I fell very hard about a month ago and got two black eyes. My nose still hurts. Is my nose broken? (Photo)

Question

I'm planning on having a rhinoplasty at the end of this year. However, about a month ago I fell very hard and got two black eyes and a cut on my nose. All the bruising and swelling is gone but if I happen to hit my nose on something it hurts, it's obvious that it shouldn't hurt. If I don't hit it then its fine. Is it normal to hurt like this so long after a fall? Or did I maybe fracture my nose/will that affect my rhino later this year? Breathing is fine and my nose doesn't hurt to touch.

Jason Roth, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

A fall onto the face can cause significant soft tissue swelling and bruising. The anatomy of the face means that "black eyes" are common when the soft tissues are injured anywhere around the eyes including the forehead, brow and nose. You do not have to break a bone in order to develop bruising and black eyes. However it is still possible you did break your nose and that would explain why it is still very tender in one area. The good news is that it should not effect your rhinoplasty later in the year and the pain should resolve in the next couple of weeks.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Black eyes are generally a fairly good sign that your nose was broken, probably right at the cut. Make sure your doctor is aware of your history and makes plans to address the bones at your rhinoplasty. They will probably have to be rebroken.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Trauma to the nose can cause a displaced nasal fracture, a non--displaced nasal fracture,  dislocation of the upper lateral cartilages off of the nasal bones, and  a deviated septum due to a fracture of it. X-rays  and a full examination of the internal and external portion of the nose are required to make a diagnosis.  All of this should be able to be addressed with your rhinoplasty specialist  when you undergo the procedure.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

Did you get an x-ray of your nose after your accident
to determine whether or not it was broken or fractured?  That would be the
only way to tell exactly what happened to your nose. Having a rhinoplasty after this incident will not affect the result as this is one of the common reasons people seek a rhinoplasty.  Having some tenderness to the area after a month is not unusual if you in fact sustained a nasal fracture. It is best to have your nose evaluated by a rhinoplasty specialist.

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

Based on your description, its a pretty good bet that you broke your nose.  However, it will likely not effect your late-2016 rhinoplasty.  By that time, the fracture would have healed.  Make sure you let your rhinoplasty surgeon know.  It may change his/her rhinoplasty surgical plan.  Good luck!

I fell very hard about a month ago and got two black eyes. My nose still hurts. Is my nose broken? (Photo)

Answers (5)