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Does a Broken Nose Complicate a Rhinoplasty?

asked 1 year ago by anon
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 525 times
Tags: male, broken nose

I broke my nose in college...more than 10 year ago. Ever since, I can't breathe out of one nostril, and my nose has a slight bump. Does this past breakage of my nose have any possible affect on the nose surgery? Does it add complexity or risk?

14 answers to Does a Broken Nose Complicate a Rhinoplasty?

Broken Nose Complicates Rhinoplasty

Although a previous fracture will make your operation more difficult, I would not be concerned if the surgery is done by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Nasal fracture may not complicate Rhinoplasty

Important factors to consider regarding Rhinoplasty on the previously fractured nose: the severity of the break, whether the nose is displaced, number of times broken, number of times 'reset'. If the fracture was minor and non-displaced, the Rhinoplasty would not be more complex. Much of this can be determined on the exam. Remember, it is easier to correct an upper nasal deformity (bony) than a curvature at the middle vault or tip (cartilaginous ). Dr. G... more

Edward J. Gross, MD
Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon

Treating a fractured nose.

There is no doubt that it potentially complicates the surgery. Fractures do not always heal with a bony union which means they can heal with a fibrous or rubbery like union. In the course of a rhinoplasty, rearranging the bones can make them unstable and this may be difficult to control in the face of prior trauma and fibrous unions. In many instances, repairing a broken nose is more camouflage than actually replacing the bones in their proper place. This can involve the placement of... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

A broken nose can make rhinoplasty more complex

A prior nasal fracture, especially when the nose is displaced or twisted does indeed complicate rhinoplasty. Also airway obstruction caused by the fracture adds complexity to the procedure. The slight bump from your fracture should cause the surgeon little trouble in shaping and refining your nose. The airway should be repaired at the time to restore balance in breathing. You will look better and breathe better as well. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Broken nose add to complexity of surgery?

A previous broken nose certainly can add to the complexity of the surgery. There may be significant deviation of both the nasal bones and the septum and therefore both may need to be addressed.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Does a broken nose complicate rhinoplasty

A broken nose does complicate a rhinoplasty a little bit, but in experienced hands it is usually not an issue. Look for a surgeon who has performed many, many rhinoplasties in their career and chances are they have performed many rhinoplasties on crooked noses. Look also for someone who can address the deviated septum at the same time which is usually billed to your medical insurance out of medical necessity.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Only slightly

A prior nasal fracture can make rhinoplasty more difficult. But a good preoperative exam and surgical plan can help to avoid complications and ensure that any bony and/or septal trauma you may have incurred is recognized and corrected. Ensuring that your rhinoplastic surgeon is experienced in treating prior nasal trauma will help in optimizing your outcome.

Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon

Broken Nose Complicate a Rhinoplasty

In most cases Yes but it depends on many factors of the fracture, bleeding, additional medical issues. Seek 3 boarded surgeons in your area.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Nasal trauma and rhinoplasty

The fact that you had a broken nose can complicate or make the rhinoplasty more difficult. The degree of trauma and whether the fracture was severe or not are things the nasal surgeon must evaluate before the surgery. Often, the rhinoplasty can be performed without serious problems.

Andres Bustillo, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drbustillo.com

Rhinoplasty after broken nose

Nasal trauma can make rhinoplasty more difficult. It would be very hard to make any real assessment of your nose without seeing it. It sounds like you might need a septoplasty in addition to the hump removal. As others have said, make sure your surgeon is experienced with both functional and cosmetic septorhinoplasty. I am biased being a facial plastic surgery with ENT training, but there are plenty of excellent general plastic surgeons that can perform this type... more

Matthew Bridges, MD
Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.matthewbridgesmd.com

Does a broken nose add complexity to a rhinoplasty?

Yes, it will require straightening of the deviation which would not be needed if the nose was straight. This is of little consequence to the good rhinoplasty surgeon who is used to doing noses requiring both the inside and outside to be done.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yes

It adds complexity in that you need to have a surgeon who knows how to fix both the inside and outside of the nose. If your septum is deviated, it can be fixed the same time the nose is straightend and some one with a Plastic Surgery and ent background is a good bet to do it.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty after broken nose

Having a rhinoplasty after a broken nose will likely improve your breathing since you have had breathing issues since your injury. The surgery would be more involved than a typical cosmetic rhinoplasty so it is even more important that you see a board-certified surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

An old broken, deviated Nose is more challenging but CAN be Corrected

Regarding: "Does a Broken Nose Complicate a Rhinoplasty? I broke my nose in college...more than 10 year ago. Ever since, I can't breathe out of one nostril, and my nose has a slight bump. Does this past breakage of my nose have any possible affect on the nose surgery? Does it add complexity or risk?" A deviated, broken nose DOES increase the complexity of a Rhinoplasty when compared to an identical nose which was not broken. Your nose would probably require correcting a... more