Can a Rhinoplasty Fix a Broken Nose?

A broken nose is a common injury in the UK, often resulting from a sporting accident, a trip or fall, a physical altercation or a car crash. Whatever the cause of the injury, the good news is that a broken nose usually heals in just a few weeks. However, it can cause longer-term problems, both in terms of the aesthetics and function of the nose, and it’s something you may need corrected.

So, how do you fix a broken nose? Here we explore the various symptoms and issues a broken nose can cause, and discuss whether a form of cosmetic surgery, called a rhinoplasty, can be used to restore the nose’s function and appearance.

What’s the difference between a broken nose and a nasal fracture?

The terms ‘broken’ and ‘fractured’ are often used interchangeably to describe injuries not just to the nose but also other parts of the body. However, there is a slight difference between them.

A broken nose occurs when there’s a complete separation between the bone or cartilage. That’s likely to lead to more of a physical deformity, with the nose having an altered shape or alignment.

A nasal fracture, on the other hand, occurs when there’s a crack or break in the bone or cartilage but not a complete separation. With nasal fractures, the change in the appearance of the nose is likely to be less severe, with a partial misalignment of the nasal structure.

Regardless of whether you have broken or fractured your nose, the issues they can cause and how you treat them are the same, so we’ll use both terms throughout this article.

Why is it important to seek medical assistance for a broken nose?

If you believe you have a minor nasal fracture but your nose is not crooked or misshapen, it is still wise to seek a medical diagnosis. That will help to prevent possible complications, such as difficulty breathing, infection and issues related to your sense of smell. It will also ensure you receive appropriate treatment to facilitate proper healing, address any associated injuries and receive appropriate medication to manage the pain.

If your doctor suspects you have a broken use, you will typically have a CT scan or X-ray. Once you have your diagnosis, you may not need further medical treatment. Instead, you may be advised to apply a cold compress, take over-the-counter medication to manage the pain and recover at home.

If it’s a more serious break, you may require manual realignment of the broken bones and cartilage. However, that’s not always possible. If the break is severe or has been untreated for more than 14 days, you may require surgery to realign the bones and reshape your nose. Surgery is not always available on the NHS, and there can be long waiting lists if you are eligible. That’s why some patients choose to have broken nose surgery privately.

Can rhinoplasty correct a broken nose?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a ‘nose job’, is a nose reshaping procedure that can change the shape or size of the nose. However, it can also realign the bones and cartilage and restore structure and function after a nasal fracture.

In a rhinoplasty procedure, the surgeon will make incisions to access, repair, and replace damaged cartilage and bone. They can also correct a deviated septum. They then sculpt the nose to provide the desired shape and ensure a smooth bridge and appropriate bridge projection.

The procedure usually takes two to four hours to complete and is carried out under general anaesthetic. Patients will usually require an overnight stay in the hospital after the procedure for monitoring.

Who is rhinoplasty surgery suitable for?

You may need rhinoplasty to fix a broken nose if:

You’re in persistent pain – The pain does not subside over time like you’d usually expect with a broken nose. In this case, rhinoplasty can address the underlying issues, such as misaligned bones.
You’re having breathing difficulties – Nose fractures can obstruct the nasal passage, blocking the airways and causing breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasty can address these issues by reconstructing the nasal passages and restoring the nasal septum (the wall between your nostrils).
The nose is visibly deformed – If the nose is displaced to a minor or major extent, rhinoplasty can realign the bones and cartilage and reshape the nose to give it a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
You have other unresolved symptoms – A broken nose can lead to various symptoms, including persistent nose bleeds, headaches and recurrent sinus infections. A rhinoplasty can address the underlying structural issues that cause these symptoms.

Types of rhinoplasty surgery to fix a broken nose

The type of rhinoplasty procedure you have will depend on the severity of the damage and the areas that require attention.

Closed rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty is the most common type of nose reshaping surgery. The surgeon makes small incisions on the inside of the nostrils to access the nasal structure. That results in minimal, hidden scarring and a quicker recovery time.

However, closed rhinoplasty is not always suitable if the surgeon needs to make significant structural changes or your nose requires a more complex reconstruction. In that case, open rhinoplasty is likely to be a better approach.

Open rhinoplasty

When fixing a broken nose, it’s more likely that your surgeon will choose to perform an open rhinoplasty, as it provides better visibility and access to the nasal structure. The surgeon will make an external incision on the tissue between the nostrils as well as inside the nostrils. They’ll then lift the skin back to sculpt and restructure the nose by adding or removing bone and cartilage as required.

The downside of open rhinoplasty is that you’ll have a small scar on the skin between your nostrils, although this will fade over time and eventually become unnoticeable.

Septoplasty

A broken nose can often lead to a deviated or bent nasal septum. The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils. If the septum is crooked or off-centre, it can affect your breathing, cause headaches and impact the nose’s appearance.

To perform a septoplasty, the surgeon will first make small incisions inside the nose. They’ll then remove, replace and trim cartilage and bone to reshape the septum and alleviate the symptoms.

Benefits of rhinoplasty for a broken nose

There are significant benefits of rhinoplasty to fix a broken nose:

Crucially, repairing the nasal structure prevents the nose from collapsing, which is the worst-case scenario if you have a severe break.
Rhinoplasty makes the nose straight and symmetrical, smooths out any humps, can reduce the width and refine the tip. That restores balance to the face and creates a harmonious profile.
Rhinoplasty also enhances the function of the nose, which is often affected by a deviated septum. The procedure reduces the risk of headaches, breathing difficulties, sinus infection and sleeping issues.
Finally, rhinoplasty can deliver long-term relief from pain and discomfort. It improves overall health, happiness and comfort by addressing misalignments and deformities.

What to expect during rhinoplasty recovery

The surgeon will usually fit a plastic or plaster splint to protect and keep the shape of the nose, as well as a drip pad to collect any blood. They’ll remove the drip pad after around two days, and the splint typically after a week. Most people take two weeks off work after rhinoplasty to give them time to recover and allow the worst of the swelling to subside.

Recovery times after rhinoplasty vary depending on the extent of the procedure. However, all patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising after the surgery. That will be at its worst in the first few days and should start to subside after around 72 hours.

Most of the swelling will have subsided by around the three-week mark, at which point, the final shape of your nose will start to become apparent. At around four to six weeks, any pain in your nose or headaches should disappear and you’ll feel more like your old self. You’ll also be able to return to your old exercise regime, but avoid contact sports for at least three months.

After six weeks, any sensation you lost in the nasal skin following surgery should return and almost all the swelling will have gone. However, your nose may still be slightly bigger than the final result, which will be visible after around 12 months.

Is rhinoplasty the right solution for your nasal injury?

Rhinoplasty is not an appropriate treatment for every broken nose. That will depend on the amount of damage done to the bones and cartilage, whether there are any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, and your priorities regarding appearance and functionality.

In most cases, broken nose surgery is only necessary if the bone is displaced or there’s significant damage to the cartilage. However, given the prominent position of the nose, even small aesthetic changes can make a big difference to your appearance and confidence. That’s why many people seek surgery for more minor nasal fractures.

It’s also important to note that it’s never too late to get rhinoplasty for a nasal injury. A face-to-face consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon is always the best starting point. They will determine your suitability for the procedure, explain the risks and discuss your goals.

Why choose Enhance Medical for your rhinoplasty?

At Enhance Medical, we perform safe, high-quality and affordable rhinoplasty procedures at our state-of-the-art clinics throughout the UK. Our surgeons have vast experience performing men’s and women’s rhinoplasty procedures, and we include a comprehensive aftercare package with every treatment for complete peace of mind. Book a free consultation to start your journey.

Posted on 13th June 202513th June 2025 Posted in Face