A broken nose is a painful injury and could take up to three weeks to fully heal, although you should start feeling a bit better after a few days. The treatment for a broken nose can vary from just treating with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers to surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. The physician assessing the damage can usually treat minor fractures, but may refer you to a specialist like a facial reconstruction surgeon.
Symptoms of a Broken Nose
You may already know you have a broken nose based on apparent symptoms. You may have been diagnosed when it happened by an EMT or when taken to an ER or urgent care. However, the symptoms could be mild, or you might assume the trauma wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
In addition to the pain, swelling and perhaps even a crooked shape, the symptoms of a nasal fracture could include:
- Bleeding
- Excessive mucus
- Bruises or black eyes
- Trouble breathing through your nose
- Cracking sounds when touching your nose
Even if you think the injury is minor, it’s essential to see a medical professional. With a physical exam and imaging, such as an x-ray or CT scan, they can properly assess the internal damage.
Possible Complications
Many nasal fractures heal fine on their own after being adjusted slightly and then stabilized until fully mended. However, in some cases, a broken nose can heal crooked. This is much more likely if the fracture is left untreated. It may also cause blockages in the nasal passages or affect the sinuses, sometimes causing chronic sinus infections.
Nasal Reconstruction
When repairing a broken nose, it’s crucial first to restore the function you had previously. Rhinoplasty may be an option to restore the proper shape as well. Nose fracture repair may be possible with a non-invasive treatment. However, surgery may be required to repair more extensive damage or damage that has already been healed for some time.
If you have a nasal fracture, whether it happened recently or years ago, and the injury has affected the shape or functionality of your nose, call Dr. Maurice Khosh to book a consultation.
