If a nose has been broken for over 20 years can it still be fixed?

Yes, you can fix a nose that was broken over 20 years ago. Obviously the technique is different than if you had gone in immediately after the injury, but it can still be done. The difference now is the nose will have to be "re-broken" before it can be reset, and by "re-broken" I mean controlled cuts in the bone in specific locations to move the bone in the desired direction. Also, if you have breathing difficulty this can be addressed at the same time. To get a full description of what you need, I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with experience doing rhinoplasty and airway reconstruction.

The fragile nasal bones mend very quickly after the injury.  They are easily malleable for less than even a week after surgery, and by a few months are as strong as they'll ever be.  So unless you would have taken care of it immediately after surgery, there is no difference in having waited so long.  An excellent rhinoplasty surgeon would be able to fix your problem.  This is a commonly performed procedure, but it has to be done well.  So be sure to find someone very experienced with noses.

Old nasal fractures can still be fixed no matter how long it is been since the nose was fractured. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for the best possible result.   

The time after trauma is not a contraindication to repair.Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year. Then look at the
plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a
sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

A broken nose can be repaired at any time after the injury, even many years later. Also important to address any deviation of the nasal septum that may be causing nasal obstruction as well.

Usually the only reason to fix a broken nose is if there are breathing problems related to the broken nose or if you desire a cosmetic improvement. There is no limitation in the amount of time that this can be done in. Seek a consultation and discuss further options with your surgeon.

Hello:Yes a broken nose of over 20 years can be fixed. It is important to research the Rhinoplasty procedure and then consult with an experienced PS. The PS will evaluate your nose and give you his professional opinion. It is important to let the PS know what happened and also what your expectations are. With the proper diagnosis and technique, your broken nose can be repaired. Good luck!!!

There is no time lmitation on improving the apperance of a nose after an old injury.I would
suggest you find a plastic surgeon with extensive nasal surgery experience who
is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of
the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic
surgeon that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your
concerns with that surgeon in person.Robert Singer, MD FACSLa Jolla, California

Yes, a displaced nasal bone can be fixed after twenty years. It takes the bone about 4 weeks to heal after a fracture. After 4-6 weeks, it takes the same force to refracture the nasal bone as it would a normal nose. The main reason to fix it would be if the nose were crooked or there was an airway obstruction.This procedure is performed as an outpatient with anesthesia.Best wishes

There is no need persay to fix a "Broken Nose" unless it is deviated or causing problems breathing. There is no time limit as to when this can be accomplished

Dr. Corbin