Will a broken nose from my teenage years make rhinoplasty difficult?

About 25% of my patients have some type of trauma or previous rhinoplasty.  This will not be an issue.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your inquiry!

A broken nose looking crooked can be fixed surgically. If so, then you can be a good candidate
for a rhinoplasty that will improve the way your nose looks to complement your
facial features in a natural fashion. However, without a physical
examination it is not possible to provide you with specific details. The difficulty of surgery remains bound to the experience of the surgeon you chose. I highly
recommend that you schedule a consultation with a well-experienced surgeon because only then you can have the best shot at fixing what is broken with the least chances of revision surgeries in the future.



It is important to mention that the
finest cosmetic results in any particular case are based on a variety of
factors, including: the unique anatomy of the patient, realistic expectations,
a well-informed and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon concerning
the best options for you especially covering a deep understanding of the pros
and cons of any given choice you will adopt.



Please keep in mind that following the
advice from a surgeon online who offers to tell you what to do without a
physical examination covering the nature and the status of the tissue,
assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing
the pros and cons of each operative solution would not be in your best
interest. With that in mind, it is the safest and for your best interest to
find a plastic surgeon with solid experience and certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons that you will trust and be comfortable with. You should
discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.



Good luck!!!



Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Rhinoplasty surgery is quite often performed from traumatic noses. Not sure where you heard that information, but I don't agree. You may not able able to have your nose look exactly like ti did before the trauma, but most likely improvements can be made. That said, one of the hardest improvements to make surgically is to straighten a crooked nose. See a surgeon who has significant experience in rhinoplasty surgery.

A previous nasal bone or septal fracture (broken nose) can increase the complexity of rhinoplasty surgery. However, if you are having surgery years after the injury, the broken bone or cartilage has healed itself rendering it more predictable to manipulate during surgery. In some instances, a broken nose that results in severe deformity of the bones or cartilages may require more complex maneuvers during rhinoplasty to straighten or support the nose. That being said, most surgeons that perform rhinoplasty frequently will be able to adjust their technique for any underlying deformities they find during surgery. You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals for surgery and also your concerns given your previous history of nasal trauma.

Terminology can be confusing when it comes to nasal surgery. A broken nose doesn't need rhinoplasty, it simply needs an open reduction of the nasal fracture to straighten it. If you have other concerns about the nose like a bump or wide tip, then rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time. It is not necessarily more difficult to correct a broken nose in adulthood as compared to the teenage years. If you are in a lot of contact sports I would suggest waiting until that is over unless you are having problems breathing. Be sure to see a plastic surgeon who specializes in nasal fracture repair and rhinoplasty when considering surgery.

It is certainly acceptable undergo a rhinoplasty to straighten a broken nose from 3 years ago. It's important to go to  a rhinoplasty surgeon who has extensive experience repairing crooked noses. Performing a rhinoplasty after a previous fracture does not make it any more difficult.

The procedure may be more difficult but you will have a good result as long as you select an experienced rhinoplasty specialist. It is not unusual for patients to come in with a similar history.

Due to the previous nasal fracture you will probably need to have a septorhinoplasty performed. This is a combination procedure addressing both function and aesthetics of the nose. Upon consultation and direct examination your surgeon will be able to further discuss your surgical plan. As far as the fracture and rhinoplasty it is not a surgical concern for any surgeon with expertise in this area. Nasal fractures are common in patients seeking rhinoplasty surgery and I certainly see more in my male patients. It is important that your surgeon knows your past history so this may be addressed during your consultation and procedure. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.