Can a traumatized nose heal itself over the years?

Weakening of nasal cartilages can occur over time although it is unlikely that it is due to repeated traumas over the course of a lifetime. Thinning of tissue can cause some cartilage flexing which can block air passage on deep inspirations. A good examination by your plastic surgeon will help determine if this is present and may suggest certain techniques to improve your breathing. It is true that scar tissue tends to resolve with time if it has been created in tissue. This tends to be over approximately a one year time span.

If you haven't had improvements after 3 years it is unlikely that it will improve now.  After 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.

If you have had nasal breathing issues for 3 years due to changes to the cartilages, likely at this point, they will not change back.  And if it is true that your cartilages are affecting your breathing, you will most likely need surgery.  However, you need to be examined thoroughly to assess whether your symptoms are actually coming from an anatomical issue or something else.  As such, I recommend that you see an ENT or a Facial Plastic Surgeon.

 Trauma to the nose can result in a displaced, or non-displaced fracture of the nose. In addition, the upper lateral cartilages can also become fractured off of the nasal bone. The nasal septum and also become fractured and collapsed, also known as a deviated septum which can cause breathing obstruction. Nasal valve collapse can be caused from the upper lateral cartilages becoming dislocated and pushed into the airway creating dynamic and static collapse of the nostrils. A thorough examination of the internal and external portion of the nose as required by an ENT/ facial plastic surgeon to determine the cause of the nasal obstruction and  document the extent of the injuries to the nose. Also important to try medical management first prior to surgical manipulation of the nose

Almost everything in our body can heal on its own, given enough time and avoiding complications. The problem is that healing is not always meant to bring the body back to the previous condition, and sometimes the repair can compromise function, which seems to be your case. If you are still experiencing breathing problems and collapsing nostrils you may want to see a qualified doctor near you for a consultation.

Consult with a Plastic Surgeon who can evaluate your nose for both cosmetic and functional.  If you are having breathing problems you may be a candidate for surgery.

You should consult with an expert nasal surgeon who can evaluate both the shape and the function of your nose and make recommendations for correcting your condition. It may be as simple as using some mild medications by you may need minor surgical intervention. Good luck!

Dear Justine57410,Thank you for your story and questions.The human body is resilient and can heal.However, to return to pretrauma conditions is variable.I recommend that you make several consultative appointments with Plastic Surgeons who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally they are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600