A broken nose is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can affect your breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. Whether caused by a sports injury, accident, or fall, a nasal fracture can lead to nasal blockage, breathing difficulties, and an uneven nose shape.Over time, these issues may get worse if treatment is not received.
At Aahire’s super speciality clinic, Dr. Sudarshen Aahire specializes in nasal fracture surgery, helping patients breathe better and restore their facial symmetry. This blog will explain how nasal fracture surgery works, its benefits, and why timely treatment is crucial.
What Is a Nasal Fracture?
A nasal fracture occurs when the nose’s bones or cartilage break. It can occur due to:
- Sports injuries (football, boxing, basketball, etc.)
- Falls or accidents (slipping, car accidents)
- Physical impact (fights, workplace injuries)
When the nose is fractured, it can cause pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, and an uneven nasal shape. Some fractures can heal on their own, while others need medical attention to avoid problems.
How a Nasal Fracture Affects Breathing and Facial Symmetry?
1. Breathing Problems
- Breathing becomes more difficult when nasal passages get blocked due to a fractured nose.
- Snoring, sleep apnoea, and chronic congestion can result from a deviated septum, which is caused by displacement of the wall between the nostrils.
- If untreated, it can cause frequent sinus infections and headaches.
2. Facial Symmetry Issues
- A nasal fracture can make the nose look deformed or crooked.
- The face’s overall balance may be impacted if one nostril grows larger than the other.
- After suffering a nose injury, many people experience self-consciousness about their appearance.
Thankfully, nasal fracture surgery can restore normal breathing and improve facial aesthetics at the same time.
How Does Nasal Fracture Surgery Work?
There are two main options for therapy, depending on how severe the fracture is:
1. Closed Reduction (Non-Surgical Realignment)
- The doctor can manually realign the bones if the fracture occurred recently (within 10 days).
- This technique does not require an incision and is carried out under either local or general anaesthesia.
- Recovery is quick, but this method works best for minor fractures.
2. Open Surgery (For Severe or Untreated Fractures)
- If the fracture is severe or has been left untreated for too long, surgery may be required to reposition the bones and cartilage.
- Septoplasty may also be performed if the septum is deviated, ensuring proper breathing.
- This surgical method helps in regaining both appearance and function.
Benefits of Nasal Fracture Surgery
1. Improved Breathing
- Improves airflow by opening up congested nasal passages.
- Reduces sleep apnoea and snoring, enhancing the quality of sleep.
- Prevents chronic sinus infections and congestion.
2. Restored Facial Symmetry
- Straightens a crooked or deformed nose for a balanced appearance.
- Enhances self-confidence and facial aesthetics.
- Helps individuals feel more comfortable in social situations.
3. Prevents Long-Term Complications
- Minimises the possibility of respiratory problems and nasal blockage.
- Prevents recurrent sinus infections, headaches, and discomfort.
- Improves overall quality of life by ensuring better nasal function.
Recovery After Nasal Fracture Surgery
For a full recovery, proper post-surgery care is necessary. Here’s what to expect:
- Swelling and bruising may last for 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid touching or blowing your nose during the healing process.
- To minimize swelling, sleep with your head up.
- For relief from discomfort, use cold compresses.
- For the best results, carefully follow the doctor’s directions.
Most patients recover fully within 4-6 weeks, with long-term benefits for breathing and facial appearance.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
If you have experienced a nose injury and notice any of the following symptoms, consult Dr. Sudarshen Aahire immediately:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Persistent nasal congestion or frequent sinus infections
- A crooked or uneven nose after an injury
- Snoring or sleep apnea that started after the injury
- Recurring nosebleeds or nasal pain
Ignoring a nasal fracture can lead to long-term complications, so it’s best to seek expert medical advice as soon as possible.
Why Choose Dr. Sudarshen Aahire for Nasal Fracture Surgery?
Dr. Sudarshen Aahire is a leading ENT specialist in Nashik with years of experience in nasal surgeries and reconstructive procedures. At entsurgeonnashik.com, patients receive:
- Advanced diagnostic techniques to assess the severity of the fracture.
- Personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s needs.
- State-of-the-art surgical procedures to ensure optimal results.
- Comprehensive post-surgery care for a smooth recovery.
If you’re struggling with breathing issues, nasal deformity, or chronic nasal problems, don’t wait! Early treatment can make a huge difference in your health and confidence.
A nasal fracture can have long-lasting effects on both breathing and facial appearance. However, with the right treatment, you can restore normal function and confidence.
Book a consultation with Dr. Sudarshen Aahire today and take the first step towards better breathing and a balanced facial structure!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the common symptoms of a nasal fracture?
A nasal fracture can cause pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and an uneven nose shape. If you notice these symptoms after an injury, consult an ENT specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.
2. How does nasal fracture surgery improve breathing?
Nasal fracture surgery realigns the nasal bones and corrects a deviated septum, restoring proper airflow. This helps reduce nasal blockage, improve sleep quality, and prevent sinus infections.
3. Will nasal fracture surgery fix a crooked nose?
Yes, nasal fracture surgery can restore facial symmetry by repositioning the broken bones. If necessary, additional procedures like septoplasty can be performed to enhance both function and appearance.
4. How long does it take to recover from nasal fracture surgery?
Most patients recover within 4-6 weeks. Swelling and bruising usually subside in 1-2 weeks. Following post-surgery care, like avoiding nose-blowing and sleeping with an elevated head, ensures a smoother recovery.
5. When should I see an ENT specialist for a nasal fracture?
If you experience persistent breathing issues, a deformed nose, chronic nasal congestion, or frequent sinus infections after an injury, consult an ENT specialist immediately. Delayed treatment may lead to long-term complications.
6. Is nasal fracture surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort and swelling may occur post-surgery, but it can be managed with medication and proper care.
Dr. Sudarshen Aahire is a young, talented, and vibrant ENT and Pediatric doctor in Nashik with 12 years of experience. Apart from routine ENT care and surgeries he specializes in the management of Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea surgeries, Endoscopic skull base surgeries, voice-related disorders, and voice surgeries, airway and swallowing disorders.