Most nose-reshaping cosmetic surgery candidates are dissatisfied with the appearance of their noses and wish to improve their facial balance. Nose reshaping is a viable option for many people but should not be performed on children or young teenagers. It is recommended that girls wait until age 14 or 15 and boys a few additional years so that the nose has finished growing before being reshaped. It is important for teenage patients and their surgeons to consider whether or not nose reshaping is an appropriate cosmetic surgery option and to ensure that the decision is the patient’s, rather than the result of peer or parental pressure.

Ideal Nose Reshaping Candidates

A good candidate for nose-reshaping cosmetic surgery may:

• Have a nose that he or she feels is too large or too small in comparison with other facial features
• Have a bump on the bridge of the nose
• Have a wide nose
• Have a nasal tip that droops, protrudes, or is enlarged
• Have a bulbous tip
• Have nostrils that are excessively flared or pinched
• Have a nose that is crooked or off-center
• Have been injured so that the nose is asymmetrical
• Have problems breathing due to irregularities with internal nose structure