Can a Nose Go Back to Shape After a Minor Nasal Fracture Caused to It?

 Repetitive nasal trauma  can fracture  the bone and cartilage of the nose.  Once the nose has received trauma and  has been fractured, it will generally not go back to its pre-injury state. A reduction of the nasal fracture or rhinoplasty with cartilage grafting may be needed to repair and restore the nose  close to its original shape

Nasal fractures are quite common.  Many fractures go undiagnosed.  A true nasal fracture can be either displaced or nondisplaced.  A displaced fracture means that the fracture is not in its normal alignment.  A displaced fracture will generally cause a nose to look different than prior to the trauma, depending on the degree of displacement.  A nondisplaced fracture means that their is a fracture or crack in the nasal bone however the bones have remained in line with each other. 

Displaced fractures can be repositioned (typically within 2 weeks from the traumatic incident) if the degree of displacement is severe enough to change the appearance of the nose.  Nondisplaced fractures can be observed and generally heal well on their own, providing no further traumas move the nasal bones from alignment.  

It is sometimes difficult to tell if a fracture is present or displaced based on appearance alone.  This is why physical examination and/or a CT scan be helpful in the decision making process.  When swelling resolves sometimes a fracture which was slightly depressed can look more apparent.

Swelling often occurs following a nasal trauma for approximately 1 or 2 weeks.  During this time is can be difficult to determine if the change in nasal shape is from the swelling or due to a nasal fracture.  If the nose is still deviated beyond this time period then a rhinoplasty could possibly be an option.  For minor deviations a more limited procedure such as rasping or smoothing of the bone can be performed.  If the deviation is more significant than additional grafting may be necessary.