Is there a way to tell if a nose has been broken before? (Photo)

Question

I've gotten hit in the face growing up and have a deviated septum, so I have experienced my fair share of nosebleeds in my life. I am 21 years old and I am just wondering if an X-ray, CT, or MRI could show some scar tissue of my nose. None of my siblings have a bump like me so I'm curious to know if it was possible to see if it has been broken or fractured before. Thanks in advance.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Noses come in different shapes and sizes. Even within the same family. You have to understand that there is no such thing as the “perfect” nose. As rhinoplasty surgeons, we are able to improve the structure and function of the nose to address specific issues you have with how your nose looks and and how well you can breathe. Perfect symmetry does not exist in nature. Attempts to improve the symmetry of your nose should be aimed at achieving an improvement in your asymmetry to the point where it is no longer very noticeable. If you look carefully enough, you will always be able to find imperfections. The goal is a normal looking nose that is in harmony with the rest of your anatomy.

Stephen H. Fink, DO, FAOCO · Answer

In rare unreduced  fractures, a step off deformity may be evidence of a prior fracture. Most of the time, bone remodeling makes it difficult to prove a fracture without an X-ray from the time of the injury. Soft tissue and cartilage injuries are more difficult to demonstrate. Nasal injuries in childhood can lead to growth displacements during development. This can also lead to septal deviations, but it is often difficult to associate with a specific event.  Fortunately it can be corrected to improve both appearance and function.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

The nasal bones must be displaced enough for an x-ray or CT scan to show an old fracture. From your photos, this probably is not the situation as your nose is symmetrical.  The hump on your nose is not related to a fracture but is a common variation on how a nose develops.  The hump can be corrected through a rhinoplasty procedure

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

If you suffered a nasal bone fracture, it may be possible to see evidence of the injury on a CT scan or even a plain film depending on the severity of the fracture on how much the bone was displaced.  Your nose appears straight without a deformity so it may be your fracture was mild and it will not show up on any imaging.

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

I typically do not rely on X-rays to determine if there has been a nasal fracture in the past, and most of the time these things are not helpful.  What is helpful, is a convincing history of nasal trauma in the past.  The things that you mentioned like a deviated septum and a dorsal hump or "bump" can both be caused by fracture, or by normal growth and development.  Your Facial Plastic Surgeon can review your nasal exam in detail with you when you seek consultation.Best wishes!

Is there a way to tell if a nose has been broken before? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Nose injury

Answer: Nose injury

Answer: Nasal fracture

Answer: Nasal fracture

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Is there a way to tell if a nose has been broken before? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Nose injury

Answer: Nose injury

Answer: Nasal fracture

Answer: Nasal fracture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.