Can accidentally hitting the nose bridge cause a permanent shape change?

Question

I already have a fractured part on the left side of my nose bridge with a little pump next to it YEARS AGO, which makes me feel that I might be less immune to nose hits. TODAY, I got an accidental elbow hit and it was painful but the pain was gone quickly and there was no bleeding. I wonder if that might be cussing any shape change and if I need to see a doctor?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi there,

This is a very common and understandable concern—especially since you’ve already had a prior fracture in that area. The nose can feel vulnerable after past injury, so it’s natural to worry when it gets hit again.

In general, a brief, accidental impact to the nasal bridge that causes temporary pain but no bleeding, no persistent swelling, and no ongoing tenderness is unlikely to cause a permanent change in the shape of the nose. Permanent shape changes usually occur when there is a new fracture or displacement, which is typically accompanied by more obvious signs—such as significant swelling, bruising around the eyes, worsening pain, nasal obstruction, or visible deviation that wasn’t there before.

Having had a fracture years ago does not necessarily make your nose more fragile today. Once a nasal bone heals, it generally regains strength. What can happen, though, is that existing asymmetries or bumps become more noticeable to you after a new impact, especially when you’re paying close attention.

Right now, based on what you described—pain that resolved quickly and no bleeding—this sounds more consistent with a soft tissue bruise rather than a structural injury. Any mild swelling from the impact can temporarily alter how the bridge looks, but that typically settles over days to a couple of weeks.

If you were to notice persistent pain, increasing swelling, bruising, difficulty breathing through the nose, or a clear visible change that doesn’t improve, that would be more concerning and worth having evaluated. Otherwise, observation is reasonable.

I know it can be unsettling when the nose has a history, but what you’re describing does not sound like the type of injury that causes a permanent shape change.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When people sustain nasal trauma. If there is nose bleeding and purple bruising under the eyes, that typically results in a nasal fracture. A trauma like you're referring to probably didn't break your nose. If there is a change in the appearance of your nose, please consider meeting with a reputable nasal specialist. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Trauma to the nose can cause a variety of issues, such as a displaced nasal fracture, a non-displaced nasal fracture, a deviated nasal septum, and a dislocation of the upper lateral cartridges off of the nasal bone. A thorough internal and external examination is going to be required to make a determination about how to proceed.

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