Broken Nose and Rhinoplasty: Restoring Form and Function After Nasal Injury

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• What happens when the nose breaks and how to recognise a nasal fracture

• When a broken nose needs treatment and the options available

• How rhinoplasty after nasal injury restores breathing and appearance

• What to expect during healing and recovery after nasal fracture repair

• Why choosing a dual-trained ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon matters for safe, natural results

A broken nose, also known as a nasal fracture, is one of the most common facial injuries. It can happen after a fall, sports accident or sudden impact to the face. Even a mild injury can affect breathing or change the appearance of the nose.

Mr Florian Bast, Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in London, treats both functional and cosmetic nasal injuries. His approach focuses on restoring comfort, symmetry and confidence through careful assessment and, when needed, rhinoplasty after nasal fracture.

What Happens When the Nose Breaks

The nose is made of delicate bone and cartilage that support the nasal passages and shape the bridge. When the structure is fractured, swelling, bruising and pain usually appear within hours. In some cases, the nose may look crooked or flattened.

• Typical broken nose symptoms include:

• Swelling or tenderness around the nose and eyes

• Bleeding or nasal congestion

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils

• Visible changes to the bridge or tip of the nose

If you suspect a nasal fracture, it’s important to see an ear, nose and throat specialist. Early assessment prevents long-term issues and ensures the bones can heal in the correct position.

Treatment and Repair Options

Mild injuries may improve with ice packs and rest. However, when the nasal bones or cartilage are displaced, medical treatment is often required.

In the first few days, a surgeon can sometimes reposition the bones in a simple closed reduction of nasal fracture. If the injury is older or more complex, nasal fracture repair surgery or a rhinoplasty procedure may be needed to rebuild the structure and restore normal breathing.

Treatment is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The aim is to realign the bones, support the nasal cavity, and maintain natural balance across the facial features.

Rhinoplasty After Nasal Fracture

When trauma has changed both the look and function of the nose, rhinoplasty after nasal fracture can address both concerns. This may involve straightening the bridge, refining irregularities or reshaping areas of collapsed cartilage.

Mr Bast often combines functional repair with subtle aesthetic refinement in a single post-traumatic rhinoplasty. This ensures the nose looks natural and the nasal airways remain open.

“A broken nose is not only about appearance- it’s about restoring structure and helping patients breathe easily again.”

Healing and Recovery

After surgery, swelling and bruising are normal and can take a couple of weeks to settle. Most patients return to work within ten to fourteen days. Gentle care, rest and regular follow-up are important for smooth recovery.

Broken nose swelling gradually decreases over time, and final results become clear over several months. Patients often notice an improvement in both appearance and breathing once the tissues have healed fully.

Every treatment plan is shaped by your medical history, the type of fracture and your individual goals.

Why Choose a Specialist in London

As a dual-trained ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon, Mr Florian Bast provides both medical and cosmetic expertise in one consultation. He treats nasal injuries at leading clinics across London, including Harley Street, LIPS and Montrose.

His approach combines functional correction with aesthetic precision, using advanced surgical techniques and a careful understanding of facial balance. Each case is treated with discretion, attention to detail and a focus on natural, long-term results.

A broken or fractured nose can affect both appearance and If you have experienced a broken nose or ongoing breathing difficulties after injury, Mr Florian Bast offers comprehensive assessment and treatment across London.

Mr Florian Bast a Facial Plastic Surgeon in London

Mr Florian Bast is a Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in London, specialising in nasal trauma, rhinoplasty, and reconstructive surgery. Dual-trained in both Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, he treats a wide range of nasal conditions- from broken nose repair and deviated septum correction to complex post-traumatic rhinoplasty. Working across leading clinics including Harley Street, LIPS and Montrose, Mr Bast combines medical precision with an artistic eye to restore both function and natural appearance.

Key Takeaways

• A broken or fractured nose can affect both appearance and breathing

• Early assessment helps prevent long-term complications

• Surgery may involve nasal fracture repair, closed reduction or rhinoplasty

• Recovery takes one to two weeks for most patients

• Specialist care ensures safe, natural outcomes that restore both form and function