Does Your Nose Change Size After Puberty?


Puberty begins in adolescence, and this starts with brain development, body, and hormonal changes. Usually, for girls, puberty begins at 10-11 years old, and 10-15 years old for boys. Different body parts will experience changes, one of which is the nose. But parts of your body also change throughout an entire lifetime to a lesser degree.

After puberty, the nose will grow either broader or longer. It’s only a gradual change, and you probably won’t even see the difference until you’re 60. Rhinoplasty is the best option for changing the nose size.

For an overview of important nose aesthetics principles, check out this Looks Theory episode:

The Impact of Climate on Nose Shape

Facial features are directly related to the climate your ancestors were raised on. The nose converts cold air into warm and humid air once it enters the nostrils. This is especially true for people living in colder regions. People from the colder regions of the world have noses that are large yet slender, and this serves as a warming surface.

However, wider-shaped nostrils are common in people living in humid and warm regions. The reason for this is that there is no need to warm the air, so their nose is relatively flat and wide. This nose shape is not compatible with cold regions as it will allow too much cold air into the nasal passages.

See our detailed guide to nose aesthetics if you’re curious to see what type you have.

The Growing Nose Early in Life

Take a look at your baby pictures; it’s pretty evident that the size of your nose is no longer the same. It has grown just like the rest of your body. As you reach adulthood, you will begin to notice changes in your nose area.

As we age, nose cartilage becomes soft and separates into the upper and lower cartilage. This can lead to an elongated nose. Also, the nasal tip sags with age, and there will be less elasticity of the skin.

Treatments for Getting the Ideal Nose Shape

The perfect nose shape will vary from one individual to another since it should complement the whole face. The nose is a focal point of the face and should be symmetrical. The eyebrow triangle, as seen below, should roughly line up as such with the nose on both sides. Note, however, that there is much variation between ethnicities and even sexes. Men, for example, should have wider noses than women.

Eye Dimensions

Not everyone will be born with the perfect nose shape; that’s why treatments can enhance the appearance of the nose.

Rhinoplasty

Also known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that changes the nose shape. However, for some people, having a rhinoplasty is to improve breathing, since doing so can improve the appearance of the nose.

Rhinoplasty can enhance bone, cartilage, and skin on the nose area. Before the actual day of the surgery, your surgeon will analyze your facial features to ensure that your new nose will be proportional.

Younger patients can receive the procedure if they need to correct nasal deformities. However, for a rhinoplasty surgeon, it’s ideal to wait until a person reaches 18 years old. By this time, your nose has stopped changing.

Bleeding and swelling are somewhat normal after surgery, and a good recommendation is to rest your head slightly higher than your chest. A congested nose is also typical, as this may be due to the splints. During the surgery, your doctor might place splints inside your nose for protection.

Recovery may take a couple of weeks and depends on how strictly you follow the post-op care instructions. You should avoid strenuous activities and focus more on eating fiber-rich foods, don’t wear glasses, and try not to move your upper lip.

Dermal Filler

Dermal filler is a non-surgical procedure which is a popular trend for altering nose shape. Both men and women consider having dermal fillers when they’re uncertain about going under the knife. The doctors will only inject fillers on the nose, and the recovery is only a couple of weeks.

Fillers have fewer side effects, and downtime yet offers quality results that are on par with rhinoplasty, provided a smaller nose isn’t what you’re after. However, the effects are only temporary. The results will last for about 12-18 months, and with added treatments, it will last longer.

If an individual is not happy with the results, the filler can be easily dissolved.

Some celebrities have opted for dermal fillers instead of traditional rhinoplasty since it features minimum downtime and less risk. The procedure is also relatively painless and quick.

Dermal Fillers Before/After

FAQ:

Can massage change my nose shape?

Changes in nose shape require surgery. Massages will not make any difference. If you’re not happy with your nose shape, talk to a professional surgeon, and discuss your options.

Although anecdotally, nose massages might help with breathing problems, they will never change your nose shape.

Will face yoga improve how my nose looks?

Face yoga can’t change nose shape. Your nose is comprised of not just skin but also bones. If you want to see evident changes, then getting rhinoplasty is the best option.

Rhinoplasty

Can squeezing my nose make it smaller?

Squeezing your nose will not give any permanent change or damage to your nose. Your nose is a substantial part of the face comprised of cartilage that will need more than squeezing to alter the shape completely.

What other hacks do people using for changing nose shape?

As crazy as it sounds, some people will go to the extent of using garlic, ice, and toothpaste in their nose area because they believe it will make the nose sharper. They claim that it reduces the inflamed sides of the nose, but there is no medical evidence to back this up.

Women, on the other hand, can temporarily improve how their nose looks using a proper makeup application. Outlining the nose using a bronzer and a highlighter will emphasize the beautiful bone structure. The temporary magic will last only until your next facial cleansing.

What is the most popular nose shape?

People who want to have rhinoplasty request the Duchess nose shape. The Duchess might be the most aesthetically pleasing nose globally, and it looks good regardless of gender.

It has a straight edge with a nasal degree rotation of 106 degrees. Some experts believe that individuals with 104-108 nasal degree rotation possess the perfect nose shape.

What affects my nose shape?

Genetics and your evolutionary history play the biggest role in your nose shape. Your ancestors’ climate and how your ancestors chose their partners, for example, is the biggest determinant of nose shape.

What to consider before undergoing rhinoplasty?

You should keep in mind that the recovery period will be more time-consuming than the actual procedure. A couple of weeks of rest and avoiding heavy exercises ensures a faster recovery. You should also keep in mind that there will be changes in your routine during recovery. Getting good sleep may be out of the question, but you can always go back to your healthy life once the recovery sets.

Recent Posts