Hodgkinson_Nose 23/10/07 9:40 AM Page 153
nose
rhinoplasty
for young people
Sydney cosmetic plastic surgeon
Dr Darryl Hodgkinson
explains the benefits of rhinoplasty
for suitable younger patients. Elise Eggleton reports.
called for legislation making it more difficult for teenagers
to undergo cosmetic surgery. Sydney cosmetic plastic
surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson says there are some
circumstances where cosmetic surgery can be beneficial
to adolescents.
Cosmetic surgery in teenagers is a very controversial
topic and in some cases I definitely agree it may not be
suitable, says Sydney cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr Darryl
Hodgkinson. But in certain circumstances it can be
beneficial, both physically and psychologically.
Body image is a real issue during puberty and it
can be hard enough for teenagers dealing with lifestyle
and physical changes without being stigmatised because
they may deviate from acceptable standards of physical
appearance, he says. For example, when a teenager has
an extremely large nose or it is twisted, it can have a
serious effect on their self-esteem and confidence.
According to Dr Hodgkinson, studies such as Beauty
is the Beast: Appearance-impaired Children in America
by Ann H. Beuf have shown that physical impairment
can have a negative impact on teenagers relation-
ships with their peers, the opposite sex and even their
academic performance.
For suitable candidates, rhinoplasty is a cosmetic
surgery procedure that can have a positive impact on
teenagers. The nose is a dominant facial feature. Often
when someone has an abnormal nose it can be difficult to
appreciate the persons other features, no matter how
attractive they might be, says Dr Hodgkinson.
However, Dr Hodgkinson says it is essential that
the patient fully understands the procedure, the possible
complications and is mature enough to make a
responsible decision. Teen patients usually come to the
consultation with one or more parents, says Dr
Hodgkinson. This is usually for a number of reasons,
primarily emotional support. However, it is extremely
important that the child is the one making the decision —
not the parent.
Dr Hodgkinson says computer imaging is a very useful
communication tool for both the patient and surgeon, and
especially for younger patients. During the consultation,
the surgeon alters the computer image, incorporating the
changes as the patient describes, he explains.
The rhinoplasty surgery usually takes one to one-and-
a-half hours and should normally not cause too much
discomfort. Recovery generally takes between seven to 10
days and patients can normally resume most activities
within two weeks. Rigorous activities can usually be
resumed at about six weeks.
Premier Iemma has called for the self-regulation of the
cosmetic surgery profession to curb what he perceives to
be an increase in the number of teenagers going under
the knife. While this is a legitimate concern, according to
Dr Hodgkinson it appears that for some teenagers in
certain cases, undergoing cosmetic surgery such as
rhinoplasty can be beneficial to their self-esteem and
psychological wellbeing.
acsm
BEFORE
AFTER rhinoplasty by Dr Hodgkinson
BEFORE
AFTER rhinoplasty and chin implant
by Dr Hodgkinson
AUSTRALIAN COSMETIC SURGERY
153
I
t is now a few months since NSW Premier Morris Iemma
