Nasal Fracture Treatment and Repair in Metro Atlanta

What Is a Nasal Fracture?

A nasal fracture, commonly known as a broken nose, occurs when the bones or underlying cartilage of the nose are cracked or broken due to physical trauma. Because the nose is the most prominent feature on the face and consists of relatively thin bone, it is the most frequently fractured bone in the human face.

A fracture can impact both your physical appearance and your ability to breathe. Prompt evaluation by an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist), such as Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky, is essential to ensure the bones heal in the correct position and the internal airway remains clear.

Common Symptoms of a Broken Nose

Symptoms of a nasal fracture usually appear immediately following an impact. You should look for:

• Pain and tenderness when touching the nose.
• Visible deformity (a nose that appears crooked or “off-center”).
• Swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes (“black eyes”).
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis).
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.

If you notice clear fluid draining from the nose or experience a severe headache after trauma, seek emergency care immediately. These may be signs of a more serious skull base injury.

Why Prompt Evaluation Is Critical

Timing is everything when treating nasal trauma. Dr. Stolovitzky recommends a consultation as soon as possible to avoid complications such as:

• Septal Hematoma: A collection of blood within the septum that, if left untreated, can lead to cartilage death and a “saddle nose” deformity.
• Permanent Obstruction: If the bones are set in a crooked position, it can lead to chronic breathing problems.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Misaligned structures can interfere with proper sinus drainage.

How a Nasal Fracture Is Diagnosed

During your visit to our Atlanta, Decatur or Snellville offices, Dr. Stolovitzky will perform a detailed clinical examination.

• Physical Exam: Checking for bone mobility, internal swelling and septal alignment.
• Nasal Endoscopy: To visualize internal damage that is not visible from the outside.
• Imaging: While not always required for simple breaks, a CT scan may be ordered if other facial fractures are suspected.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the severity of the break and the timing of your visit.

Initial Management

In the first 48 hours, focus on reducing inflammation with ice packs, head elevation and over-the-counter pain relief.

Non-Surgical “Closed Reduction”

If the nasal bones are displaced but seen within 7 to 21 days of the injury, Dr. Stolovitzky can often perform a “closed reduction.” This involves manually realigning the bones under local or general anesthesia without making any external incisions.

Surgical Repair (Septorhinoplasty)

For complex fractures, or if the injury is older than three weeks and the bones have already begun to set, surgical intervention may be necessary:

• Septoplasty: To straighten a deviated septum caused by trauma.
• Rhinoplasty: To restore the external shape and symmetry of the nose.
• Septorhinoplasty: A combined approach that addresses both the internal airway and external appearance.

Expert Trauma Care with Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky

As a board-certified otolaryngologist with extensive experience in functional nasal surgery, Dr. Stolovitzky is uniquely qualified to manage nasal trauma. Whether your injury is acute or a long-standing deformity from a past break, our team is dedicated to restoring your breathing and your confidence.