How long could swelling on a nose take to go away?

Question

I hit my nose very hard exactly one week ago now and my nose still has a crooked appearance. I did go see a doctor and got X-rays which said that I did not have a fracture or anything and the bent look was caused by swelling. But since it's been a week since I got hit and it hasn't gotten completly straight yet I'm starting to get worried it will stay like this. How long should I wait to see if it does become straight before I go see my doctor again?

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Just like rhinoplasty, swelling on the nose after trauma can take 6-12 months to go away completely.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you had nasal trauma with a nose-bleed, and shiners, you may have broken your nose. The diagnosis of a nasal fracture is best made on examination, and an in-office closed reduction of a nasal fracture with local anesthetic may be performed within ten days of the trauma. See your rhinoplasty specialists as soon as possible. Wishing you well. Dr Joseph

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

I would wait 4 weeks and then if you still have asymmetry, you should see your plastic surgeon. In general X-rays are of little use in managing nasal fracture. Its what the actual nose looks like that matters.

Sarmela Sunder, MD · Answer

Swelling of the nose can take some time to subside. It often takes about couple weeks for swelling to go down when hit hard. If by then the swelling persists, please consult with a facial plastic surgeon for further evaluation.Best,Sarmela Sunder M.D.

Arnold S. Breitbart, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after nasal injury is usually mostly resolved within a few weeks, but can take several months to completely resolve.  You can be followed by a surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty who could determine if any procedure is indicated.

How long could swelling on a nose take to go away?

Answers (5)