Nose fractures are common, accounting for nearly 60% of all facial fractures. While they can be painful, they also tend to heal well — and a lot faster than many people realize. The important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions during your recovery.
Brandon Kang, DDS, and our team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Oakland, California, offer state-of-the-art care for patients with nasal fractures and other types of facial trauma, setting the stage for a quick and comfortable recovery. In this post, learn what to expect if you’ve suffered a broken nose.
A broken nose can cause a lot of pain, bleeding, and swelling. If your nose is displaced, you might notice a change in its shape or position. Any time you suspect a fracture — with or without visible symptoms — it’s important to seek medical help right away to avoid potentially serious complications.
The first step in diagnosing a broken nose is to visually evaluate your nose. Diagnostic imaging reveals fractures not only in your nose but in other areas of your face as well. After your imaging studies, we can map out your treatment plan based on the severity of your injuries.
If your nasal fracture is very mild, it may heal on its own with the support of a splint, cool compresses to reduce swelling, and medication to relieve pain. It’s also important to rest during healing and keep your head elevated as much as possible.
When a fracture is more severe, Dr. Kang typically recommends surgery to reposition the bones and reset your nose into its normal position. Nasal surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can begin your recovery process the same day.
For the first few days after recovery, you can expect some discomfort, largely due to swelling. You may have gauze or other packing inside your nose to stop bleeding and provide additional support while the tissues heal. It’s not unusual to have headaches along with facial pain, and you’ll have to breathe through your mouth initially.
During this phase, you should keep your head elevated and avoid any strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Try not to bend over more than necessary to avoid exacerbating painful swelling. Your nose will feel stuffy, but you shouldn’t blow it while it’s healing. Using cold compresses on a regular basis provides pain relief and helps reduce swelling.
Dr. Kang provides instructions on how to care for your nose while it’s healing, including when to change your bandages. Keep the splint or bandages in place until your follow-up visit, when Dr. Kang will remove them himself.
A broken nose typically causes significant bruising around your nose, cheeks, and eyes. You can expect bruises to fade over the first week or so of healing as your swelling subsides. If you lost your sense of smell or taste after your nose fracture, you can expect those to return once healing is complete.
If you have pain or swelling following an impact to your face, a medical evaluation is essential for preventing serious complications. That's true even if your symptoms seem mild.
If you think you might have a broken nose or you’re concerned about other facial trauma, book an appointment with Dr. Kang online or over the phone today.
