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Flying Before Fixing a Broken Nose?

asked 2 years ago by Lmira007 in Staten Island, NY
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 2,678 times
Tags: broken nose, travel

I was in a car accident and broke my nose in 3 places, how soon can I fly? The doctor said the bones would go back together by themselves, but I need to fly very soon, but I will be flying privately. What suggestions do you have for flying privately, and when should I see a plastic surgeon or ENT? I am finding it hard to believe I wont need surgery to realign my nose. I can breathe ok, through the swelling but when I move around alot it gets harder to breathe. I would appreciate any help, I have never broken my nose before and I dont know what to do next.

13 answers to Flying Before Fixing a Broken Nose?

Flying with Broken Nose

Use a nasal decongestant spray before take-off and landing. While not an absolute emergency, i strongly recommend you see a nasal surgeon as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of your injury, even if you do not choose to have correction at this time.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Okay to fly before fixing broken nose

It is acceptable to fly either privately or commercially after a broken nose. Carry a bottle of Afrin nasal spray with you on the airplane to prevent nosebleeds. See an ENT surgeon within two weeks after the injury to start the process of repairing your nose. It is also important to make sure you do not have a septal hematoma from the injury. Avoid flying for at least a week after any nasal surgery to repair the broken nose.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Broken nose and flying

Flying after breaking your nose should be ok, but you may feel fairly congested. You may want to take a decongestant prior to flying. As for fixing the nasal fractures. If your shape looks ok and is not distorted then you probably are OK.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

See a nasal surgeon

After reading your question it is clear that you have an issue that needs evaluation. See a nasal surgeon (an ENT or a plastic surgeon that does a lot nasal surgery), have your nose evaluated. As far as flying the risks are minimal. A nose bleed is the worse thing that could happen, and if you have tears inside your nose from the break this may be a possibility. Hope this helps.

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Flying before fixing a broken nose

It sounds like you have not seen a ENT or Plastic surgeon. If not than why ask you questions here? GO SEE a boarded doctor NOW! From MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

See a Rhinoplasty Specialist within 10 days of your nasal trauma.

If your nose is crooked and needs to be "realigned", then you might benefit from a "Closed Reduction" of your nasal fracture to attempt to restore a straight appearance. 80% of patients will not require any further intervention after a closed reduction is performed. This involves repositioning your nasal bones with local anesthetic in the office. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Flying After Nose Fracture

Being in New York there should be no shortage of Nose professionals to examine you. I would seriously recommend you see one to determine if replacing the nasal bones back ("Closed Reduction") is needed as it should be done within 7-10 days from the injury and an examination of the septum is in order to make sure you did not develop a blood collection (Septal Hematoma) there which must be drained immediately. In general, your situation is different than someone who spent a few... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Flying With a Nasal Fracture, When to Fix?

Hi Lmira, Displaced nasal bones after nasal fracture should be realigned once the swelling goes down, usually about 4 to 7 days after the fracture. So you should see an ENT or plastic surgeon for evaluation asap (before you fly, or immediately upon arrival at your destination). Do not wait too long as the fractured bones will heal together (by about 18 days) and then it is much more difficult to straighten. If your bones are... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Flying after nasal fracture

You should be able to fly at this stage, as it seems that you are over a week out from your injury. The only concern is that you might have a nosebleed during your flight, which would be unusual. In some cases, we do wait to see if a patient needs surgery after a fracture. Once your swelling comes down, it will be much easier to assess. Best wishes, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

You can fly after a broken nose.

You take Afrin nose spray with you on the plane and tell the stewardess to let you know 10 minutes before the plane descends and spray it in your nose to prevent an ear block.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Flying should not cause any damage to the nose

The main issue with flying is the change in atmospheric pressure. If your sinuses are blocked due to the swelling this could be very uncomfortable. Bleeding could occur with the altitude changes. You are flying private aircraft and this can be everything from a pressurized Lear jet to a single engine Cessna, this is a big difference and may have an impact on your comfort. Commercial aircraft are well regulated as to pressure changes and controlled atmosphere... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Flying after a nose fracture

We usually advise against flying after a nose fracture or rhinoplasty due to fear for nose bleeding with changes in atmospheric pressure. The risk is relatively minor and if your travel is important, and your doctor thought it would be safe to fly, you can go ahead. If the nasal bone have not shifted from their natural position, you will not need to have any surgery. This determination is best made when the swelling is down in about a week, or with a CT scan. If the nasal bones have shifted,... more

Maurice M. Khosh, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Flying with a broken nose

They only concern with flying is if you develop an uncontrolled bloody nose during the flight. This would be very unusual. From your description, it sounds like you have broken your nose, had an evaluation and are waiting to see if you need surgery. When you break your nose, there are two options. First, you can have immediate surgery to realign the bones. Second, you can have a delayed surgery after all of the swelling has gone down. Either option is... more