My nose was fractured and I didn't know. Any suggestions? (photos)

Your symptoms may be due to an old nasal fracture.  I suggest you visit with a plastic surgeon for further evaluation. A CT scan may be ordered for further diagnostic information.  If you did fracture your nose and it has not healed properly, the surgeon can discuss appropriate surgical intervention. 

Fracture of the noseAfter a trauma to the
nose you should immediately see a doctor to examine you. If the nasal bones are fractured they can be
inset. Bleeding under the mucosa of the
septal cartilage can lead to devastating complications and should be
immediately drained. If too much time is
taken to seek care then the bones can heal in the wrong position which can lead
to obstruction of the nasal passages in addition to a deviation of the
nose. Fractures of the septum can also cause the
nose to become deviated and also obstruct the airway. If the nose has
healed with the bones out of position or the septum has become deviated then
the bones will have to be broken and repositioned correctly and the septal deviation
corrected. Correction of the anatomy can
improve the obstruction of the nasal airway.Difficulty
breathing after a rhinoplasty can occur from the nasal bones being brought in,
or the internal nasal valves being injured when the nasal hump is reduced. Both of these can be corrected by an expert
in this field. Best of luck,
Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a
board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and
provide true medical advice. The response to the question does not
constitute a doctor patient relationship or formal advice.

 Trauma to the nose can cause a non-displaced nasal fracture which is usually left alone. Trauma can also cause a displaced nasal fracture which usually has to be reset with osteotomies. Displacement of the upper lateral cartilages in the midportion of the nose can cause significant crookedness and asymmetry, for which a spreader graft is used. When patient's have a saddle deformity, a cartilaginous onlay graft is used across the bridge line.  A deviated nasal septum can also result from trauma to the nose which causes nasal obstruction. A septoplasty is performed for functional purposes to improve airflow out of the nose. For more information and many examples of broken nose repair in our practice, please see the link and the video below

Hi Andrew,It’s
not uncommon to fracture one’s nose – it can get broken during play, sports,
accidents, fights, and falls. But it may be hard to tell if nose surgery is
required. Among the symptoms you shared, the swelling,
breathing problems and congestion (possibly due to blocked nasal passages), not
to mention the pain – these point to a possible nose fracture. The most worrying symptom is the congestion
which could come from persistent drainage from one or both nostrils. This may be caused by cerebrospinal fluid
draining from the brain into
the nose (CSF rhinorrhoea) and can occur after a head injury or after surgery on the nose or ears. If you haven't already done so, it is very important to confirm your suspicions of
a broken nose through a physical exam and review of your medical history. An
X-ray of the nose may be done. If other facial injuries or fractures are suspected, a CT scan will
be done.

You need to see an ear and nose surgeon for evaluation of your nose and your breathing. First a diagnosis needs to be made. Then your doctor will be able to give you guidance and advice about your options. 

It is possible that you may have had a nasal fracture which is now interfering with your breathing and has changed the appearance of your nose. There are surgical & nonsurgical options to improve your breathing. If you want to change the appearance of your nose, you can add fillers to the bridge to raise the bridge or you can have surgery. I would recommend a consultation with a rhinoplasty specialist for an exam. Good luck. Best, Dr H