Teen rhinoplasty at a glance
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Main audience for this page | Parents, guardians, and adolescents researching clinical suitability and regulatory requirements |
| Minimum requirement | Individual clinical assessment of physical maturity, psychological readiness, and specific concern; age alone is not sufficient |
| Physical maturity | Nasal growth and facial maturity must be assessed clinically; varies between individuals and between sexes |
| Psychological readiness | Motivation, expectations, external pressure, and screening for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) must be considered |
| Parent or guardian role | Views and support are considered where practicable; written consent processes apply |
| Cosmetic surgery under-18 requirements | Independent psychological evaluation, minimum 3-month cooling-off period, two consultations, written informed consent from patient and parent or guardian |
| Functional pathway | Septoplasty for deviated septum, functional rhinoplasty for nasal valve or breathing problems, broken nose treatment for trauma, may have different clinical pathways |
| Advertising safeguards | Images of patients under 18 are not used in cosmetic surgery advertising, per AHPRA guidelines |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia where surgery proceeds |
| Cost framework | Inherited from the relevant parent procedure (cosmetic, functional, septoplasty, or broken nose) |
| Consultation fee | $450 |
| Sydney clinics | Bondi Junction and Manly |
A parent and guardian guide to teen rhinoplasty
This page is educational rather than promotional. The purpose is to help parents, guardians, and adolescents understand what is involved in adolescent nasal surgery assessment, what regulatory safeguards apply, and what circumstances may indicate that surgery is not the right pathway at this time. Many adolescents who research rhinoplasty do not ultimately proceed with surgery, either because the clinical assessment identifies that growth is incomplete, because the motivation is primarily external rather than the adolescent’s own, because expectations are not realistic, or because waiting until full maturity is the better clinical recommendation. The consultation process is designed to identify these factors, not to facilitate surgery in every case.
Where adolescent nasal concerns are functional (breathing problems, deviated septum) or trauma-related (after a fracture), the clinical pathway is different from cosmetic-only concerns. Functional and trauma cases may be assessed and treated earlier than cosmetic concerns, because the clinical indication is medical rather than aesthetic. However, where any cosmetic component is included in the surgical plan, the under-18 cosmetic surgery safeguards still apply.
The role of parents and guardians is significant. Parent or guardian views and support are considered where practicable, and written consent from both the patient and a parent or guardian is required for surgery where the patient is under 18. The Medical Board’s cosmetic surgery guidelines for patients under 18 reflect the recognition that adolescent decision-making about elective cosmetic procedures benefits from the involvement of supportive adults and from time between the initial decision and the procedure.
When is the nose ready for rhinoplasty?
Nasal growth must be sufficiently complete before rhinoplasty is considered, because operating on a nose that is still growing can produce changes that do not match the eventual mature anatomy. Age alone is not a sufficient indicator: individuals vary in growth completion, and males generally complete nasal and facial growth later than females.
The following factors are assessed at consultation to determine physical readiness:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Age and pubertal stage | Nasal and facial growth vary between individuals; pubertal completion is a useful indicator but not definitive |
| Growth stability over time | A history of stable height, weight, and shoe size over the previous 12 to 18 months can indicate growth completion |
| Sex-based growth differences | Female adolescents often complete nasal growth around 15 to 16 years; male adolescents often complete growth around 17 to 18 years, with significant individual variation |
| Family pattern of growth | Late or early developers in the family may inform individual assessment |
| Clinical examination | External and internal nasal examination assesses facial proportions, septum, and overall maturity |
| Nasal trauma | Where a fracture has occurred, the timing of intervention may differ from cosmetic planning; see broken nose treatment |
| Breathing symptoms | Functional assessment may be appropriate even where cosmetic surgery would be deferred; see septoplasty |
Where physical maturity is not yet sufficient for cosmetic surgery, the consultation outcome may be a recommendation to wait, with a follow-up assessment after a defined period. Waiting is a clinically appropriate outcome and is not a treatment failure.
Emotional readiness, motivation, and BDD screening
Emotional readiness and motivation are central to the assessment of any adolescent considering cosmetic surgery. The Medical Board’s cosmetic surgery guidelines require assessment of motivation, expectations, and underlying psychological factors, including screening for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) using a validated screening tool.
Several aspects are explored at consultation:
The source of the motivation matters. A surgical decision driven by the adolescent’s own consistent concern over time is different from one driven by recent peer pressure, social media exposure, bullying, parental preference, or a partner’s comments. External pressure is a relative contraindication to cosmetic surgery, particularly for adolescents.
Expectations must be realistic. Adolescent patients should understand that rhinoplasty changes the nose, not the rest of life. It is not a treatment for bullying, social difficulty, depression, anxiety, or relationship problems. The result of surgery is a different nose, not a different person or a different social situation. Final results take 12 to 18 months to develop as residual swelling settles. The expectation that surgery will deliver a specific celebrity-template nose, or will eliminate a specific feature without trade-offs, is also not realistic.
Recovery understanding must be present. The patient must be able to articulate what recovery involves: swelling, bruising, splint use, activity restriction, school absence, and the slow timeline of final result development.
BDD screening is required. Body dysmorphic disorder is a recognised psychological condition involving excessive preoccupation with a perceived appearance flaw, and it is a contraindication to cosmetic surgery because surgery does not resolve BDD and may worsen it. The Medical Board’s guidelines require BDD screening using a validated tool, with the assessment process and outcome documented. Where BDD screening raises concern, cosmetic surgery is not pursued, and referral to appropriate psychological support is the relevant pathway.
Where the consultation identifies external pressure, unrealistic expectations, BDD risk, or other psychological concerns, the recommendation may be to defer surgery and engage psychological support, regardless of physical maturity.
AHPRA and Medical Board requirements for cosmetic surgery under 18
The Medical Board of Australia’s cosmetic surgery guidelines set specific additional requirements for cosmetic surgery on patients under 18. These requirements apply to all registered medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgery in Australia and are designed to protect adolescent patients from unsuitable surgery, external pressure, and decisions that may not reflect their settled views once they reach maturity.
| Requirement | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| 1. Referral for independent evaluation | Cosmetic surgery for patients under 18 requires referral for independent evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or general practitioner |
| 2. Capacity to consent | Dr Turner must assess whether the adolescent has the capacity to provide informed consent to the proposed surgery |
| 3. Parent or guardian involvement | Parent or guardian views and support are considered where practicable; written consent from both the patient and a parent or guardian is required |
| 4. Independent psychological evaluation | An independent psychological evaluation is required before cosmetic surgery on a patient under 18 |
| 5. BDD screening | Underlying psychological conditions, including body dysmorphic disorder, must be screened using a validated screening tool, with the assessment process and outcome documented |
| 6. Minimum 3-month cooling-off period | At least 3 months must pass between informed consent and surgery for cosmetic procedures on patients under 18 (compared with 7 days for adult patients) |
| 7. Two consultations | Two consultations are required before surgery, in line with general AHPRA cosmetic surgery requirements |
| 8. Reconfirmation of consent | Informed consent is reconfirmed on the day of surgery before the procedure proceeds |
These requirements apply specifically to cosmetic surgery. Functional surgery and acute trauma management (such as closed reduction of a nasal fracture) follow different regulatory pathways, although any cosmetic component included in a combined functional and cosmetic procedure remains subject to the cosmetic surgery requirements.
The 3-month cooling-off period is the most significant practical difference between adult and adolescent cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this period is to allow the adolescent to consider the decision over time, to engage in the independent psychological evaluation, and to reach surgery with a settled view rather than an impulsive one. Where an adolescent’s view changes during the cooling-off period, the surgery does not proceed, which is a successful outcome of the safeguard rather than a complication.
Cosmetic surgery advertising for adolescents is also restricted. AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery advertising state that advertising must not be targeted or directed at people under 18, must not be placed in media likely to appeal to people under 18, and must not use images of patients under 18 in cosmetic surgery promotional content. This educational page is intended for parents, guardians, and adolescents as research material, not as cosmetic surgery promotion.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty vs functional nose surgery in teenagers
The clinical pathway differs substantially depending on whether the concern is primarily cosmetic, functional, trauma-related, or a combination. The table below summarises which pathway applies to which concern.
| Adolescent concern | Likely pathway | Best next page |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsal hump, tip shape, profile, or overall nose appearance | Cosmetic rhinoplasty assessment with full under-18 safeguards | Cosmetic rhinoplasty |
| Deviated septum with documented breathing obstruction | Septoplasty assessment (functional pathway) | Septoplasty |
| Nasal valve collapse, post-trauma structural breathing problem | Functional rhinoplasty assessment | Functional rhinoplasty |
| Recent sports or other nasal injury | Broken nose assessment | Broken nose treatment |
| Previous rhinoplasty with concerns | Revision rhinoplasty assessment | Revision rhinoplasty |
| Combined cosmetic and functional concerns | Combined assessment with cosmetic safeguards | Functional rhinoplasty (covers septorhinoplasty) |
The distinction matters because functional and trauma-related pathways may be assessed and treated on a different clinical timeline from cosmetic-only concerns. A teenage patient with a deviated septum causing one-sided nasal obstruction has a medical indication that can be addressed without waiting for cosmetic maturity criteria, although where any cosmetic component is included, the cosmetic safeguards still apply.
Where Medicare contribution may apply to the functional component, the framework follows the relevant parent procedure: MBS item 41671 for septoplasty, MBS item 45641 for functional rhinoplasty with documented airway obstruction. Cosmetic components remain private.
When teen rhinoplasty may not be appropriate
Several situations indicate that surgery should be deferred, declined, or redirected to a different pathway. These are not exceptional cases; they are common consultation outcomes.
- Nasal growth is not complete: Where clinical assessment identifies that nasal or facial growth is still in progress, surgery is deferred until maturity is reached.
- Concern is changing or recent: Where the adolescent’s stated concern has emerged recently or changes between consultations, more time is needed before a settled view can be assessed.
- Motivation is primarily external: Where peer pressure, social media influence, bullying, parental preference, or a partner’s comments are the primary driver, surgery is not appropriate as a response to those external factors.
- Unrealistic expectations: Where the patient expects a specific celebrity-template nose, expects surgery to resolve non-appearance problems, or does not accept the realistic limits of what surgery can achieve.
- BDD screening raises concern: Where the validated screening tool identifies likely body dysmorphic disorder, surgery is not pursued and psychological support is the relevant pathway.
- Significant unmanaged psychological distress: Depression, anxiety, eating disorder, or other psychological condition that is not stably managed.
- Insufficient understanding of risks and recovery: Where the patient cannot articulate the realistic risks, the recovery process, or the timeline of final result development.
- Absent or conflicted parent or guardian support: Where parent or guardian views are not supportive, or where the family is in active conflict about the decision.
- Concern is functional, not cosmetic: Where breathing, septum, or trauma is the underlying issue, a different clinical pathway applies.
Where any of these factors is present, Dr Turner discusses what the appropriate response is at consultation, which may involve waiting, referral for psychological support, redirection to functional assessment, or simply more time and conversation before any surgical decision is made.
The teen rhinoplasty consultation process
The consultation process for adolescent rhinoplasty is more structured than for adult cosmetic rhinoplasty, reflecting the additional under-18 safeguards.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Referral and intake | GP referral; the adolescent’s age, growth history, prior nasal injury, current concerns, medical history, and family situation are reviewed at intake |
| 2. First consultation | Clinical assessment of nasal anatomy, physical maturity, breathing function; discussion of concerns with the adolescent (with parent or guardian present where appropriate) |
| 3. Referral for independent evaluation | Where the case is cosmetic or includes a cosmetic component, referral for independent psychological evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or GP |
| 4. BDD screening and motivation review | Independent psychological evaluation reviews motivation, expectations, external pressure, and screens for body dysmorphic disorder using a validated tool |
| 5. Cooling-off period | Minimum 3 months between informed consent and surgery for cosmetic procedures under 18, providing time for settled decision-making |
| 6. Second consultation | The surgical plan is reviewed, the independent evaluation outcome is considered, the adolescent’s view is reassessed, alternatives are discussed, and written informed consent is obtained from both the patient and a parent or guardian |
| 7. Surgery (where appropriate) | Where all requirements are met and the adolescent’s view remains settled, surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Sydney private hospital, with consent reconfirmed on the day of surgery |
| 8. Follow-up | Splint removal at approximately 7 days; further appointments at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months (with an 18-month appointment for thicker skin or complex cases) |
The process is designed to ensure that any surgical decision is settled, informed, and supported by the relevant safeguards. Where any step identifies concerns, the process pauses or redirects rather than continuing toward surgery.
How teen rhinoplasty may be performed
Where surgery proceeds after all requirements are met, the surgical approach is similar to adult rhinoplasty, with several adolescent-specific considerations.
Teen rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Sydney private hospital. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the surgical plan. Patients are typically discharged the same day, though overnight admission is possible for more complex cases.
The surgical approach may be open (with a small external incision across the columella) or closed (with all incisions internal), chosen based on the surgical plan. Open approach is more common where structural grafting, significant tip work, or revision is required; closed approach may be appropriate for simpler cases. Conservative structural planning is particularly important in adolescent cases, because removing too much support cartilage can produce changes that worsen over time as the face continues to mature subtly even after growth is considered complete.
Where the surgery includes a functional component (septoplasty for deviated septum, valve grafts for breathing problems), the functional work is performed alongside the cosmetic work in the same operation. This is the same approach as septorhinoplasty in adult patients; see our functional rhinoplasty page.
The surgical work itself is the same technical operation performed for adult patients; what is different is the consultation pathway leading to surgery, not the surgery itself.
Cost of teen rhinoplasty in Sydney
Teen rhinoplasty cost depends on the clinical pathway and the specific surgical plan. The cost framework is inherited from the relevant parent procedure rather than being separately set for adolescent patients.
- Cosmetic teen rhinoplasty: Cost follows the cosmetic rhinoplasty framework. See our cosmetic rhinoplasty page for the standard fee range and the cost drivers (surgical complexity, anaesthesia, hospital admission, surgeon fee).
- Functional teen rhinoplasty: Cost follows the functional rhinoplasty framework, with Medicare contribution possible under MBS item 45641 where airway obstruction and NOSE Scale criteria are documented. See our functional rhinoplasty page for detail.
- Teen septoplasty (functional pathway): Cost follows the septoplasty framework, with Medicare contribution possible under MBS item 41671. See our septoplasty page for detail.
- Post-traumatic teen rhinoplasty: Cost follows the relevant parent procedure depending on whether the concern is functional, cosmetic, or combined. See our broken nose page for detail.
The initial consultation fee is $450. The independent psychological evaluation required for cosmetic surgery under 18 is a separate fee, payable to the psychologist, psychiatrist, or GP performing the evaluation. Two consultations and the 3-month cooling-off period precede any surgery for cosmetic cases.
For a broader cost breakdown across nose surgery procedures, see our rhinoplasty cost guide.
Teen rhinoplasty recovery and activity planning
Recovery from teen rhinoplasty follows the same timeline as adult rhinoplasty, but typically requires more careful planning around school attendance, supervised post-operative care, and activity restriction.
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | External splint in place. Swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks. School absence required for the first 7 to 10 days. Parent or guardian supervision required. |
| End of week 1 | Splint removal. Visible swelling and residual bruising continue. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Bruising fades. Return to school possible but contact sport and physical education must be avoided. |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Light exercise may resume from week 4 depending on Dr Turner’s advice. Avoid contact sport, ball sport, and any activity that risks impact to the nose. |
| Months 3 to 6 | Tip definition becomes more apparent. Sport participation discussed and approved on a case-by-case basis. |
| 6 to 12 months | Most swelling has resolved. Final tip and bridge shape becomes clearer. |
| 12 to 18 months | Final result, with thicker-skinned patients seeing definition continue to develop through this longer window. |
Parents and guardians should plan for school absence, supervision during the early recovery period, restriction from sport and physical activities that risk nasal impact, transport to follow-up appointments, and ongoing emotional support during the slow timeline of final result development. The page deliberately avoids any framing of teen rhinoplasty around school holidays, formal events, graduations, or other social milestones, because urgency framing is not appropriate for adolescent cosmetic surgery and can encourage impulsive decision-making rather than the settled, considered approach that the regulatory framework is designed to support.
For broader nose surgery recovery context, see our rhinoplasty recovery timeline guide.
Teen rhinoplasty risks and complications
Teen rhinoplasty carries the same general risks as adult rhinoplasty, with several adolescent-specific considerations.
- Bleeding: Significant post-operative bleeding is uncommon but possible
- Infection: Antibiotic prophylaxis is used; infection remains a recognised risk
- Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry during healing is common; persistent asymmetry may require revision
- Persistent swelling: Particularly in the tip region, swelling can persist beyond 12 months
- Scarring: Columellar scar with open approach; alar base scars where alarplasty is included
- Growth-related changes: Where surgery is performed before nasal or facial growth is fully complete, subsequent growth can alter the surgical result
- Visible or palpable graft edges: Particularly in thinner-skinned patients
- Graft warping or resorption: Particularly relevant for rib cartilage grafts
- Changes in nasal sensation: Temporary numbness of the tip is common; persistent sensory change is uncommon
- Altered breathing: Surgical changes can occasionally affect airflow; this is assessed pre-operatively
- Cosmetic outcome dissatisfaction: Particularly relevant where the adolescent’s view of the result evolves as they mature
- Psychological distress or regret: Cosmetic surgery in adolescence has been associated with later regret in some patients, particularly where motivation was primarily external
- Need for revision surgery: Some patients require touch-up procedures; revision rates vary by case complexity
- General anaesthetic risks: Reactions to medications, breathing difficulties, and rarely more serious complications
Teen rhinoplasty should not be framed as a remedy for psychological distress, social difficulty, or external pressure. The relationship between cosmetic surgery and psychological wellbeing is complex, and surgery does not reliably produce psychological improvement. Where psychological distress is present, the appropriate response is psychological support, not surgery.
The individual risk profile depends on the adolescent’s anatomy, growth completion, medical history, healing capacity, and the specifics of the surgical plan. Dr Turner discusses the specific risks relevant to the case at consultation.
Related nose surgery procedures
The pages below cover related procedures and pathways that may be more appropriate than cosmetic teen rhinoplasty in particular circumstances.
| Related page | When to read it |
|---|---|
| Nose Surgery Hub | If you are not yet sure which pathway applies |
| Cosmetic Rhinoplasty | Adult cosmetic rhinoplasty overview |
| Functional Rhinoplasty | If breathing problems or nasal valve collapse is the primary concern |
| Septoplasty | If a deviated septum is the primary issue |
| Broken Nose Treatment | If a recent sports or other nasal injury has occurred |
| Revision Rhinoplasty | If previous nasal surgery has left concerns |
| Tip Rhinoplasty | If the specific concern is isolated to the nasal tip |
Helpful guides about nose surgery for adolescents and parents
The articles below provide deeper context on considerations relevant to adolescent nose surgery assessment.
- Cosmetic vs functional rhinoplasty: Detailed comparison of cosmetic and functional procedures, useful when deciding which pathway applies
- Breathing problems after rhinoplasty: The structural causes of breathing difficulty
- Rhinoplasty cost guide: Cost framework across nose surgery procedures
- Rhinoplasty recovery timeline: Week-by-week guide applicable to teen rhinoplasty recovery planning
- How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon: What credentials and consultation signals to look for
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a teenager have rhinoplasty in Australia?
There is no fixed minimum age set by AHPRA. The relevant factors are physical maturity (nasal and facial growth completion), psychological readiness, capacity to consent, the specific concern (cosmetic, functional, or trauma-related), and parent or guardian support. As a general clinical pattern, female adolescents often reach nasal growth completion around 15 to 16 years, and male adolescents around 17 to 18 years, with significant individual variation. Functional procedures (septoplasty, post-traumatic surgery) may proceed earlier where medically indicated. Age alone is not a sufficient criterion; individual clinical assessment is required.
What is the three-month cooling-off period for cosmetic surgery under 18?
The minimum 3-month cooling-off period is the time that must pass between informed consent and surgery for cosmetic procedures on patients under 18. This is a Medical Board of Australia requirement, longer than the 7-day cooling-off period that applies to adult cosmetic patients. The purpose is to allow the adolescent to consider the decision over time, to complete the required independent psychological evaluation, and to reach surgery with a settled view rather than an impulsive one. Where the adolescent’s view changes during the cooling-off period, surgery does not proceed.
Does a teenager need psychological assessment before cosmetic rhinoplasty?
Yes. The Medical Board’s cosmetic surgery guidelines require an independent psychological evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or general practitioner before cosmetic surgery on a patient under 18. The evaluation reviews motivation, expectations, external pressure, and screens for body dysmorphic disorder using a validated tool. This evaluation is separate from the surgical consultation and is performed by an independent practitioner referred by Dr Turner. The evaluation outcome is considered alongside the clinical assessment.
Do parents or guardians need to be involved in the process?
Yes. Parent or guardian views and support are considered where practicable, and written consent from both the patient and a parent or guardian is required for surgery where the patient is under 18. Parents or guardians are typically present at consultations, participate in the discussion of risks and recovery, and provide ongoing supervision and support during the recovery period. The role is significant rather than nominal.
Can teen rhinoplasty be performed for breathing problems or after an injury?
Yes, with a different clinical pathway. Where the concern is a deviated septum causing breathing obstruction, septoplasty is the relevant procedure. Where nasal valve collapse or structural breathing problems are present, functional rhinoplasty is the relevant procedure. Where a recent nasal fracture has occurred, broken nose treatment (including closed reduction within the early window) is the relevant pathway. Functional and trauma cases may be assessed and treated on a different timeline from cosmetic-only concerns, although any cosmetic component included in a combined procedure remains subject to the cosmetic surgery safeguards.
What is BDD screening and why is it important?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a recognised psychological condition involving excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, where the preoccupation causes significant distress and impairment. BDD is a contraindication to cosmetic surgery because surgery does not resolve BDD and may worsen it. The Medical Board’s cosmetic surgery guidelines require screening for BDD using a validated screening tool, with the screening process and outcome documented. Where screening raises concern, cosmetic surgery is not pursued, and the appropriate pathway is referral to psychological support.
When might surgery be delayed or declined?
Common reasons surgery is deferred or declined include: nasal growth is not yet complete; the adolescent’s motivation is primarily external (peer pressure, bullying, parental preference, social media); expectations are unrealistic; BDD screening raises concern; significant unmanaged psychological distress is present; the patient cannot articulate understanding of risks and recovery; parent or guardian support is absent or conflicted; the concern is functional and a different pathway is more relevant. Deferring or declining surgery is a successful outcome of the assessment process, not a failure.
How long does recovery take after teen rhinoplasty?
Splint removal occurs at approximately 7 days. Most adolescent patients require 7 to 10 days off school, with return to school in week 2 once visible bruising has improved. Contact sport, physical education involving impact risk, and strenuous activity must be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks, with return to sport approved on a case-by-case basis after clinical review. Tip definition becomes more apparent over 3 to 6 months. Final results take 12 to 18 months to develop, with thicker-skinned patients experiencing the longer end of this window. Parents and guardians should plan for school absence, supervised post-operative care, and sustained activity restriction.
Important information about teen rhinoplasty
Teen rhinoplasty is invasive surgery and is not suitable for every adolescent patient. Cosmetic surgery for patients under 18 requires additional regulatory safeguards: independent psychological evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or general practitioner; assessment of the patient’s capacity to consent; parent or guardian involvement where practicable; a minimum 3-month cooling-off period between informed consent and surgery; BDD screening using a validated tool; two consultations; written informed consent from both the patient and a parent or guardian; and reconfirmation of consent on the day of surgery. These requirements are set by the Medical Board of Australia and are not optional. Where any element of the assessment raises concern (incomplete growth, external motivation, unrealistic expectations, BDD risk, unmanaged psychological distress, absent or conflicted parent support, or a functional concern that should be assessed separately), surgery is deferred, declined, or redirected. Rhinoplasty carries risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, persistent swelling, growth-related changes if surgery occurs before maturity, altered breathing, changes in sensation, psychological distress or regret, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result, and the need for revision surgery. General anaesthetic risks also apply. Cosmetic surgery does not reliably produce psychological improvement; where psychological distress is present, the appropriate response is psychological support, not surgery. A consultation with Dr Turner is required to assess whether any nasal surgical pathway is appropriate for an individual adolescent patient.
Schedule a consultation discussion with Dr Turner
If you are a parent, guardian, or adolescent considering whether a clinical consultation is appropriate, the first step is to understand the requirements that apply to cosmetic surgery for patients under 18, the alternative functional and trauma-related pathways that may be more relevant, and the broader assessment of physical maturity, psychological readiness, motivation, and family support. Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) who consults with patients about adolescent rhinoplasty, functional nose surgery, septoplasty, and broken nose treatment at his Bondi Junction and Manly clinics. The consultation itself is an assessment, not a commitment to surgery; many consultations conclude with a recommendation to wait, to engage psychological support, or to redirect to a different pathway, and these outcomes are appropriate where they apply.
To discuss consultation requirements, contact our team.
Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Bondi Junction: 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW Manly: Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW
Two consultations are required before cosmetic surgery is scheduled, with an additional minimum 3-month cooling-off period for patients under 18, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements.
