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Rhinoplasty Surgery for Older Patients

Dr. Philip Miller

April 18, 2022

Am I too old for a nose job?

There is no age limit for having cosmetic nose surgery. The general rule is, if you’re in good health, you are likely a good candidate for surgery.

However, as patients get older, surgeons may be faced with increasing challenges that can affect the long-term cosmetic results for the patient.

Many patients from NYC choose to have cosmetic surgery done in their 40s and 50s, before the aging process produces significant changes in the appearance and basic structure of the nose. These patients are generally satisfied with the rejuvenating effect of rhinoplasty and in many cases, it is the fulfillment of a life-long dream to enhance their appearance.

revision rhinoplasty results in NYC, NY

Is 40 too old for rhinoplasty?

78,054 total rhinoplasty procedures were performed on people aged 40-54 in 2021, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). As long as you are in good physical and mental health, you may benefit from the procedure. The best time to have a rhinoplasty is when you feel most confident in your decision and informed about the procedure. You must also be comfortable with your surgeon, who should guide you through the journey.

Nose Job at 50

As long as you are in good health and you have enough time on your schedule for a proper recovery, 50 is not “too old” for rhinoplasty. As a cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty is intended to make the patient look and feel better about their nose, and a nose job can be tailored to a patient of any age. Just like any other patient, you will need a physical exam and be cleared by your doctor prior to surgery. Don’t let your age hold you back from consulting with a facial plastic surgeon in New York. 

nose job for older patients

Rhinoplasty Over 50

The technical steps of performing a rhinoplasty in patients over 50 are similar to those for younger patients. Rhinoplasty at this age can even make you look more youthful, as changes may occur to the nose over time that contribute to an aged appearance. However, patients in this age group are more likely to have underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes that could increase the risks associated with surgery.

nose job for patients over 50

When a patient has reached the age of 60 and beyond, physiological changes in the nose demand a thorough evaluation by the performing surgeon to determine whether a favorable cosmetic result is possible. Any underlying health concerns must also be considered as well. Dr. Miller will discuss your medical history at length before surgery to ensure the procedure will be both safe and effective for you.

There may be a variety of pre-operative issues as well. For example, is the patient able to tolerate the anesthesia? What is the quality of the facial skin, nasal cartilage, and bone structure? Is there a severe nasal droop or significant changes in the nasal dorsum and nasal airways?

Years of exposure to the sun may have caused dramatic skin changes as well, affecting skin quality. The skin also grows thinner with age as there is less collagen and elastin produced by the body to give the facial skin its natural fullness and volume. As a result, older patients bruise more easily and healing takes longer to complete. There may be an increased risk of bleeding and scarring as well.

Dr. Miller will weigh your goals and expectations against the physical reality of surgery. Only then can he determine whether rhinoplasty is right for you. When you both have confidence in the safety and outcome of the procedure, everyone can be happy in the end.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located in Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Contact us online or call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.

Next, learn How we Can Fix a Twisted Nose

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.

Settle for Nothing But the Best Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Philip Miller and his team of New York's top rated facial plastic surgery experts provide custom cosmetic treatment plans that include a combination of minimally-invasive techniques and advanced procedures, to help each patient achieve the Aesthetic Confidence® they desire. Our unique NatraFace™ approach to facial rejuvenation includes the following effective procedures:

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Dr. Miller provides patients with Manhattan's #1 customized care and treatment for smooth, supple skin that brightens the eyes and revitalizes the face. With our NatraFace™ approach, we utilize a combination of effective aesthetic techniques tailored to suit each patient’s needs. We offer:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:

Skin Care Treatments

Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.

Male Plastic Surgery

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.

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Aesthetic Confidence®

The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller

Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 44: My First Time

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)

    20 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas

    11 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 41: All Ears Considered!

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 32: Endonasal or External

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 30: In The Office

    17 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?

    4 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 26: Columellar Struts

    23 sec
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 25: Common Terms

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?

    4 min
View all Episodes

Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

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