Washington, DC Nose Surgery
The nose projects prominently from the face, making it vulnerable to injury. So, it's not surprising that it is quite frequently broken. Once the immediate bruising and swelling subsides, a broken nose or nasal fracture may significantly change your facial appearance. Nasal injuries can also increase nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, and snoring and may cause or worsen a deviated septum.
There is a window of opportunity when a broken nose can be ideally treated in Washington, DC with reconstructive nose surgery. For this reason, it is important to be evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon soon after injury. Dr. Houtan Chaboki makes every effort to evaluate patients with nasal trauma in a timely fashion.
To learn more about reconstructive nose surgery, request a consultation with Dr. Chaboki online or call his office at 202-741-3409. Dr. Chaboki serves men and women in Washington, DC, northern Virginia, and Maryland.
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What is a Nasal Fracture?
Broken noses typically refer to fractures of the nasal bones, however, the cartilage of the nose and nasal septum may be injured as well. Nasal trauma usually occurs from sports, motor vehicle accidents, falls, or fights. Sadly, nasal injuries may also be the result of domestic violence. Dr. Chaboki performs pro-bono work for FACE TO FACE: the National Domestic Violence project, and has frequently treated these types of injuries through his work there.
A broken nose may result in a small crack of the bones without any change in appearance. However, a broken nose is usually obvious due to a variety of symptoms and signs.
- The nose appears to be deviated, crooked, or twisted.
- There is bruising and swelling both inside and outside of the nose.
- You may experience tenderness, especially at the bridge of the nose.
- Black eyes (dark bruises around the eyes) may be present.
- Skin appears to be swollen.
- There may be visible abrasions, lacerations, or cuts.
- There may be some nasal congestion.
- A nose bleed can also occur as a result of a broken nose.
When Should I See a Facial Specialist?
Depending upon the nature of the trauma and extent of the injury, an initial evaluation is normally performed at an emergency room. It is important to check for a septal hematoma (blood collecting around the nasal septum) and assess associated facial injuries. Septal hematomas are special emergencies, which must be treated promptly to prevent worse nasal problems from developing.
If you suspect a nasal fracture, you must be evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon within one week of the injury. Your broken nose may be repaired within one to two weeks from the day of injury. If you wait too long before plastic surgery evaluation, you will most likely need to wait several months before nose surgery in Washington, DC.
Patients with untreated broken noses have an undesirable appearance, as well as permanent difficulty in nasal breathing and congestion. Lastly, patients have associated cuts, bruises, lacerations, abrasions, and skin injuries which need plastic surgery evaluation to help prevent scarring and disfigurement.
How Will Dr. Chaboki Determine if I Have a Broken Nose?
Dr. Chaboki will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the nose and face. You will be asked to explain how the injury occurred and how your nose looked before the injury (photographs taken before your injury may be helpful). He will ask about your general health and other medical problems. Dr. Chaboki will examine the external and internal nose, septum, cartilage, bone, and mucous membranes.
Usually an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan has already been performed prior to seeing Dr. Chaboki. Please bring all radiology images to the office, as Dr. Chaboki needs to see the actual pictures from the CT scan.
How is a Broken Nose or Nasal Fracture Treated?
Minor nasal injuries and fractures may not require surgical intervention. If your nose appears as it did before the injury, you may need no treatment other than rest and observation.
Broken bones of the nose normally require surgical intervention for repositioning and reshaping. Dr. Chaboki treats most broken noses in the office with local anesthesia. The procedure is very quick and simple, and patients may return home afterward. He will place a cast over the nose made of tape & plastic. This nasal cast will then stay in place for a week.
For more severe injuries (or if the patient prefers), Dr. Chaboki will treat broken nasal bones in the operating room with general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia).
How Long Will Swelling and Bruising Last?
Swelling and bruising occur both on the outside and inside of the nose. It is normal to feel congested and have nasal obstruction and postnasal drip immediately after nasal injuries. Most swelling after an injury or surgery (rhinoplasty) resolves within a month. The final 20% of swelling takes a much longer time to resolve, up to a year or longer. Fortunately, this final swelling is usually only evident to Dr. Chaboki.
In addition to carefully following your surgeon's guidelines, there are several things you can do to help reduce nasal swelling:
- Keep your head elevated
- Maintain the nasal splint / cast
- Apply ice to the cheeks, forehead, and nose
- Use Arnica Montana
- Avoid resting anything on the nose, including glasses and sunglasses
- Avoid blowing the nose or sneezing
Does Insurance Cover Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine, which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. If your procedure is medically indicated, some portion (or all) of the cost may be covered. Our office accepts insurance in applicable cases and will, if you wish, contact your insurance company to find out if your procedure will be covered.
If you still have questions about this procedure, please be sure to view frequently asked questions answered by Dr. Chaboki.
