Nose job: anatomy.

In 2001, 79,501 Americans under age 18 underwent cosmetic surgery--according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). And rhinoplasty, or nose-reshaping surgery, topped the list with 43,615 procedures.

One surgical method: The surgeon first separates the skin from its supporting framework. "What you're operating on is the bony skeleton in the upper third and predominately cartilaginous (soft tissue-like) structure in the lower third of the nose," says plastic surgeon Paul R. Weiss, spokesperson for ASPS. After trimming and reshaping, the surgeon reapplies skin over the shaped bones and cartilage.

Patients wear a splint to maintain the new nose shape for about six days. Recovery takes a week or 10 days, with swelling and bruising taking longer to resolve.

But you can't order up, say, Beyonce's nose in a snap. "You need to have realistic expectations," says Weiss. When he evaluates a patient's nose, he considers the person's body and facial proportions. Teens seeking rhinoplasty must also have completed their growth spurt--for girls about age 16, for boys 17. "I make exceptions when the condition is injury related or to correct a breathing problem."

Emotional maturity and stability are musts: "Wanting to look better to improve self-esteem is a valid reason," says Weiss. "But if a person with the slightest problem has a concern that's way out of proportion, I'd recommend they see a therapist first."