Making Broken Noses Functional and Flattering

In my last post I explained that immediate treatment for a broken nose is essential if you want to avoid long-term complications related to breathing. When a nasal fracture is diagnosed at the time of injury, it can be repaired with less invasive, less painful treatment protocols.

In this post I’m going to talk about rhinoplasty, a treatment for a broken nose that focuses on the aesthetics of nasal beauty while addressing any breathing malfunctions. It can be a perfect complement to a closed reduction procedure that addresses nasal function almost exclusively.

Beyond Closed Reductions for Broken Noses

One of my researchers came across an interesting article in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (a publication of the Journal of the American Medical Association). The subject was patient satisfaction with closed reduction procedures, and I think you’ll find the information illuminating.

In a survey conducted at the Prince of Wales Hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, approximately one-third of patients (male and female) who had undergone a closed reduction procedure for a broken nose said they would consider further surgery to correct their nasal deformities.

“This method (closed reduction), although simple, fails to address deformities of the cartilaginous framework and the nasal septum caused by the injury.   Increasing evidence shows that patients have persistent aesthetic concerns about the outcome and obstructive symptoms after closed reductions.”

Rhinoplasty to Beautify a Broken Nose

Fortunately there are two excellent surgical options that can refine and enhance a corrected broken nose.

•  Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape and size of the nose, and/or improve breathing.
•  Septorhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty that includes surgery on the septum, which is the thin piece of cartilage inside your nose between the nostrils.

How Long to Wait to Have Nose Surgery for a Broken Nose?

Irregularities across the bridge of the nose are quite common after nasal fracture reduction. Very tiny irregularities can be addressed effectively through a revision rhinoplasty at approximately three to six months if it only involves some mild rasping.

Following a closed reduction, there will be swelling which needs to go down before a rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty can be performed. The bones also need time to knit together before “Step 2” in your nasal reconstruction.  It is usually best to wait six months to a full year before undergoing any revision nasal surgery.

What Happens After Rhinoplasty?

After the procedure, patients wear a splint on the outside of the nose for two weeks. Most patients report little post-surgical discomfort. This is due, in part, to a shift away from using packing on the inside of the nose, which was responsible for a lot of the swelling, bruising, and pain commonly associated with the procedure.

For most patients rhinoplasty is about a two-week recovery, but a lifetime of enhanced self-esteem.

Can We Answer Your Questions?

If you’d like more information about treating a broken nose or you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our offices on 1300 555 095. You can also use email or the ‘book consultation’ feature of this website to make an appointment.

Stay beautiful!