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.

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

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Broken nose

Answer: Broken nose

Answer: Nose

Answer: Nose

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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.