How to Tell if my Nose is Broken?

Question

I was in wrestling a few days ago, and I was slammed on my nose and now it is swollen and hard to breath out of. It's very sensitive, and whenever I move it, it makes a clicking noise. I'm just wondering if it is broken, and worth going to the doctor for.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It sounds from your description that you indeed may have broken your nose. I would wait for the swelling to go down so that it can be better assessed typically five to seven days after the trauma and see a facial plastic surgeon in your area. There is no rush even if it is broken and needs to be corrected as there is no timeline for repair.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It sounds like you may have a broken nose, especially since it makes a clicking noise. However, to make sure you should see your doctor.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello Nick,

	Thank you for the question.  Your description does seem to indicate that you have sustained a nasal fracture.  When you break your nose you can break the cartilage septum or you can break the nasal bones or both.  You will likely need a CT scan.  Your plastic surgeon may be able to reset the bone or cartilage fracture.  In addition, if you have blood next to your septum (septal hematoma) this should be drained.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

You need to be seen by either an Otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) or a Plastic surgeon. Your nose needs to be examined for bleeding in the septum and if the facture displaced the nose it may need to be placed back before it heals in its displaced position. Rather than guessing do yourself a favor and get yourself properly taken for.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Altho you won't know unless you go to a doctor, it probably is broken.  Go to a Plastic Surgeon or Facial Plastic Surgeon.  The reason we want to see you early on is that if the nose and possibly septum are broken, they can be set in a relatively straight position and possibly avoid the need for future surgery.  A straight nose is easier to fix and a minor septal deviation easier than a major one.  In all liklihood the doctor will order an xray to confirm, but if the clinical exam is suspicious, you will probably need to have the fractures set.  The longer you wait the harder it is to do and after several weeks, you may have to wait several months for all the swelling to subside before fixing the deformity, also at a much greater cost.  Good Luck, Dr. Schuster from Boca Raton

How to Tell if my Nose is Broken?

Answers (9)

Answer: Broken Nose

Answer: Broken Nose

Answer: It's probably broken

Answer: It's probably broken

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How to Tell if my Nose is Broken?

Answers (9)

Answer: Broken Nose

Answer: Broken Nose

Answer: It's probably broken

Answer: It's probably broken

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.