Broken Nose
Correcting Broken Noses
Severe nose breaks or a nose that has been broken multiple times may require surgery to realign the bones and reshape your nose. If the break has damaged your nasal septum, causing obstruction or difficulty breathing, reconstructive surgery may be recommended. Our plastic surgeons can give you an improved cosmetic appearance as well as correct your breathing.
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Best Candidates
The best candidates for rhinoplasty/septoplasty are:
– People who have a broken nose that has not healed properly
– People who have a crooked or misshapen nose
– People who have previously broken their nose multiple times
Surgical Procedure
The most common type of surgery to repair a broken nose is called rhinoplasty. This procedure can be performed using either an open or closed approach. In an open rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision in the columella, the strip of tissue that separates your nostrils. This approach gives your surgeon greater access to the nasal bones and cartilage, allowing for more extensive manipulation. In a closed rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make all incisions inside your nostrils.
Recovery
After your surgery, a splint will be placed on your nose to support and protect it as it heals. You may also have packing placed in your nostrils to control bleeding and swelling. Most people feel some pain and discomfort after surgery, which can be controlled with medication. You can expect some bruising and swelling around your eyes, which will generally resolve within two weeks.
Be realistic about your expected results. Although you will have a new shape to your nose, it will not be perfect especially if you have had multiple breaks. It is important to discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon prior to surgery.
If you are or someone you know needs surgery to repair a nose injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.