What Is the Best Nose Fracture Treatment?
Nose fractures can occur due to a car accident, sports injury, fall, or other incidents. Regardless of why a nose fracture takes place, receiving immediate diagnosis and treatment is key.
A nasal fracture is a serious problem. And the longer the problem goes unaddressed, the worse its symptoms can become.
Many nose fracture treatment options are available. Much in the same way that every nose is different, there is no surefire treatment for all nose fractures, at all times. Instead, a nose fracture treatment must be tailored to a patient. This ensures a patient can achieve a nose that works properly and complements their eyes, cheeks, and other facial features.
To determine how to treat a fractured nose, it pays to consult with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery. This allows a patient to undergo comprehensive testing to determine if he or she is dealing with a nose fracture or broken nose. It also enables a patient to pursue myriad nose fracture and broken nose treatment options.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a nose fracture treatment expert and a Harvard-trained and dual board-certified head and neck surgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He can examine a patient’s nose and any nasal cracks or fractures and explore treatment options with his patient. From here, Dr. Azizzadeh and his patient can work together to correct any damage to the nose.
Thanks to his extensive knowledge of the nose and other facial features, Dr. Azizzadeh can perform a personalized nasal fracture procedure that delivers long-term results. Dr. Azizzadeh can also teach patients about nasal fractures, why they occur, and safe, effective ways to treat them.
What Is a Nasal Fracture?
A nasal fracture refers to damage to the cartilage or bone over the bridge. Or, a fracture of the nose can occur in the nose’s sidewall or septum (structure that separates the nostrils).
The nose is supported by bones and cartilage located under the skin; these structures help define the nose’s shape and size and enable people to breathe through the nostrils. If any nasal structures are fractured, they can prevent air from traveling in and out of the nostrils. Nasal structure fractures can also cause facial asymmetry, due to the fact that the size or shape of the nose can be drastically altered.
Is the Nasal Fracture the Same as a Broken Nose?
A nasal fracture and a broken nose both involve nose damage. But, there are differences between the two.
With a nasal fracture, the nose appears visibly crooked. Comparatively, a nose is considered broken if any of its bones are broken.
It is paramount to receive a proper diagnosis of any nose injuries. That way, a patient can determine if the nose is fractured or broken. He or she can then receive an appropriate nose fracture or broken nose treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
Fractured Nose Symptoms
A nasal bone fracture can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common fractured nose symptoms include:
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- Pain in and around the nose
- Misshapen nose
- Swelling on the nose’s exterior or bridge
- Nosebleeds
- Difficulty inhaling and exhaling through the nose
- Swelling or bruising around the eyes
People who believe they are dealing with nose trauma should seek immediate medical support. In doing so, they can correct nose trauma before it leads to permanent damage.
Will Fractured Nose Symptoms Disappear on Their Own?
A fractured nose is a complex problem. Even if an individual experiences a small nasal fracture, the issue can quickly escalate. If a nasal fracture goes unaddressed for days or weeks after onset, it can cause long-lasting breathing issues and other severe symptoms.
For those who believe they may be dealing with a fractured nose, meet with a doctor right away. This enables an individual to get medical help and determine the best course of action to address the issue.
What to Do If You Experience Nose Trauma
In the event that the nose is damaged, it is crucial to seek medical support to treat the issue. Before a patient meets with a doctor to evaluate and treat nasal trauma, he or she should:
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- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the nose to minimize bruising and swelling
- Keep the head elevated as much as possible
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed
By meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh, a patient can undergo a full evaluation relating to any nose trauma. At this time, Dr. Azizzadeh can diagnose a nasal fracture and determine a viable way to correct this problem.
How to Diagnose a Fractured Nose
A visual examination of a patient’s nose is the first step Dr. Azizzadeh uses to properly diagnose a nasal fracture. During the examination, Dr. Azizzadeh presses down gently on different nasal structures. He also looks inside the nasal passage to determine if there are any obstructions and to see if there are any visible fractures inside the nose.
During an examination, a nasal spray or injections may be used. Nasal spray or injections can help minimize pain as various nasal structures are evaluated.
Along with a visual examination of the nasal structures, Dr. Azizzadeh may use an X-ray and imaging tests as part of a fractured nose diagnosis. He may also order a computerized tomography (CT) scan, which allows him to assess the severity of a nasal fracture.
How to Treat a Fractured Nose
If Dr. Azizzadeh diagnoses a patient with a fractured nose, he offers a custom treatment. Since every nose fracture is different, Dr. Azizzadeh provides a treatment that accounts for the patient’s nose and other facial features, along with their overall health and wellbeing. This treatment is designed to simultaneously help a patient correct a nasal fracture, achieve a functional nose, and maintain facial symmetry.
Generally, nasal fracture treatment requires realignment of the nose. A common procedure to treat a nose fracture involves the use of medication provided to a patient via nasal spray or injection, opening of the nostrils via a nasal speculum (tool used to insert and manipulate instruments into the nostrils), and manual realignment of any fractured nasal bones or cartilage. Following the procedure, a splint is placed on the nose.
In addition to the aforementioned treatment, nasal fracture reduction may be recommended if a patient is dealing with acute nasal fractures. With nasal fracture reduction, nasal bones and cartilage are realigned to help a patient breathe comfortably through the nostrils.
If patients have experienced nasal fractures that go unaddressed for two weeks or longer, they may require reconstructive surgery. Also, if patients experience nasal septum damage and have difficulty breathing through the nose, reconstructive surgery may be recommended.
Can a Rhinoplasty Be Used to Fix a Nose Fracture?
Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic treatment to reshape or resize the nose. The procedure can help patients revitalize their facial appearance and achieve a nose that looks and performs great. But, a nose job is not intended to repair nose fractures.
Patients who are dealing with a nose fracture can pursue treatment options with Dr. Azizzadeh. On the other hand, individuals who are concerned about the shape or size of their nose and want to bolster facial symmetry can also meet with Dr. Azizzadeh.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers myriad nose treatments to patients. He can evaluate a patient and help this individual determine what treatment options can deliver the optimal results.
If a patient decides to undergo a nose procedure, Dr. Azizzadeh helps this individual plan accordingly. Dr. Azizzadeh ensures that his patient knows what to expect in the days and weeks following their procedure. Thus, if a patient receives treatment for a nasal fracture, he or she can take the right steps to fully recover.
What to Do After a Nose Fracture Treatment
Following treatment of a nose fracture, a patient can experience swelling. In this instance, a patient can use an ice pack or cold compress to minimize this issue. When a patient uses an ice pack or cold compress, he or she should apply only a small amount of pressure on the nose and face. This limits the risk of additional nose pain or damage.
Patients should keep the head elevated as much as possible in the first few days following a nose fracture treatment. This can help patients reduce post-treatment swelling.
Also, patients should avoid sports or other strenuous activities for at least a few weeks after treatment of a nose fracture. That way, patients can guard against further nasal damage and post-treatment complications.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Fractured Nose Treatment?
A fractured nose requires about six weeks to heal. To ensure the healing process goes smoothly, a patient should follow all post-treatment instructions. And if the patient has concerns or questions at any point during the recovery period, reach out to their doctor for assistance.
Dr. Azizzadeh remains accessible to patients throughout fractured nose treatment recovery. He wants his patients to feel confident in their ability to fully recover from treatment. Therefore, Dr. Azizzadeh encourages his patients to get in touch with him if they encounter any problems during this time. He also requests follow-up appointments to verify that his patients’ recovery from nose fracture treatments remain on track.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent a Nose Fracture?
Nose fractures can affect men, women, and children. Regardless, there are several things that people can do to guard against these issues.
First, people should pay attention to where they are going. Falls and walking into walls are among the leading causes of nasal fractures. But, people can avoid these problems if they focus on what’s most important: going from point A to point B as safely and efficiently as possible.
It also can be helpful to wear protective gear during sports. Those who play lacrosse, football, and other sports risk getting hit in the face. Fortunately, wearing proper protective gear lowers the risk of nose fractures and other facial injuries.
Finally, go to the emergency room at the first sign of a nose fracture. This allows an individual to undergo immediate evaluation to determine if a nose fracture or broken nose treatment is required.
Explore Nose Fracture Treatment Options with Dr. Azizzadeh
A nasal fracture is uncomfortable and painful, and the symptoms associated with this issue can worsen over time. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the world’s leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and he is happy to assist patients who are dealing with nasal fractures or other nose trauma.
The ideal treatment for a nose fracture varies. By partnering with Dr. Azizzadeh, a patient can get comprehensive support with their nasal fracture. This individual also can reap the benefits of Dr. Azizzadeh’s holistic approach to patient care.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers in-person and virtual consultations to indi dealing with fractures and other nasal issues. He can conduct a thorough evaluation of a patient’s nose. Next, Dr. Azizzadeh can offer a treatment tailored to his patient.
To learn more about nasal fracture treatment options from Dr. Azizzadeh or to schedule a consultation, please contact us online or call us today at 310-564-2710.