Your teen blurts out one night that, “I hate my nose” and you are flabbergasted. You never knew, what could be wrong with her nose, and it’s silly to even consider fixing such a thing! Or, perhaps you see they are developing the family nose that everyone has ridiculed over the years.

Before dismissing your teen’s concerns, recognize that every person, young or old, has very specific and unique feelings about their nose. Also know that their feelings and opinions about their nose will not change just because you disagree with them. Remember, each of you can have a different opinion and you can both be right – what bothers one person may not bother someone else.

It’s best to hear your teenager out in a non-threatening and non-judgmental manner. Try to understand the difficulties they feel their nose is causing them. Determine if you think they have a realistic concern and realistic expectations of what rhinoplasty surgery might provide for them, not only in altering the nasal shape, but how it will improve their life. If their comments make sense to you, or perhaps even more importantly if they don’t, you might wish to have your teen see a reputable rhinoplasty surgeon to get their opinion.

Rhinoplasty is a very detailed procedure, so be sure to see someone who has a special expertise in teen rhinoplasty. Start by asking around. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to determine which doctors should be on your short list. A third of the people who come through my door in Toronto have heard about me from my patients.

You probably have a friend, relative, or co-worker who has had plastic surgery and won’t mind talking about it. Find out if he or she is satisfied with the results. Start a list of trusted doctors. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get names.

Only proceed when your child, your child’s surgeon and you all agree that rhinoplasty will have a good probability of making your teen’s life the best it can be.