Getting a nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, requires extensive research and planning. For teenagers, it requires extensive communication and collaboration, and for parents, it requires a lot of understanding and compassion.

A nose job can be a life-changing decision for anyone planning on getting the procedure. If someone is a good candidate, it can help one’s confidence and even improve breathing function in some scenarios. However, discussing such a sensitive topic with parents can be difficult. As a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in nose jobs in young adults, I aim to guide my patients and their parents to be more knowledgeable and communicate compassionately with one another in determining whether a nose job is right for them.

Research the procedure

Before initiating this conversation, teenagers should be tedious in researching nose jobs and understanding the associated risks of the procedure. There has been a significant amount of social media hype about rhinoplasty. But to be well-informed, teens and young adults need to do more in-depth research about its long-term effects since a nose job can impact one’s breathing and external appearance. It needs to be done with significant caution.

Understanding rhinoplasty goes beyond just the external appearance but also gaining full knowledge of the entire process, including the healing time and postoperative care, so that the teen and parents know for sure this is the correct decision. In many instances, it’s better to wait if there are uncertainties. I’ve had patients who have desired to undergo a nose job because they had noticed people around them having nose jobs. That’s not a great reason. The most important fact is that you want to undergo a nose job because there’s a level of concern about either breathing or external appearance that requires treatment to create more balance and harmony, improve self-confidence and diminish insecurities. Teenagers need to be prepared by having all of the facts ready to share with their parents, so they are ready to answer any questions they may have.

The topic of nose jobs can be emotional and challenging to discuss; teenagers may feel anxious about their decision if they anticipate that their parents are going to have an issue with their plan. And parents may feel uneasy about the procedure for many different reasons, including costs, risks, or complications, and they may even feel that the teen years are too young to make a permanent face-altering decision.

Honesty is the best policy

It’s important for parents and their children to have an honest discussion about the desire to proceed with a nose job and timing. The motivations and expectations for the procedure need to be clarified. Sometimes the parents are encouraging the teens to undergo surgery and the same honesty needs to be encouraged.

This is where nose job research comes into play. There may be some aspects of a nose job that a teen’s parents don’t understand. Sharing this research with one’s parents will give them a better idea of what the procedure will entail — by researching the topic, the parents and teens can clearly know the short, and long-term consequences of the procedure.

Be prepared to listen to your parents’ concerns

Parents may have concerns about the procedure, such as the potential risks and complications. It is important for teenagers to be prepared to listen to their concerns and address them honestly. Remember, parents have the best interests at heart and want what is best for their children even though sometimes it may not appear at face value.

Ultimately. If you are under 18, a nose job is a shared decision between you and your family, so make sure that everyone is in agreement. If your parents have a significant amount of trepidation, you may want to hold off for a year and revisit at a time when there is consensus.

Find a qualified doctor

Once you and your parents have determined that a nose job is indeed an appropriate procedure that you want to learn more about, it is critical that you research finding an appropriate physician together.

Choosing the right surgeon for any procedure is one of the most important parts of your decision. Many teenagers rely on social media to do their research, specifically on TikTok and Instagram. At the same time, adults may use Facebook, Google search, or word of mouth from parents or other friends whose kids have undergone nose jobs. This is a tremendous advantage, as it allows for the discovery of surgeons who have had a great track record in the community from various sources. As a result, you can get the best of both worlds by seeing two to three physicians and then determining who best is able to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon with a strong background in rhinoplasty procedures. Review the surgeon’s before and after photos. Many surgeons are really good with TikTok graphics showing one-week results but may not have great long-term outcomes. The results of a nose job may take 2 to 3 years, so you want to make sure that the results are more than one year post-op and have similar lighting and backgrounds so you are comparing results appropriately. Also, there is a significant amount of artistic factors that go into the results.

Final thoughts

Discussing a nose job with your parents can be a challenging conversation. However, by doing thorough research, finding a qualified doctor, and involving your parents in the decision-making process, you can approach the topic with confidence. Be honest with your parents about your motivations and expectations for the procedure, and be prepared to listen to their concerns. With open communication and collaboration, you can make an informed decision that benefits your overall health and well-being.

Please note that The American Academy of Pediatrics requires that parental consent must be obtained for all cosmetic surgery procedures performed on individuals under the age of 18. Therefore, if a teenager wants to undergo a nose job, they will need their parents to complete a consent form and be present in any discussions and plans prior to the procedure and postoperatively.

Babak Azizzadeh is a facial plastic surgeon.