Our Summary

This research paper is a review of past studies on nose jobs (rhinoplasty) performed in children and teenagers. The researchers gathered data from seven studies that together included 253 patients, ranging from 7 months to 19 years old. Two-thirds of these patients were boys. Some of the patients had undergone the surgery due to previous injuries (41.7%), while others had it to improve the appearance and function of the nose (24.5%), or to correct deformities resulting from a cleft lip (15.8%).

In the majority of cases, surgeons used an open approach (79.1%), which involves making a small cut on the skin between the nostrils. Mostly, they also performed a procedure to correct a deviated septum (71.1%). The materials most commonly used for grafting were cartilage from the septum (52.8%) and the ear (16.5%).

The results varied quite a bit between studies. Complications were reported in 39.6% of patients, but this data was not available for all studies. The most common issues were not being happy with the surgical results (11.8%) and having a blocked nose after the operation (5.6%). In 13.5% of cases, further surgeries were needed.

In conclusion, the researchers found that nose jobs are safe for children and teenagers, but there’s a higher chance that further surgeries might be needed compared to adults. The researchers noted that the studies they reviewed had some limitations, such as not using the same measures of success, not following up with patients for a long time after the surgery, and not discussing the psychological impact of the surgery. More high-quality research is needed on this topic.

FAQs

  1. What are the common surgical indications for pediatric rhinoplasty?
  2. What are the most common complications reported after pediatric rhinoplasty?
  3. What factors contribute to the need for further high-quality studies evaluating pediatric rhinoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rhinoplasty in children is to carefully consider the potential need for revision surgery. While rhinoplasty is generally safe in the pediatric population, revision rates appear to be higher than in adults. It is important for patients and their families to have realistic expectations about the possibility of needing additional procedures in the future. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric rhinoplasty to minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rhinoplasty include those with functional issues such as nasal obstruction, as well as aesthetic concerns such as nasal deformities or asymmetry. Common surgical indications for pediatric rhinoplasty include trauma, cleft lip nasal deformity, and overall functional aesthetic concerns. It is important to consider the individual patient’s age, growth stage, and psychological readiness before recommending rhinoplasty in pediatric patients.

Timeline

Before Rhinoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  • Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review
  • Pre-operative tests and screenings are conducted
  • Surgical plan is discussed and finalized
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications and avoid smoking before surgery
  • Patient receives pre-operative instructions and guidelines for aftercare

After Rhinoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes surgery, which may involve open or closed approaches and use of grafting materials
  • Patient may experience discomfort, bruising, swelling, and nasal congestion in the immediate post-operative period
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled for monitoring and removal of any packing or splints
  • Patient may need to follow a specific post-operative care routine, including medication management and activity restrictions
  • Patient may experience complications such as aesthetic dissatisfaction or nasal obstruction, which may require revision surgery
  • Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess outcomes and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric rhinoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric rhinoplasty?
  2. How will the procedure impact my child’s growth and development?
  3. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery?
  4. How many pediatric rhinoplasty procedures have you performed in the past?
  5. What is your approach to managing pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  6. How long is the recovery period for pediatric rhinoplasty?
  7. Will my child need any additional surgeries or revisions in the future?
  8. How will the surgery affect my child’s self-esteem and psychological well-being?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  10. What should we expect in terms of follow-up care and monitoring after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gupta A, Svider PF, Rayess H, Sheyn A, Folbe AJ, Eloy JA, Zuliani G, Carron MA. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Jan;92:11-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.10.027. Epub 2016 Oct 26. PMID: 28012510