The bones of the body may stop growing when you reach puberty, but their tissues can continue to change. This means certain areas of the body, including the nose, change shape as you age.
It isn’t known whether the cartilage continues to grow, but there is evidence the glands in the nose can enlarge. Many people notice a change in the shape of their noses as they get older. So, why do these changes occur? And what can you do if you suddenly find you hate the new shape of your nose?
How can the nose change shape as you age?
Initially, the nose stops growing by the end of puberty. For girls, this is age 15 or 16, while for boys it rises to age 18. Once the nose stops growing after puberty, it remains the same size and shapes for decades. It isn’t until you are typically in your forties that it begins changing once again.
The changes start with the skin of the nose becoming thinner. Over time, the structure of the nose begins to weaken, causing the tip to droop. This in turn causes the nose to appear longer on the face.
As gravity begins to pull the facial skin downwards, it can cause the nose to appear larger than it is. The additional sagging can also lead to the appearance of a small bump on the bridge of the nose. This bump may have always been there, but it was covered by thicker skin.
These changes are completely normal, but they can start to impact your confidence. If you do find it difficult to accept your new nose, there are treatment options available.
Is Rhinoplasty a good option?
The best treatment option to correct a change in the shape of the nose is rhinoplasty. This popular procedure can alter the bone, cartilage, and tissue within the nose. It can eliminate an unsightly bump, correct a droopy tip, and reduce the size of a larger nose.
Your surgeon will be able to give you a good idea of the results you can expect. If you are planning on undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, it is worth choosing an experienced and trusted surgeon. While it is common, a rhinoplasty is a complex procedure. This means in the hands of an unskilled surgeon you may not get the results you desire.
Addressing the other signs of ageing
It isn’t just your nose that can change shape as you age. You may also notice your ears start to appear differently too. This is because they too are made from cartilage, which is known to weaken over time. This combined with sagging skin can cause the ears to appear longer and more prominent. To correct changes in ear shape, you can undergo an ear reshaping procedure.
If you have noticed changes in your face over time, as your skin loses elasticity – as well as bringing attention to your ears or nose, you may notice lost volume in your cheeks, thinner lips or a looser jawline. There may be other procedures you can consider to achieve more balance in your face.
To find out if rhinoplasty or ear reshaping is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today. You can also ask about other treatments, and find out the best way to achieve the results you desire.
