The bony ridge that supports the nose is the most commonly fractured facial bone. Its protrusion at the center of the face makes it susceptible to impact during auto accidents, falls and sports injuries. Although a slight fracture will often heal on its own, more severe broken noses may require nose surgery. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD, in NYC offers nasal fracture repairs when the injury impacts the nose appearance, function or both.
When the nose is impacted hard enough to fracture the bone, it can cause severe pain. The cartilage in the nose may also be damaged, and it is common for the tissues to swell and become engorged with blood, called a septal hematoma. Bruising usually accompanies a nasal fracture, and patients will often have “black eyes” along with their swollen nose. It may be difficult to breathe through the nose due to swelling. If the septum was altered, breathing issues could continue even after the nose heals.
When Do You Need Nasal Fracture Repair?
All nose fractures should be seen by a doctor immediately. Minor nose fractures may only require a splint to straighten the nose as it heals. However, more severe broken noses could have long term implications. When the septum is deviated, there could be breathing problems, and if the nasal bone and cartilage are severely damaged, the shape of the nose may be altered.
Dr. Rosenberg can help those who sustain a nose injury restore shape and function to their nose. In many cases, it is simpler to make the repairs while the bone is still broken, within two weeks of the injury. However, septoplasty or rhinoplasty can also be performed down the road if there are resulting functional or cosmetic concerns after the nose heals.
If you have a nose fracture and are concerned with cosmetic or functional issues, contact Dr. Rosenberg for a consultation at his office in NYC or Upper East Side.
