Broke Nose 3/2/11 - How Soon Can I Have Rhinoplasty?

Each surgeon has their own particular approach to how they treat broken noses. If the only problem is shifting of the nasal bones to the side, they can be repositioned by what we call a "closed reduction." Unless you are seen right after trauma, the nose is usually too swollen to do this right away. However, after about two weeks, the bones start to heal so the ideal time is somewhere between 3 days and 2 weeks.

If there is a simultaneous deviated septum, cartilage heals differently. I prefer to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before treating the septum. So, if both are present, I delay fixing the broken nose and re-break it when I fix the septum so the patient only has one operation.

As for a rhinoplasty, I prefer waiting at least two to three months to let everything heal and settle if I we are to do more than straighten the nasal bones and a deviated septum.

Rhinoplasty (nose job) after a broken nose (nasal fracture) is all about timing.  If the bones are displaced and crooked initially, a closed reduction of the fracture may be a good option to reposition the bones in the fist 2-3 weeks after the injury.  If your concerns are strictly functional and the surgery is for breathing, your surgery can be performed as early as 3 months after surgery.  However, if your concerns are cosmetic and you want to make specific changes to the tip of your nose and refinement to the nose overall, it is best to wait about 6 months (depending on the severity of the injury) before pursuing cosmetic rhinoplasty.  Hope that helps!