Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

Question

So almost a week ago, I hit my nose fairly hard when I went tubing at a friend's lake house. Prior to the trauma, I was getting random nose bleeds in my left nostril and after the injury, my nose bled, but only my left nostril. The bleeding stopped within 5-10 minutes and everything seemed fine, but then I recently noticed that the tip of my nose is very slightly slanted. Will my nose straighten out over time? How long should I wait? Or should I see a doctor soon? Is waiting 2 weeks okay?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

I would recommend having your nose examined by a board certified rhinoplasty specialist or ENT, as it is difficult to provide you with advice without seeing you in person. A closed nasal reduction can be performed if you are within a week of the trauma. It would be best to have your nose evaluated as soon as you can. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Nasal fractures are quite common.  Many fractures go undiagnosed.  A true nasal fracture can be either displaced or nondisplaced.  Generally speaking, an unaligned nasal fracture (or any unaligned bony fracture) will not heal in proper position without repositioning of the nasal bone.A displaced fracture means that the fracture is not in its normal alignment.  A displaced fracture will generally cause a nose to look different than prior to the trauma, depending on the degree of displacement.  A nondisplaced fracture means that their is a fracture or crack in the nasal bone however the bones have remained in line with each other.  Displaced fractures can be repositioned (typically within 2 weeks from the traumatic incident) if the degree of displacement is severe enough to change the appearance of the nose.  Nondisplaced fractures can be observed and generally heal well on their own, providing no further traumas move the nasal bones from alignment.  It is sometimes difficult to tell if a fracture is present or displaced based on appearance alone.  This is why physical examination and/or a CT scan be helpful in the decision making process.  When swelling resolves sometimes a fracture which was slightly depressed can look more apparent.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

If you sustained a nasal fracture, a rhinoplasty specialist can usually "straighten" the nose with a minor procedure called a closed reduction. This however, must be done within 10 days or so of the accident, if more time elapses, the bones will heal and you will need a formal rhinoplasty. If more than 10 days have passed, I would let the swelling come down 3 months or so and then go see a doctor.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Nasal trauma that deforms the nowe should be examined by a Plastic Surgeon or  ENT/ facial plastic surgeon to see what has been injured, that there is no septal hematoma that may have to be evacuated,  and to evaluate if  there is a nasal or septal fracture. It is far easier to repair any injured cartilage or bone displacement in the first few weeks following an injury.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Your nose probably won't straighten without some type of intervention. During the first two weeks your nose can be straightened by a plastic surgeon or ENT without an invasive procedure. If you're concerned, I recommend seeking a consultation now rather than waiting as you might be able to avoid a surgical procedure. I hope this information is helpful.

Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal Fracture Healing - Depends on Extent of injury

Answer: Nasal Fracture Healing - Depends on Extent of injury

Answer: Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

Answer: Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

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Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal Fracture Healing - Depends on Extent of injury

Answer: Nasal Fracture Healing - Depends on Extent of injury

Answer: Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

Answer: Will a Slight Nose Fracture Heal and Straighten out over Time?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.