Rhinoplasty After Recent Closed Reduction?

Question

I broke my nose a week ago and had closed reduction surgery to straighten it. Since the nasal splint was removed, I have developed a very large hump on the top third of my nose and am now considering Rhinoplasty. Is this permanent or is the bump the result of swelling (I have no remaining swelling on my face)? Also, how soon after closed reduction must I wait for Rhinoplasty? Is Rhinoplasty more difficult following closed reduction?

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

Hi Jotex,
Although rhinoplasty surgery may be necessary after a closed reduction for nasal fracture, one week is way to early to tell.
Generally, the stages of healing in the nasal bone involove swelling, and "callus" that is necessary to get the bone to stick toghether again. This results in the appearance of a bump in the bridge that will generally go away after a remodeling period of a few months.  
There are occasions, however, when a rhinion deformity or a permanent bump on the bridge can develop after nasal fracture reduction. This type of deformity, along with some others that may develop after nasal fracture may require surgery to correct.  
I generally have patients wait for 6 months to ensure that remodelling has begun and almost resolved. The healed bones will never reach their full 100% strength. For this reason, reshaping of the bridge using controlled fractures may be diffucult during surgery. The waiting period of 6 months also helps to ensure that sufficient strength has been attained in the bones prior to attempting re-shaping.
Good luck, and be patient -- you may not need surgery in the end.
Dr. T

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

It is impossible to tell without an examination whether the hump will be permanent or whether it is due to swelling at this point.  You should wait at least 3 months after the closed reduction to assess the situation.  If it is getting better at that point then wait longer.  If it is not then you can consider rhinoplasty.  Rhinoplasty is not more difficult after closed reduction from a scarring point of view, but if the nose is now crooked it will be more difficult that if it were straight.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to know how the nose will look. Wait 6 months and if it still bothers you then have a rhinoplasty. It may be perfectly fine without any further surgery.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Joe,
Be patient and wait to see if the bump resolves. The main purpose of a closed reduction is to get the nasal bones realigned in the center of your face.
If the nose continues to bother you either cosmetically or functionally (breathing difficulties) after 6 months then open rhinoplasty would be indicated.
After a nasal fracture, natural healing forces and scarring continue for a few months. It is best to let these forces settle down before performing rhinoplasty to give you the best chance of getting it right the first time. By waiting for healing to take place, the surgery should not be "more difficult".
Plus, by waiting you may find that the bump will resolve and you will not need surgery at all.
You will be able to find plenty of surgeons who are willing to operate on you tomorrow, can you say $$$; my advice would be to wait. Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The type of swelling that you are describing is not unusual and all and is in fact very common.  The bone must heal and a callus formation is necessary.  You willl notice many changes in the shape and feel of your nose over the next 3 - 6 months.  If the bump persists after this time then a more formal hump or dorsal reduction may be needed.

Rhinoplasty After Recent Closed Reduction?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty After Closed Nasal Reduction (Fracture)

Answer: Rhinoplasty After Closed Nasal Reduction (Fracture)

Answer: Need more time to determine if rhinoplast is indicated

Answer: Need more time to determine if rhinoplast is indicated

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.

Rhinoplasty After Recent Closed Reduction?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty After Closed Nasal Reduction (Fracture)

Answer: Rhinoplasty After Closed Nasal Reduction (Fracture)

Answer: Need more time to determine if rhinoplast is indicated

Answer: Need more time to determine if rhinoplast is indicated

Browse related questions

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.