After a nasal injury, an examination is usually needed within the first days once swelling has settled. Displaced bones can be reset by closed reduction before they heal, usually within the first two weeks. If this window has passed or the septum is involved, correction is planned with rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty after healing.
Symptoms
Sports injuries, falls, traffic accidents and blows are common causes. Signs include:
- Swelling and bruising of the nose and around the eyes
- Nosebleed
- A nose shifted to one side or flattened
- Tenderness or a crackling sensation
- Nasal obstruction
When to seek emergency care
Go to an emergency department immediately for uncontrolled bleeding, breathlessness, altered consciousness, severe headache, visual disturbance, clear fluid from the nose or suspected other facial fractures. A septal haematoma causes swelling inside the nose and severe blockage and needs prompt treatment.
The first days
Cold compresses reduce swelling; keep the head elevated and avoid blowing the nose. Assessment is usually done once swelling has settled a little. Photos from before the injury help.
Closed reduction
If bones are displaced and not yet healed, they can be reset under anaesthesia without incisions, usually within the first two weeks, then protected with a splint.
Old fractures
If the fracture has healed in the wrong position or the septum is damaged, rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty can reshape the bones, straighten the septum and add cartilage support, addressing cosmetic wishes at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my nose is broken?
Swelling, bruising, bleeding, deviation and blockage suggest a fracture; examination confirms it.
Will a broken nose heal on its own?
Undisplaced fractures may; displaced fractures usually heal crooked and may need correction.
How soon should a fracture be reset?
Usually within the first two weeks, before the bones heal.
Can an old fracture be fixed with rhinoplasty?
Yes, together with any cosmetic changes you want.
Can a fracture affect breathing?
Yes, if the septum is damaged or bones shift into the airway.
Sources and further reading
General information resources; individual advice requires an examination.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons · Rhinoplasty ↗ASPS · Risks and safety ↗NHS · Rhinoplasty ↗This page is general information and does not replace an individual examination. Surgery has risks and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.