Rhinoplasty vs broken nose recovery

Question

So I got a nose job a year and a half ago I loved it it was perfect and the swelling was all gone. However 3 weeks ago I got into an accident and broke my nose I have talked to my original rhinoplasty surgeon and went to ent it's a non displaced fracture so I have to wait about 3 months if I decide to get it surgically fixed. However my question is, is the rhinoplasty and nasal fracture recovery similar? Should I follow the same sort of guidelines. Is healing from a nasal fracture less complex?

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question regarding the recovery protocols for a non-displaced nasal fracture following rhinoplasty.

In general, the protocols for looking after the nose following rhinoplasty are more extensive than those for nasal fractures. However, there are some similarities and specific steps you can take to support your recovery:

1.	Taping the Nose: Gently taping the nose can be valuable, especially if done more than 2 weeks after the injury. This can help avoid displacement of the non-displaced fracture. You can start taping your nose at this stage to help reduce swelling.
	2.	Pressure Point Massage: Full pressure point massage can help decrease swelling and promote healing. This can be particularly beneficial after the initial healing phase following the injury.
	3.	Nasal Airway Treatment: Since a septal hematoma has been excluded in post-injury examinations, more specific treatments for the nasal airway are probably not required. This means that unless there are specific issues with breathing or nasal obstruction, the focus can be on supporting the l healing of the nose by reducing the swelling.

It’s important to follow any additional advice provided by your surgeon and to monitor your progress closely. If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty and open reduction nasoseptal fracture can be very similar operations. If your fracture is a nondisplaced fracture, does that mean that there is no change in the shape of your nose? Please consider re-asking a question with photographs for a more detailed answer. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I often see patients being misdiagnosed with a new nasal fracture in this same setting. The CAT scan is usually reading your previous osteotomy sites as a non-displaced fracture when there is really no new fracture at all. I would recommend being carefully evaluated by an expert rhinoplasty surgeon in person to get a true diagnosis here.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The recovery for rhinoplasty or resetting a broken nose is approximately the same. We prefer to reset displaced, nasal fractures sooner rather than later, as long as the nose is physically crooked. In addition to a nasal fracture, you can also get a septal fracture, also known as a deviated nasal septum, or herniation of the upper lateral cartilages off the nasal bones which can create a concavity in the mid portion of the nose. A thorough internal and external examination of nose is going to be required. Best to see how a rhinoplasty specialist.

Rhinoplasty vs broken nose recovery

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