Is It too Late To Correct Nose?

Question

my nasal bone has shifted because of dog hit me in the side of my nose and broke it 12 days ago,My ENT wanted to do surgery 3 days ago but I wanted to make sure the person homeowners insurance will cover the cost I do not have insurance I still dont know if they will cover it.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear slp,

	
		You have up to 14 or so days to fix a nose, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to set the bones correctly
	
		If you do not get it fixed now, it is good to wait 6 weeks, especially if the cartilages are involved, and the septum (which divides the 2 sides of the nose) which could be deviated


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

In my opinion it doesn't matter when you get your nose repaired after trauma. If the bones are grossly displaced, then they need to be set within 2 weeks. After that time period, I like to wait at least six weeks prior to having a patient undergo a nasal surgery repair. In fact, about 50% of patients who have an early repair will need later surgery anyway. So the bottom line is it should be fine to delay repair until you are ready.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

i think that between 7 and 21 days in an adult is the sweet spot. children should be done before 14days. i generally like to wait at least 7 days following the injury so the swelling goes down and one can see the form better.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your nose. When patients fracture their noses and have deformity, we usually recommend that the nose is straightened shortly after the injury. However, if you wait too long (more than 2 or 3 weeks), then the bones heal in the deviated position. Then, your nose may be straightened at a later date which we usually recommend at longer than 6 weeks after injury. Then the nasal bones can be refractured by your surgeon and set in the proper position. This will give you plenty of time to determine if you have insurance coverage for your procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Repair of a nasal fracture can occur at any time after the injury. While it is preferential to repair the nose within the first 3 weeks after the injury, it can be repaired anytime. Its best to make sure that the pre-authorization by your insurance company is accomplished prior to undergoing surgery. Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features. For examples of nasal fractures we have repaired in our rhinoplasty practice please see the link below

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is ideal to try to straighten the nose if it is significantly displaced within two weeks after the accident. Almost always, a revision to smooth bumps, etc is required at 6 months down the road.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

After traumatic injury and fracture, the nasal bones tend to heal in approximately 2 weeks. Often they can be manipulated back into position in the office during this time, but swelling can make it hard to tell if the nose is perfectly straight. By waiting longer, the swelling will resolve and clarify the need for intervention, but at that point you may require anesthesia and an operating room.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

If only the bones were broken it is best to fix the fractures within 10-14 days. However, if the cartilages are involved or you cannot have correction within that time frame surgery can be successfully done at a later date.

Is It too Late To Correct Nose?

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Should I See a Doctor if my Nose Makes a Cracking Sound One Week After an Injury?

One Side of my Nose is Different, Has a Pointy Ridge. How Much to Fix This? (photo)

Deviated Septum Problem Cause I Think Its Called a Bifid Nasal? (photo)

Ear Cartilage Use As a Spreader Grafts?

How Can I Remove Dissolvable Stitches on my Own?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS