Which Kind of Surgery Do I Need for my Broken Nose?

Question

I broke my nose almost six months ago and it's now noticeably curved and crooked. I had avoided treatment because I wasn't sure I'd be able to pay for it since I have no insurance, but now I want to wait no longer. Is it possible to fix my nose after all these months, and if so, will I need to have corrective "rebreaking" surgery or an actual rhinoplasty?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you are most likely able to get your crooked nose fixed, but it may require the use of cartilage and/or bone grafts.  Also, the bones along the side of the nose may need to be "re-broken" to get them to be straight again.  The recovery takes about one week and it's important to avoid contact sports for 6 months afterward to prevent your nose from more potential injury.  Good luck!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The surgery depends on the extent of the deformity and an assesment of the tissues involved: bone, cartilage, skin and soft tissue. In many instances this is best treated with a camouflage graft to conceal the deformity rather than trying to actually correct it by "rebreaking" it. I liken a broken nose to straightening a crooked wire. Sometimes what we do is create a counter-bend to an existing bend so that the overall trajectory of the wire is straight rather than truly straightening every little bend.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your broken nose.  In order to treat your issues, you will like need a rhinoplasty which involves resetting of your nasal bones and straightening your septum.  The combination of these two procedures should have a nice effect on your appearance.  Good luck with your surgery.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

You will need to have the septum and nasal bones realigned. Usually, the surgeon refractures the bone if it is crooked and holding the septum to one side.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Based on the description given of a twisted nose after trauma, it is likely that you have at least fractured your nasal bones and possibly fractured your septum.  This will likely require a septorhinoplasty with osteotomies (breaking of the nasal bones); a thorough evaluation by a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon will give more definitive answers.

Which Kind of Surgery Do I Need for my Broken Nose?

Answers (10)

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose.

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for a Broken Nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for a Broken Nose

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.

Which Kind of Surgery Do I Need for my Broken Nose?

Answers (10)

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose.

Answer: Treatment for a broken nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for a Broken Nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for a Broken 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.