A broken nose can be both physically painful and emotionally distressing. Whether it results from a sports injury, fall, accident, or other trauma, a nasal fracture can significantly impact your appearance and breathing. The good news? A broken nose can be repaired—often with excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes—at our practice offering facial plastic surgery in Philadelphia. Board-certified facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Jonathan Pontell and Dr. Catherine Weng understand the complexities of nasal injuries and can recommend non-surgical options or surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty.
Step 1: Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
The first step in treating a broken nose is a timely evaluation. Swelling can make it difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage, so it’s best to seek care as soon as possible. This allows your doctor to determine whether the bones or cartilage have been displaced and if surgical intervention will be necessary.
Symptoms of a nasal fracture may include:
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling and bruising around the nose or eyes
- A crooked or flattened appearance
- Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing
- Tenderness or pain when touching the nose
An in-person exam may be followed by imaging tests to determine the full extent of the injury.
Step 2: Understand Your Treatment Options
Treatment for a broken nose varies depending on the severity and timing of the injury:
Closed Reduction
If the fracture is simple and caught early (typically within about a week), a closed reduction may be performed. This is a non-surgical procedure where the nasal bones are gently realigned manually under local anesthesia or sedation. It offers a quick, effective way to restore the nose’s structure without making incisions.
Surgical Rhinoplasty (Post-Healing or Complex Cases)
In more complex or delayed cases—such as when the nose has healed improperly or if there is severe displacement or damage to nasal cartilage—a surgical rhinoplasty may be necessary. This allows the surgeon to precisely reshape the bone and cartilage to restore both structure and function with clear nasal breathing.
At The Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng offer advanced rhinoplasty techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you require a swift realignment or complete nasal reconstruction, their goal is to restore a natural, harmonious appearance and clear nasal airflow.
Step 3: Plan for Recovery
Recovery will depend on the type of procedure performed. Closed reduction typically involves only a few days of downtime, while surgical rhinoplasty may require a longer healing period, similar to cosmetic nasal surgery. You may need to wear a nasal splint, avoid strenuous activity, and follow post-operative instructions carefully to achieve the best results.
Step 4: Consider Aesthetic Enhancements
For patients who already had cosmetic concerns about their nose before the injury, this may be an ideal time to explore aesthetic rhinoplasty as part of your treatment. A broken nose repair and cosmetic enhancement can often be combined into one procedure.
Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng and explore your options for broken nose repair.
