When Is the Right Time to Get a Nose Job?
If you’ve spent hours looking in the mirror and examining your nose from every angle or insist that every photo you’re in must showcase your “good side,” you may have thought about getting a nose job.
But with your busy schedule and nonstop activity, when is the best time of year to get rhinoplasty? And what about your age — are you too young or too old to make a change?
Below, we explore these topics to help you determine the best time to get a nose job.
What Is the Best Age to Get a Nose Job?
For many teens, the size or shape of their nose may be a source of embarrassment. For others, issues with their breathing caused by a deviated septum or other nasal problems may be something compelling them to choose surgery.
While there’s technically no age limit for rhinoplasty, the main criteria are that your nose must be fully formed and done growing. Girls’ noses stop growing around age 15 or 16, while boys’ noses are done growing around age 17 or 18.
To that end, teens between the ages of 13 and 19 make up about 13% of the rhinoplasties performed in 2020.
The age group with the highest percentage of rhinoplasties is those ages 20 to 29, with nearly 110,000 nose-reshaping surgeries performed in 2020.
Some of the reasons this number is the highest include:
- They’re entering the workforce and want to feel more confident in their appearance
- They want to repair a deviated septum or cosmetic defect due to a childhood injury
- The increase in selfies and social media posts with pictures
- The influence of celebrities and media
- The decrease in the stigma around getting plastic surgery
While none of these are scientifically proven, something is driving the desire for rhinoplasty, as it is the number one most requested cosmetic surgery procedure for both men and women.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get a Nose Job?
Men and women undergo rhinoplasty during all seasons. While there are no “preferred” seasons for nose surgery, there are some things to remember to determine the right time for your lifestyle and needs.
Summer
Some surgeons believe that the summer is the best time to undergo a rhinoplasty, especially for patients in their late teens who are about to embark on their college journey. Starting a new phase of your life with a fresh look is a great way to boost self-esteem.
Additionally, most of the people you meet won’t have known you before, so you’ll have fewer questions to answer about whether or not you had surgery.
On the other hand, summer can be less than optimal for rhinoplasty. You’ll have to spend a couple of weeks recuperating at home as the bruising and initial swelling decrease.
Once you’re able to go back to your regular activities, there are still several restrictions in place, at least for the first couple of weeks:
- You can’t wear sunglasses because your nose is still very delicate and sensitive.
- Swimming in pools is out because chlorinated water can cause further swelling. Swimming in lakes is also not optimal because of the potential for bacteria.
- It’s essential to stay out of the sun, as it can cause irritation, sun damage, and even darken any incision scars you may have.
- Vigorous or strenuous exercise is not recommended, as it can cause pain and swelling.
Winter
There are also several advantages if you’re considering a rhinoplasty during winter. Because people are more likely to stay indoors during the colder months, it’s not unusual for you to hibernate while recovering from your procedure.
Cooler temperatures also mean wearing layers, so no one will question if you need to cover up with a scarf. Winter is also a good time for a rhinoplasty because there’s often a natural lull in activity after the holidays, so taking time off is a bit easier.
However, just as summer rhinoplasty has disadvantages, so does undergoing a nose job in the winter. The increase in seasonal colds and other sinus-related illnesses can be an issue after rhinoplasty, as sneezing, coughing, or congestion may cause a pressure buildup in the delicate tissues of your nose, resulting in bleeding.
Additionally, the air in your home may be drier due to more frequent use of your heater, causing the tissues in your nose to dry out. Humidifiers and saline sprays can help keep your nasal passages moist as you heal.
Spring and fall tend to bring increased allergens in the air, which could complicate your recovery. Just as with winter colds, the potential for sneezing or coughing from allergies can have an adverse effect on your healing process.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty in Westchester
The decision to change your appearance with rhinoplasty is an important one, and it is vital to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon whom you trust to guide you through the process.
At Westchester Cosmetic Surgical Arts, we do just that. We work with you to create a vision of an ideal outcome that combines your desired results with our technical artistry.
To schedule a consultation, call today at 646-559-2854 or fill out our online contact form.