How many times can you break your nose before the damage is PERMANENT?

Question

I have broken my nose 3 times and have been suffering from breathing difficulties. It is such an easy thing to do (not paying attention, getting up and bumping it too quickly, bumping into people, car accidents) and I'm scared of ending up like Michael Jackson. I have not had surgery but the shape is decent, suffering from FAIRLY bad breathing problems but I do not want to mess it up more with surgery.Does a nose have a limit to breaking numbers before its completely defunct? #qualityoflifeissue

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello rosiecon11,Thanks for your question.Actually the damage is permanent after the first break.  Fortunately for you, you don't mind the outside shape of your nose and you really only have breathing issues.  It would make sense for you to be evaluated by a rhinoplasty specialist who performs breathing reconstruction surgery.  Done properly, you should see minimal change in the aesthetics of your nose, while feeling that you can breathe much better.If you haven't tried medical therapies for improving your breathing, this is something you should do first though.Ultimately, an in-person consultation would be required with someone in your area.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear rosieconThere is no set number of fractures and there is no general circumstance when there is no solution at all. In most cases, medical therapy and surgery can help improve your nose structure to a point when you can breath through your nose and improve your quality of life. You will most likely benefit from intervention by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who can keep the outside looking the same and improve your breathing. This is often covered by your health insurance.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. There's no real limit to the amount of times you can break your nose before it doesn't work any more. As you note, some injuries are subtle, some are more obvious. Whether you'd need surgery at all depends on whether or not you have a deformity or if you can't breathe. If you're having breathing issues, then it's time to get checked out. It may be that you have allergies or something that can be dealt with without surgery. You're right: it's a quality of life thing and it all depends on how much your breathing issue bothers you. If it's not so bad, then you don't need to pursue treatment. But it must be bothering you at least some. It can't hurt to go have the conversation with a facial plastic surgeon and see what your options are. Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Trauma to the nose can cause a displaced nasal fracture, or a non--displaced nasal fracture. In addition, the nasal septum can also become broken and twisted, also known as a deviated nasal septum which causes breathing problems. The upper lateral cartilages and also become fractured off of the nasal bones creating valve collapse and vestibular stenosis. A thorough examination of the internal and the external portion of the nose is required to before resetting the nasal bone straight with a rhinoplasty procedure. A septoplasty procedure would fix a deviated septum and improve air flow through the nose. Each traumatic injury to the nose can cause permanent issues on the internal and external portion of the nose

John B. Lazor, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

You should be evaluated by a nasal surgeon to determine the degree of obstruction resulting from your previous fractures/trauma.  Most deviations and deformities are correctable.

How many times can you break your nose before the damage is PERMANENT?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose and breathing problems

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose and breathing problems

Answer: Repeated Nasal Trauma

Answer: Repeated Nasal Trauma

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How many times can you break your nose before the damage is PERMANENT?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose and breathing problems

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose and breathing problems

Answer: Repeated Nasal Trauma

Answer: Repeated Nasal Trauma

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.