I have had many cases of light trauma to my nose, but never a case where it was "smack" actually obviously broken. In fact the shape is still intact and quite nice. As a child and young adult I could breathe great, but after the few cases of light trauma I noticed my breathing was going defunct. For about three years now I have suffered from collapsing nostrils and random blockages all the time. Is it true that the cartilages in the nose will "gradually drift back?"
Answer: 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.
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Answer: 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.
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January 20, 2016
Answer: Nasal Trauma 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
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January 20, 2016
Answer: Nasal Trauma 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
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Answer: Can a nose heal itself 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.
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Answer: Can a nose heal itself 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.
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February 22, 2016
Answer: Nasal trauma 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.
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February 22, 2016
Answer: Nasal trauma 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.
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January 20, 2016
Answer: Trauma to the nose 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
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January 20, 2016
Answer: Trauma to the nose 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
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