I got punched in the nose and doctor thinks it's a deviated septum

Question

An out of hours GP referred me to an ENT specialist and told me last night that he would anaesthetise my nose and basically push it back into place. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and am worried about the procedure. Could you tell me what's involved please, and is it as simple as this? I look forward to hearing from you

Amy K Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Ross2410~It sounds as if you are describing a traumatic nasal fracture rather than a deviated septum.  If the fracture is very recent, it can be reduced while you are awake.  The procedure involves injecting some numbing medication into the nose and then using instruments to push the nasal bones back into place.  A splint is then placed to keep the bones from moving while they heal.It is a relatively short procedure but can be uncomfortable and there will likely be some bleeding.  If anxiety is a big issue for you, it can also be done in the operating room with some degree of sedation.Best wishes,Amy Hsu

William Portuese, MD · Answer

We do not recommend repairing a deviated septum under local  Anesthesia. Reduction of a nasal fracture or a septal fracture/ deviated septum is always done under general anesthesia by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. The surgery is also performed in a certified outpatient ambulatory surgery Center, not in a clinic. For many examples and more information, please see the link below

I got punched in the nose and doctor thinks it's a deviated septum

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I got punched in the nose and doctor thinks it's a deviated septum

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