Are People Getting Rhinoplasty at a Younger Age | 8 West Clinic
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSCDr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgeon with a practice limited to facial plastic surgery, 8 West Clinic, Vancouver, BC.
Published September 15, 2026·Medically reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi
KEY TAKEAWAYS — IN THIS VIDEO
Rhinoplasty age trends have remained consistent over the past two decades.
Young women can consider rhinoplasty around age 15-16, while young men typically wait until 18-19.
Rhinoplasty candidates range from teenagers to those in their sixties, reflecting diverse personal goals.
Dr. Buonassisi · Are People Getting Rhinoplasty at a Younger Age | 8 West Clinic
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSCAuthor · Reviewer
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgeon with a practice limited to facial plastic surgery, 8 West Clinic, Vancouver, BC.
Dr. Buonassisi is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He co-founded 8 West Clinic — a rhinoplasty-focused practice in Vancouver, BC — with his wife Angie Buonassisi, with two locations in Vancouver and North Vancouver, with patient education as a founding principle of the practice.
Dr. Buonassisi has been educating patients on rhinoplasty for over 15 years and has published hundreds of educational videos across YouTube and Instagram — with content going back over a decade. Every article and video in the Knowledge Hub is written or reviewed directly by Dr. Buonassisi.
Contrary to what some might assume, the age at which patients undergo rhinoplasty has not significantly decreased over the past two decades. Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Specialist in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, with a practice limited to facial plastic surgeries — explains that the age range remains similar to what it was twenty years ago. For young women, rhinoplasty is often considered appropriate once they are fully grown, typically around fifteen or sixteen years of age. For young men, the recommended age is slightly older, usually around eighteen or nineteen.
Dr. Buonassisi emphasizes that the decision to undergo rhinoplasty should be based on individual growth and maturity rather than a specific age. This ensures that the nasal structures are fully developed, allowing for optimal surgical outcomes. For more information on rhinoplasty procedures, visit our Rhinoplasty Overview page.
What Is the Typical Age Range for Rhinoplasty Patients?
Rhinoplasty is not confined to a specific age group. While many patients are in their late teens or early twenties, Dr. Buonassisi notes that the age range can vary dramatically. It is not uncommon for patients in their sixties to seek rhinoplasty, often in conjunction with other facial procedures like a facelift. This diversity in age reflects the personal nature of the decision to undergo rhinoplasty, which is often driven by individual aesthetic goals and life circumstances.
Dr. Buonassisi's approach to rhinoplasty is bespoke, tailoring each procedure to the patient's unique anatomy and aspirations. This personalized care ensures that both younger and older patients achieve results that look natural and meet their expectations. To see examples of Dr. Buonassisi's work, explore our Before & After Photos.
Why Is Age Consideration Important in Rhinoplasty?
Age consideration is crucial in rhinoplasty for several reasons. Younger patients must have completed their facial growth to ensure that the surgical changes are stable and long-lasting. For older patients, the skin's elasticity and overall health can influence the surgical approach and recovery process.
Dr. Buonassisi evaluates each patient's candidacy for rhinoplasty based on these factors, ensuring that the procedure is both safe and effective. This careful assessment is part of what makes a consultation with a specialist like Dr. Buonassisi so valuable. Learn more about what to expect during a consultation on our Rhinoplasty Knowledge Hub.
How Does Rhinoplasty Fit into a Broader Facial Rejuvenation Plan?
For some patients, rhinoplasty is part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Dr. Buonassisi often sees patients who are interested in combining rhinoplasty with other procedures, such as a facelift. This approach can be particularly appealing to older patients who are looking to address multiple aesthetic concerns simultaneously.
Combining procedures can offer a more comprehensive transformation and may also be more convenient for the patient, reducing overall recovery time. Dr. Buonassisi's expertise in facial plastic surgery allows him to create harmonious results that enhance the patient's natural features. For more on why patients choose 8 West Clinic, visit our Why 8 West page.
Full Transcript
Are people getting rhinoplasty younger now compared to twenty years ago? No. Patients are still getting rhinoplasties at in the sort of similar age range. And I think in girls, you know, there isn't really an absolute number, but I think fifteen or sixteen is perfectly fine as long as they're fully grown. And in men, we usually wait till they're eighteen or nineteen. I'm always amazed at how the age range varies dramatically. I'll sometimes do a rhinoplasty on someone who's in their sixties. They might be coming to me to have a facelift, and they've always wanted to change their nose, and this the opportune time to do it. So I don't think it's really getting younger.
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