as Dr. Babak Azizzadeh. This can also help your parents feel more involved in the process, and they will be well-equipped to care for you if you plan to convalesce after the surgery in their home.
Be prepared to listen to their concerns
Your parents may have reservations about you undergoing surgery; often, that usually is coming from a place of love and wanting to protect you. Your parents want what’s best for you, and an experienced facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Azizzadeh, can provide the knowledge and reassurance your parents need that you will receive the best possible care.
Teen Rhinoplasty FAQs
I’m a teenager, and I want to get a nose job. Can a teenager get a nose job?
A teenager may qualify for a nose job. To determine if a teen is eligible for nose surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh requests a patient consultation. At this time, he analyzes a teen’s facial features and medical history and learns about his or her nose surgery goals. If Dr. Azizzadeh determines a teen qualifies for rhinoplasty surgery, he then develops a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Azizzadeh also discusses this treatment plan with a teen and his or her parents.
What is the youngest age you can get a nose job?
Teenage girls may qualify for a nose job as early as 15 or 16 years old, while teen boys may be eligible for nose surgery as early as 16 or 17 years old. Teen rhinoplasty should only be performed after a patient has stopped growing. If a teen’s nasal anatomy has not yet fully developed, he or she is ineligible for rhinoplasty surgery.
How long does a nose job last?
A nose job is intended to last a lifetime, but several factors may impact the long-term results of rhinoplasty surgery. For example, if too much tissue is removed during a nose surgery, a patient may ultimately experience nasal drooping or collapse. Additionally, as a person ages, the nose and other facial features may change accordingly.
By working with Dr. Azizzadeh, an individual can achieve the optimal nose surgery treatment results. Dr. Azizzadeh develops a custom treatment strategy for each rhinoplasty patient, and his holistic approach to nose surgery differentiates him from other facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Also, Dr. Azizzadeh collaborates with a patient throughout the nose surgery process. And if a patient ever has nose surgery concerns or questions, Dr. Azizzadeh is ready to respond to them right away.
Is nose surgery painful?
Rhinoplasty patients will receive anesthesia prior to surgery; this helps a patient minimize pain and discomfort immediately after the surgery. However, nose surgery patients sometimes experience fatigue from anesthesia in the first few days after treatment. They may also experience bruising and swelling around the nose at this time.
Dr. Azizzadeh helps a rhinoplasty patient establish realistic treatment expectations. He offers insights into what to expect following nose surgery, ensuring a patient can take the necessary steps to limit pain and speed up his or her recovery.
What are the side effects of rhinoplasty?
Common rhinoplasty surgery side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Scarring
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity)
- Numbness
- Temporary loss of smell
Nose surgery side effects may persist for a few days after treatment. They also tend to disappear on their own.
How long does nose surgery take?
On average, rhinoplasty surgery requires about two to four hours to complete, but the length of time required to perform nose surgery sometimes varies based on the complexity of the procedure. For instance, Dr. Azizzadeh may require extra time to treat a rhinoplasty patient who requires extensive changes to the nose.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers details about how long he may require to complete a nose surgery prior to treatment. He also explains if he will perform an open or closed rhinoplasty; an open nose surgery requires Dr. Azizzadeh to cut on the outside of the nose, and as such, may require more time to complete in comparison to a closed nose job.
How do you talk to your parents when they are mad at you about wanting to get a nose job?
Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to teen rhinoplasty. A teen who explains why he or she wants rhinoplasty surgery may be able to open up a dialogue with his or her parents. Then, a teen and his or her parents can work together to determine the best course of action.
How can I communicate better with my parents about teen nose job surgery?
Dr. Azizzadeh may help parents and a teen bridge their communication gap. During a teen rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Azizzadeh meets with a teen and his or her parents and ensures all parties understand the immediate and long-term ramifications of nose surgery. That way, a teen and his or her parents can address their nose surgery concerns and questions.
How do you talk to your teenager so they will listen to your concerns about nose surgery?
As a teen considers why not to get a nose job, his or her parents may want to know why their child wants to get a rhinoplasty in the first place. For parents, it is paramount to listen to their teen. Parents then can discuss their concerns with their teen’s request to undergo nose surgery. And together, parents and a teen can speak honestly and openly with one another about rhinoplasty surgery.
Schedule a Teen Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh Today
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to discuss teen rhinoplasty with a child and his or her parents. To find out more about teen rhinoplasty surgery, please contact us today at 310-657-2203 to schedule a nose job consultation.