A broken nose can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. It can happen due to various reasons, such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. While some broken noses can heal on their own, others may require surgery.
Dr. Benjamin C. Stong is a fellowship-trained and double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia, who performs various Rhinoplasty procedures. We asked him to discuss the signs that indicate you may need surgery for a broken nose.
What is a Broken Nose?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what a broken nose is. A broken nose occurs when there is a fracture in one or more of the bones that make up the nose. The nose is made up of several thin bones that are relatively easy to break. When the nose is broken, it can cause swelling, bruising and bleeding.
The healing process for a broken nose can take up to six weeks. During this time, the nose may appear crooked or misshapen. However, in most cases, the nose will heal on its own without any intervention. Pain medication and cold compresses can help manage symptoms during the healing process.
When Is Surgery Needed for a Broken Nose?
However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a broken nose. The following are signs that indicate you may need surgery for a broken nose:
- Difficulty Breathing: If you have trouble breathing through your nose after a break, it may be a sign that the break has caused a blockage in your airway. Surgery may be necessary to correct this issue.
- Crooked Nose: A broken nose may cause the nose to appear crooked or misshapen. If the nose does not return to its normal shape after healing, it may require surgery to correct the issue.
- Chronic Pain: If you experience chronic pain in your nose after a break, it may be a sign that the break did not heal correctly. Surgery may be necessary to correct the issue and alleviate the pain.
- Cosmetic Concerns: If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose after a break, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue. Cosmetic surgery can help improve the appearance of the nose and boost your self-confidence.
When considering surgery for a broken nose, consulting with a qualified surgeon is essential. Dr. Ben Stong and his team at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, in Atlanta can assess your condition and determine if surgery is necessary. They can also discuss the risks and benefits of surgery and help you make an informed decision.
A broken nose can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. While most broken noses will heal on their own, some may require surgery. If you experience difficulty breathing, chronic pain or cosmetic concerns after a break, contact our team at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC. We can help determine if surgery is necessary and guide you through the process.
