Can I break my nose back in place without having to do surgery?

Question

I broke my nose about a year ago. My insurance apparently won't cover surgeryour so I was wondering if I could just break my nose back in place or kinda realign it more without having to do surgery. It is broken at the bridge. Pain isn't an issue.

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

There is only a limited time window (by many experts it is considered to be 2 weeks) following a nasal fracture during which one can reduce the fracture without undergoing further surgery. As time passes the bones will consolidate and heal in the new position. Then in order to change their position a formal rhinoplasty procedure will be needed which usually requires strategically breaking the bones with a hammer like instrument called an osteotome to allow repositioning them.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

If one has a crooked nose following a nasal fracture and it has healed in place, it is extremely unlikely that another nasal fracture would allow it to be straightened. Most likely, the nose would break in areas that did not allow it to be straightened. A plastic surgeon would evaluate your nose and also understand where and how the bones should be cut to allow the nose to be straightened. And there is more than just bone, cartilage often needs to be repaired. A trained and experienced surgeon should be able to help you.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear DarkFeitan,Because the injury to your nose was done about a year ago, it is too late to reduce the nose back into place. The window of time for the nose to be reduced is about two weeks after the injury. Your nose has now healed in this position. At this point, my recommendation is to meet with a plastic surgeon for an evaluation. When you are ready, please visit my website where you can review many before and after photos and we can set up an in-person consult to better address your concerns.Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Justin C. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nasal bones are now healed in the new positions, therefore, making them straight would require breaking them again. This needs to be a controlled maneuver done with instruments designed to cut bone. You can't simply snap them back, unfortunately. You might not necessarily require a full rhinoplasty, though. Good luck!

Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS · Answer

Without setting the bones back in place, breaking your nose again will likely just cause more damage.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If your nose was broken and displaced one year ago, it has healed in that position, and is  impossible reset it without  undergoing formal surgery.  Trauma to the nose can cause a displaced nasal fracture, a nondisplaced  nasal fracture,a dislocation of the upper lateral cartilages off the nasal bone, and a deviated nasal septum by fracturing it.  For more information  and many examples of straighting the crooked nose with surgical rhinoplasty, please see the link and the video below

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello DarkFeitan,At one year your nasal bones have more than healed in place.  You would not be able to simply reposition your nasal bones back into place without surgery.  This is regardless of your pain threshold.  I would suggest you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to look at cosmetic pricing, since you indicated your insurance wouldn't cover it.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Can I break my nose back in place without having to do surgery?

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