Simultaneous Cosmetic Rhinoplasty and Nasal Fracture Repair

Some people experience nasal fractures due to trauma. In such cases, the individual’s previously hidden dissatisfaction with their nose may surface, and they may decide to undergo rhinoplasty.


Treating a Nasal Fracture at the Same Time as Rhinoplasty

Some people would like to have rhinoplasty but, for various reasons, have not yet been able to do so. For example, they may not have had the necessary budget to cover the cost of rhinoplasty, or the right circumstances may not have come together for different reasons.
Sometimes these individuals suffer a nasal fracture after an injury. When the nasal bone breaks, the shape of the nose may shift, become crooked, or change in appearance. In this situation, the person’s previous hidden desire for rhinoplasty may become stronger, and they may decide to undergo nose surgery. Their request is usually to have cosmetic rhinoplasty performed at the same time as treatment for the nasal fracture.
In such cases, it should be said that cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally better not performed at the same time as treatment of a newly broken nose. This is because, in cosmetic rhinoplasty, the nasal bones are shaved and reshaped, and this reshaping should be done on a firm and stable bone in order to create a beautiful result and a well‑formed nose.
However, in a newly fractured nose, the bones may be crushed, fragmented, or broken into several pieces, and precise reshaping of crushed nasal bones is not practical. This does not mean it is absolutely impossible; it can be done, but the result will not have the same beauty, cleanliness, and delicacy. Therefore, if a person with a freshly broken nose presents for cosmetic rhinoplasty, there is a possibility that the result may not be satisfactory, the changes may relapse, the nasal deviation may not be fully corrected, a hump may remain on the nose, or another irregularity may persist.
Therefore, it is recommended not to perform cosmetic rhinoplasty immediately after a nasal fracture. It is better to first reduce the nasal fracture, apply a cast for one week, and allow the fracture to heal completely. After that, the patient should wait at least three months until the bones become fully firm before undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty. More precisely and scientifically, it is better for the patient to wait six months so that the previously fractured nasal bones fully heal and return to their stable condition. In that case, surgery is similar to operating on someone whose nose has not previously been broken.
In general, we conclude that it is best to have a six‑month interval between nasal fracture treatment and cosmetic rhinoplasty. If the person is in a hurry, at least three months should separate the two procedures. In the acute stage of a nasal fracture, only reduction of the broken nose is recommended. Cosmetic rhinoplasty or septal deviation surgery is better not performed at this stage.