Nose is broken from 8 years ago, getting more crooked as I get older. Will it get worse?

Question

My nose was broken years ago, gym teacher said it wasn't...liar. Now I'm faced with a nose that looks to the right, deep in my nostril air passage is difficult. I was wondering hoe much of an impact this will have down the road.

Steven Goldman, MD · Answer

If a patient is worried that they have a fracture, they should see an ear, nose, throat doctor or plastic surgeon because the nasal bones can be put back in place if broken. Generally a fracture reduction surgery should be performed 2 weeks or less after a fracture. However, it is very common for patients who come to my office with nasal breathing difficulties or a crocked nose to have a history of a possible nasal fracture years ago that was not treated. It is sometimes not possible to determine if deviation is from a fracture or just the way the nose developed (for young patients). But a surgeon can assess the nose for septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, or mucosal disease like allergies to see if you are a candidate for medical or surgical treatment of obstruction. Esthetic issues like asymmetry can, of course, also be treated.Also, your teacher certainly would not have deliberately lied to you. If you nose was then broken, it would most likely have looked crocked then to you and your parents, although swelling can obscure minor fractures. Good luck.

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this question! It is hard to say if your symptoms will get worse over time. But there is a good chance they wont improve without surgery. Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon will give you better understanding of your injuries and how surgery can improve your appearance and breathing. Best of luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty can accomplish straightening a crooked nose,  and a septoplasty/ spreader graft can accomplish improvement of breathing out of the nose.  Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose is a very difficult endeavor, so choose your surgeon very wisely based on extensive experience

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

I doubt the gym instructor knew exactly how to diagnose and/or treat a nasal fracture.  It is hard to know if your symptoms will worsen.  As we all age, we become more dependent on nasal breathing.  Hence, subjectively you may feel increased nasal airway obstruction.  Seek out a medical consultation to discuss your options.

Edward Farrior, MD · Answer

Dear zenfulmind,8 years ago in gym class your instructor did not have the expertise to know if your nose was broken or not and he did not have the training to give medical advise. I doubt they were lying.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear zenfulmind, I would suggest that you seek consultation and during this time an intra-nasal examination will be performed to determine a proper diagnosis. Typically in these situations the nose is re-broken and then set straight and the deviated septum is addressed to help improve the function of your nose. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Nose is broken from 8 years ago, getting more crooked as I get older. Will it get worse?

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