Is It Possible to Fix a Fractured Nose During Pregnancy?

Hi MyRick,

Nasal bones that are displaced can be put back into position using topical and local anesthesia.  Usually this is best done about 5 days after the trauma when the nasal swelling has come down, or immediately after the trauma, before swelling has occured.  It is also preferable to do when not preggos. 

Repair of nasal fracture after 18 to 21 days routinely requires refracturing of the nasal bones.  At this point, you should probably wait until junior is born and weened from the breasts.  I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy and baby!  Be well.

Dr. P

If there was no bleeding at the time, it's possible that the nose was NOT fractured. In that case, the crookedness may just be from swelling. An ear, nose, and throat surgeon might be able to give you a better idea. X-rays are generally useless for this anyway and you'd want to avoid the radiation, as well.

If a patient did have a significantly displaced nasal fracture, it's best to fix it early before any bony remodeling has occurred. In that case, it *may* be possible to have a closed reduction under local anesthesia, but your surgeon should coordinate that plan with your obstetrician first.

All the best,

--DCP

AT this critical point in fetal develoipment, it is best to postpone the nose job, to avoid unnecessary exposure of the fetus to medications or anesthetic/surgical complications. Unfortunately that means postponing it for the entirety of the pregnancy and until you have completed nursing.

Typically, a closed reduction is best performed within a day of a trauma because, after that, the swelling will make it difficult to evaluate the condition. Two weeks is too long as the bones will have set. I generally wait until 2-3 months have elapsed to evaluate the appearance of the nose and make a plan for surgery. I would not recommend performing elective surgery on a pregnant woman given that anesthesia would certainly be required. After you've recovered from childbirth, you can definitely see a plastic surgeon and explore your options.

It is best not to have any elective surgery performed during pregnancy. This is a contraindication unless it is an absolute emergency. Fixing a broken nose must be done under general anesthesia and cannot be done while pregnant. After the delivery of the infant, elective surgery can be performed to straighten both internal and external nasal bones from the fracture.