NASAL FRACTURE TREATMENT

BEFORE & AFTER

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR A BROKEN NOSE?

Contact sports or vehicular accidents often result in facial fractures, and with the nose being the most prominent part of the face, it often gets the brunt of the trauma. Broken nose or nasal fracture treatment typically involves a closed reduction procedure, which means setting the broken or misaligned nasal bones back to their normal position. However, severe cases will often require more complex surgeries.

Patients must seek immediate medical attention as nasal trauma can alter their appearance and cause structural deformities that lead to recurrent breathing problems. Prior to treatment, the nose must be examined thoroughly to check for issues such as septal hematoma. In cases where extensive repair is necessary, open reduction surgery or a form of rhinoplasty would be the optimum solution for restoring proper form, alignment, and internal function to the nose.

BENEFITS OF NASAL
FRACTURE TREATMENT

Treating a broken nose requires expert diagnosis to ensure that all structural issues are identified prior to repair. This is crucial in restoring the functional capabilities and aesthetic appearance of the nose, which is why it is important to seek the expertise of an otolaryngologist for proper treatment. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Jacob Sedgh is uniquely qualified to diagnose and perform the complex reconstructive repairs involved in mending nasal fractures. With superior surgical knowledge and an artistic eye, he is able to deliver optimum results that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. Patients can expect the following benefits:

REASONS TO UNDERGO NASAL FRACTURE & BROKEN NOSE TREATMENT

A simple broken nose will naturally heal on its own, especially in the case of a non-displaced fracture wherein there is a crack in the bone, but no misalignment. However, if the fractured bones are misaligned, the nose may not set correctly if left untreated by a doctor. This can result in permanent breathing problems and unwanted changes to the facial appearance—particularly if the nasal dorsum or bridge is excessively misaligned.

Undiagnosed septal hematoma, if present, can also lead to the collapse of the nasal septum and other structural deformities.

Nasal fracture treatment improves the patient’s nasal appearance and ensures complete relief from breathing problems and other functional issues that may arise from a broken nose. It addresses the following:

During your initial consultation, Dr. Sedgh will interview you on the circumstances of your facial injuries, as well as the resulting symptoms (the symptoms of a broken nose include swelling, pain or tenderness when touching the nose, difficulty breathing, bruising or bleeding, and mucus discharge) you’ve experienced. He may also ask you to describe what your nose looked like prior to the fracture and inquire of any existing cosmetic or functional issues prior to the injury.

Upon gathering the pertinent details, he will then carefully examine the nose and other areas that may have been affected, such as the eyes, jaw, and teeth. You can also expect the following:

If you cannot come in for a consultation, Dr. Sedgh can conduct your consultation via video conferencing. The doctor’s office can also assist in making the necessary travel arrangements once you have been scheduled to undergo the procedure.

NASAL FRACTURE TREATMENT PROCEDURE

The methods for repairing a nasal fracture vary depending on the complexity of the damage. If the broken nose requires a simple re-alignment, the doctor may simply perform a closed reduction of nasal fracture procedure. This involves repositioning the broken nasal bones into the correct alignment. For extensive nasal damage, a more complex reconstructive procedure may be needed.

The timing of treatment is also significant. Patients are advised to seek treatment within the first two weeks after the injury, as the nasal bones can still be moved back into position with simple measures. However, if the patient is not able to seek medical attention within this timeframe, they may be advised to wait two to three months to allow the swelling to go down before performing any surgical repairs. This is due to the fact that the nose will begin to partially heal following this two-week period, and attempting to repair a broken nose that is in the process of healing can lead to further nasal deformity.

Closed Reduction of Nasal Fracture

During a closed reduction procedure, Dr. Sedgh will carefully place a surgical instrument inside the nose to allow him to adjust and properly align the nasal bones. This will be performed under local anesthesia, or even general anesthesia if needed.

Nasal packing and an external cast may be used to keep the bones in places as the nose heals.

Open Reduction of Nasal Fracture

Open reduction of the nasal bone, as well as septorhinoplasty and other functional rhinoplasty techniques, can be used to repair more extensive deformities and abnormalities. These are commonly performed after an older nasal bone fracture has healed in place.

The procedure is typically done in an operating room under general anesthesia. During open reduction, Dr. Sedgh will create small incisions inside the nose to re-fracture the nasal bones and move them to their original position. At the end of the surgery, the doctor will install a splint or cast to prevent movement during the healing process.

NASAL FRACTURE TREATMENT RECOVERY & SIDE EFFECTS

Broken nose treatments are commonly performed as outpatient procedures, but this will largely depend on the extent of the surgery. Downtime will vary between a few days up to a few weeks, as every case is different and will require different types of treatments.

During the recovery period, patients must avoid strenuous activities to prevent bleeding or further injuries. Patients will usually experience swelling and bruising, as well as congestion and other side effects associated with nasal surgery, which is why it is imperative to follow proper aftercare measures and take the prescribed pain medications during the recovery stage in order to effectively manage any pain or discomfort.

In the interest of ensuring optimum health and proper healing, Dr. Sedgh makes it a point to closely monitor the patient’s recovery progress through recurring follow-up appointments scheduled between the first day post-surgery up to a year (or more) later.

COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH

When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.