Broken Nose Surgery: Treatments, Processes, Recovery, and More

A broken nose can occur for various reasons, including a sports injury, trauma, a car accident, or other similar events. It generally involves cartilage or nasal fractures. In addition to being painful, this condition, if prolonged, can lead to severe breathing difficulties.

Both surgical and non-surgical options can help fix a nasal bone fracture. A closed reduction is a non-surgical procedure that can help realign a broken nose. However, this procedure must be performed within seven days of the nasal fracture. The surgical procedure for a broken nose can be performed using an open or closed approach.

But learning about nasal fracture and broken nose surgery is essential, as it can help you better assess your treatment options.

What are the symptoms of a broken nose?

Nasal injuries such as broken noses can vary in the extent of severity and pain. It’s possible that you may not immediately be able to determine if you have a nasal fracture or not. However, looking for the following symptoms can help you determine if you’re experiencing a nasal fracture.

1. Pain – one of the most common symptoms of nasal fracture is pain. People with broken noses can experience mild to severe pain, which may worsen when touched.
2. Swelling – another common feature of a broken nose is swelling around the eyes and the nose. If the swelling subsides, it can make the nose appear larger than usual
3. Bruising – broken noses may also cause bruising around the eyes and the nose, which starts some hours after the injury and can last for several days.
4. Difficulty breathing – a broken nose can also cause difficulty breathing since the nasal passages become obstructed due to the fractured nasal bones.
5. Nosebleeds – these are another common symptom of broken nasal bones and can occur either immediately or days after the injury.

Broken nasal bones may also cause some individuals to have crooked noses. A broken nose may sometimes cause clicking or popping sounds when touched or moved. Both of these can be symptoms of a nose fracture.

Is there a difference between a broken and fractured nose?

When it comes to nasal injuries, broken nose and fractured nose are terms that are used interchangeably. Although the two may sound the same, they are different.

A broken nose occurs when the bones or cartilage in the nose have been completely dislocated. A fractured nose, on the other hand, is when the nasal bone or cartilage has cracked or is broken but is not completely separated.

You can easily identify a broken nose by checking for any visible deformity or restricted movement, or by seeing if you experience pain when touching your nose. A fractured nose may cause a crackling sensation at the time of the injury.

In addition, you can check for partial misalignment and localised swelling around a specific spot. Despite these similarities, the treatment options for both conditions are similar since the purpose of the treatment is to realign the nasal structure.

What are the treatment options available for a broken nose?

As far as treatments are concerned, both manual and surgical options are available. The option that’s suitable for you depends on your circumstances and the condition of your nose.

A broken nose diagnosis will help you determine the condition of the broken bones and can be used to decide which treatment options are feasible for you. Both open and closed rhinoplasty are feasible surgical procedures.

What is the surgical process for a broken nose surgery?

The process of a broken nose treatment is divided into three stages. This includes an initial consultation, surgery, and recovery. Understanding each of these stages before you opt for surgery is essential, as it can help you make the best decision. Let’s look at each of the stages in detail.

Initial consultation

During the initial consultation, Mr. Golchin asks you to express any concerns you have regarding your facial aesthetics or describe any symptoms you’re experiencing. Then, he takes digital photographs of your face and uses computer imaging to determine suitable surgery options and realistic outcomes.

As a part of your consultation, he may also review your medical history and conduct a physical examination, as these factors can affect certain technicalities of the procedure. In addition, you may be required to visit your general physician (GP) for X-rays or bloodwork should they be required.

Broken nose surgery

To fix a broken nose and relieve pain, Mr. Golchin can opt for either an open or closed rhinoplasty. Prior to the start of the surgery, you’re giving general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia combined with intravenous sedation. The surgery only begins when you are fully sedated.

If Mr. Golchin is performing an open rhinoplasty, he will make incisions under the nostrils and use specialised surgical equipment to realign the nose. Generally, Mr. Golchin prefers a closed rhinoplasty whenever possible, as this method helps to prevent scaring. While performing a closed rhinoplasty, Mr. Golchin makes incisions inside the nose.

These incisions don’t lead to any visible scarring and allow Mr. Golchin to have more delicate control while realigning your nose. Once the surgical process is complete, he plasters your nose for protection and to help maintain its new shape. Remember that the extent of realignment or sculpting can vary among individuals when opting for a nose job.

Recovery

The recovery duration can vary from person to person. However, most patients tend to recover within one to two weeks. During this time, it’s common to experience some bruising or swelling around the nose. While in recovery, patients are recommended to avoid intense or strenuous physical activities for up to six weeks.

Final thoughts

A broken nose can be caused by injury during contact sports, trauma, a car accident, or other similar incidents. Some of the most common symptoms of a broken nose include pain, swelling, nosebleeds, and more.

Both manual and surgical treatment options can help you realign a broken or fractured nose. To learn more about rhinoplasty in London, get in touch with us now!