Nose bones & septal cartilage near columella broke w/blunt force trauma, howcan I get my PS to believe I broke septal cartilage?

Question

2days post surg w/ENT, felt cartilage start moving. 7days post, bone fell from bridge of nose, saw PS 4days later; put bone back in place, but cartilage already healed incorrectly w/translational displacement & he was convinced there was no way cartilage fractured. Can feel ridge on septum where 2 pieces healed on left & break on right. Worried about eventual nasal tip droop due to septal cartilage shortening, nose is looser & squishier, inside of left nostril significantly smaller than right.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that your nose was fractured with trauma. It can be deviated with trauma but sometimes looks this way due to swelling. See your surgeon for best follow up

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

The nasal septum is the main supportive structure of the nose. It can be fractured with trauma, destabilized with a septoplasty, and weakened by medications like phenylephrine, Afrin, and cocaine. Typically, septal issues can lead to a saddle nose deformity or dipping of the middle part of the nose. Deviation of the nasal tip and loss of projection can all follow this. Repair for a fractured septum may need suture repair with a spreader graft or cartilage graft buttress, though fracture at the "K" point, where the cartilage meets the bone may require internal pin placement.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

A simple exam in the office with a speculum and light can most likely help determine if your septum is fractured.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry you are having a difficult time after surgery but if you are not comfortable with what your PS is telling you then you can always get a second opinion.  However you are still very early in the recovery process and most doctors will not do revision rhinoplasty until 1 year postop.  So it would be best to wait and see and give your self the necessary time to heal properly.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and clearly it is possible to fracture septal cartilage so get some second opinions from experts in your areaDr Corbin

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I think you have a very simple way to solve your problem. If you've not been treated as you want, just get an opinion from another nasal specialist.

Nose bones & septal cartilage near columella broke w/blunt force trauma, howcan I get my PS to believe I broke septal cartilage?

Answers (6)

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