Q. I think I broke my nose bone while training in martial arts as a hobby. Do I need surgery? Isn’t there some kind of protector for the nose bone? If there is, please let me knowㅠㅠ

Hello. This is AB Plastic Surgery.

I’m posting something that may be of interest to you.

When it seems like the nose bone has been injured - if the swelling does not go down even after 3–4 days, or if the nose looks crooked after the injury

1. First, determine whether it is actually a nasal bone fracture, and

2. whether the fracture is severe enough to require nasal bone reduction.

For 1), the first priority is to get an X-ray and/or a facial CT scan.

However, to understand the detailed condition of the nasal bone, CT is generally better than a regular X-ray.

It is best to visit a plastic surgery clinic or hospital, or a general/teaching hospital, where facial CT is available.

2. If it is a fracture, you need to decide whether surgery is necessary.

If surgery is performed, in most cases nasal fracture reduction is done within 10 minutes, and the procedure itself is very simple.

At a hospital that performs many nose surgeries, this is a straightforward procedure.

After surgery, it is standard to apply a nasal splint, such as a Denver splint, for 3–5 days so that the nasal bone can stabilize.

If the fracture is only a slight crack or if there is no displacement of the bone and reduction is not needed,

then a splint is not absolutely necessary, but it is better to be careful with the fractured area for a few days.

In healthy adult men, the bone usually heals within a few days.

In summary.

It is a good idea to get a facial CT scan to accurately understand the condition of the nasal bone,

and to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment at a hospital that performs many nose surgeries.

Timing is the most important factor in nasal bone fractures! If you suspect one, it is best to get diagnosed right away.

The sooner it is diagnosed, the fewer the aftereffects, and the lower the chance of a deviated septum or a crooked nose.

I hope you recover well. I hope this post is helpful when you injure your nose.

Thank you.