Should I See an ENT Doctor For A Broken Nose? And Can I Without a Referral from a Family Doctor?

asked 11 months ago by hayley in tdot. in Markham, ON
Latest answer by Babak Larian, MD
Question viewed 479 times
Tags: breathing, broken nose

My nose recently changed shape (huge dorsal hump) in grade 9 after playing tons of sports and being hit in the face with volleyballs (spiked) and basketballs. Today, I feel as if i have trouble getting maximum airflow, especially when I sleep. However, i visited my family doctor and she said nothing is wrong with my nose. Despite this, while I was taking x-rays the x-ray doctor and many other people who have seen me think that I have broken it. In the x-ray the top nasal bone was also crooked.

5 answers to Should I See an ENT Doctor For A Broken Nose? And Can I Without a Referral from a Family Doctor?

Yes see an ENT, whether you need to see primary care dr first depends on your insurence

Yes you should see an ENT. Your insurence dictates if you are required to see a primary care doctor before a specialist, that is usually the difference between an HMO and PPO.

Babak Larian, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.larianmd.com

Rhinoplasty

I am curious why you and your family doctor have such a different assessment of the situation. To be fully evaluated you will need to see an ENT or plastic surgeon. One of these is not inherently better than the other. I have had to do revisions of some ENT nasal surgery & I am sure some ENTs have done revisions of plastic surgeons' patients. That is the nature of nasal surgery. The question then is what type of health insurance do you have and is your family doctor financially... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Palm Beach Broken Nose

What is most important is that you see a plastic surgeon or ENT specialist who performs a high volume of rhinoplasty procedures that include treatment of the function of the nose. Many facial plastic surgeons as well as ENT specialists may qualify but be sure they will treat the inside functionality of your nose as well. I would recommend viewing lots of before and after photos of your plastic surgeon to be sure you like their work before making a final decision as every surgeon has their... more

Anita Mandal, MD
Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon

Should I see an ENT doctor for a broken nose

Evaluation by an Otolaryngologist or an ear, nose, throat specialist (ENT) would be most beneficial. Most facial plastic surgeons also dedicate 5-6 years of training in the area of the nose in addition to other areas in head and neck. They have a profound understanding of the function and aesthetics of the nose. In addition you may have signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and ENT doctors are well trained in evaluation and management of this condition. You may... more

Joseph Shvidler, MD
Tacoma Facial Plastic Surgeon

Being seen for your nose shouldn't be a challenge

If you're having trouble breathing you should certainly see an ENT or a Facial Plastic Surgeon. Facial Plastic Surgeons are Otolaryngologists/ENTs who have done extra training in Facial Plastic Surgery. Without examining you, it's difficult to comment on whether you have had any previous fractures nor give you definite recommendations. If you have some findings that could be improved through surgery then this could be done by an Otolaryngologist or a Facial Plastic... more

Michael G. Brandt, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

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