My husband broke his nose. Should we go to a plastic surgeon, or can a doctor at the ER fix it?

Best time to repair a broken nose is 7 -14 days after the injury. Too soon and theres too much swelling to asses the repair. Too long and the bones will have healed and won't moveback. See an ENT or Plastic surgeon for this.

The answer depends on the aesthetic and functional sequellae of the broken nose.  A non displaced nasal fracture without nasal obstruction requires observation only.  A C-shaped curvature of the nasal dorsum with nasal obstruction is best reduced within the first 2 weeks.  More complicated or severe breaks are obviously best addressed by those with expertise in nasal surgery (Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon who emphasizes Rhinoplasty in practice).

Your husband's nasal fracture can be attended to within 1-3 days by just reducing the fracture.  A Plastic Surgeon and ENT can do this.At about 6 weeks a CO scan should be ordered to assess the damage and begin the definitive treatment.Consult a Board Certified Plastic SurgeryDr Jeneby

In most cases  an ER doctor will not address the external features of the nose by performing any manipulation.  However, if the nasal bleeding is persistent or if there was loss of consciousness or other associated injuries an evaluation by the ER physician can be essential.  Once you  present to the facial plastic specialist, an assessment of the injury can be performed.  Early on, within a few days, a decision can be made  about an immediate closed reduction or an open reduction performed under an anesthetic.  An open reduction allows a more complete manipulation of the nasal deformity whereas a closed reduction results in a higher percentage of less than complete correction.  Concurrent internal obstruction caused by a traumatic deviated septum is best corrected under anesthesia.

The key to correction of a nasal fracture is to have an accurate diagnosis.  This may involve x rays, a CT scan and a physical examination.   A plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon will be able to diagnose your problem and determine if surgery is needed.  Best to seek out care in the first two weeks after the injury.  

A broken nose not repaired by emergency room physician. Best to wait approximately 10-14 days for the swelling to subside before making a decision to reduce the nasal fracture. Look for a plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty and broken noses for best results. 

First, is the nose the only injury?  Is your husband otherwise okay?  Was it a fall or fight or car accident?Second, how does he look?  Is the nose deformed or off to the side or does it look straight but swollen?Third, you have time so don't feel pressured.  Once the swelling lessens ( can take two weeks) see if the nose is back to his normal or "not right".  If you think it is "not right" best to see a plastic surgeon who is board certified and experienced in nose procedures to examine him and give you further direction.

There are minimally invasive options to straighten a broken nose in the first two weeks after an injury. I'd recommend consulting an ENT or Plastic Surgeon now. If you miss that window, a septorhinoplasty is typically required to fix the broken nose. This involves straightening fractured bone and cartilage. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

A nasal fracture can be reduced immediately or when the swelling subsides. A nasal fracture should be reduced if the nose is crooked or if there are breathing issues. It maybe less painful and more comfortable to correct the problem in a outpatient surgicenter with anesthesia rather than in a hospital ER. Consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I would find a PS or ENT in your area and get the situation attended to right away the longer you wait the more difficult it may be to reduce the fracture.

Dr. Corbin