From high school to the golden years, when is the best time for rhinoplasty surgery?
By Dr. Philip Solomon and Nancie Heiber
Rhinoplasty remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures, appealing to both men and women across a wide age spectrum—from the mid-teens to those in their 70s. But is there an “ideal” decade of life to undergo this transformative surgery? Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practising Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, discusses the considerations of rhinoplasty at every age.
The Teen Years
Adolescence can be an excellent time to consider rhinoplasty. By around age 15 (girls) and 16 (boys), the nose has typically completed its growth, making surgical refinement safe to proceed with. This stage of life is particularly formative, and enhancing the nasal shape can significantly bolster self-confidence and self-esteem. That said, it is essential that young patients pursue rhinoplasty with realistic expectations—aiming to refine their nasal features rather than completely change them. One advantage of undergoing rhinoplasty in the teenage years is the opportunity to enjoy the results for decades to come. Teenage patients may choose to do the procedure over holidays or during the transition from high school to college or university. This allows young patients to start the next chapter of their lives with increased confidence and a new nasal shape.
The Twenties
For many, the 20s represent a period of new beginnings: completing higher education, launching careers, and establishing personal and professional identities. During this time, patients often seek greater nasal refinement to align with their evolving self-image. By this decade, individuals are typically more emotionally mature, better able to navigate the surgical process, and in many cases, financially independent enough to pursue elective procedures.
The Thirties
In their 30s, patients are often well-established in their careers or transitioning between life milestones such as marriage or parenthood. This stage can bring greater lifestyle flexibility and resources to support surgery. Functional concerns, such as breathing difficulties resulting from prior childhood trauma or past sports injuries, may also provide additional motivation for corrective rhinoplasty. We commonly see patients who were active in competitive sports. As they hit their 30s, they may have retired from competitive sports and feel the risk of future nasal trauma is low. This change in lifestyle allows them to proceed with correcting the aesthetic as well as functional concerns of their nose. Commonly, we see patients in their 30s who have achieved financial independence and can now make the decision to undergo a rhinoplasty, which their parents may not have supported through their teens or 20s.
The Forties
As the natural aging process occurs, middle-aged patients often begin to consider surgical interventions. For this reason, many patients in their 40s pursue rhinoplasty not only to restore balance to their nasal appearance but also in conjunction with facial rejuvenation procedures, such as volume restoration with filler or fat grafting, mini facelift, submental liposuction or chin implants.
The Fifties and Beyond
Patients over 55 continue to see the signs of aging. The chin, as well as the maxilla (the jawbone), will continue to recede. As the nasal tip support weakens, the nose will look longer and appear to droop. At this stage in life, patients consider surgery as part of facial rejuvenation. Frequently, the rhinoplasty is part of a full facial rejuvenation procedure. Rhinoplasty in this patient population is often done in conjunction with brow lift, facelift and fat grafting.
Ultimately, rhinoplasty offers many benefits over the course of ones’ life. As long as patients are in good health, possess emotional readiness and hold realistic expectations, the procedure can be an empowering choice at virtually any age, enhancing both appearance and confidence.
Sep 16th 2025