Injury to the nose can lead to many deformities and breathing problems depending on the areas of the nose that are affected. They often make people suffer during the day or night breathing through the nose and can limit the exercise ability.
The injury itself can damage the nasal septum both in terms of bending septum and in terms of loss of cartilage support. Common problems related to trauma to the nose include nasal deviation, saddle nose or boxy nose deformity and breathing difficulties.
Many people feel that after injuries they notice bumps on the nose appear or become more visible.
Good evaluation of the nasal function is important before proceeding to surgery and it is connected to a great extent with the aesthetic goals set by patients. Realistic expectations are also important and it is sensible to appreciate that a small nose with a big air flow through it is technically unlikely.
Your surgeon will evaluate the characteristics of the nasal airway, external shape and discuss with you your goals and expectations from possible surgery. This formed the basis of advice regarding surgical target, associated risks and realistic expectations.
Following trauma, the nasal bones are often out of place and asymmetry and needs to be repositioned after the septum is straightened. Removal of the nasal bump or irregularities following trauma is often part of the intervention.
Rhinoplasty for management of post-traumatic problems of the nose is generally adressing shape and function and starts with management of the nasal septum and its deviations. The nasal septum is frequently a source of cartilage graft material for shaping and supporting the tip of the nose, but after injury the cartilage itself may be too soft and too damaged to be useful.
When the nasal septum is no longer suitable to use as graft material, rib cartilage or ear cartilage are the most common resources for building support to control the shape of the nose.
Some surgeons prefer to do this type of intervention through an open approach and some prefer the closed approach. Either way, it is important to prepare for your consultation and explain to your surgeon the aspects that bother you most and what you wish to achieve through the surgery.