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Broken Nose (Nasal Bone Fracture) Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is a nasal bone fracture?

A nasal bone fracture is a break in the paired nasal bones that form the bridge of the nose. It is the most common facial fracture. Fractures range from a simple crack with no displacement to a shifted or depressed bridge, often with injury to the septum.

Symptoms

• Pain, swelling and tenderness over the bridge
• Nosebleed immediately after the injury
• A crooked or flattened appearance
• Bruising around the eyes
• Nasal blockage on one or both sides
• A crunching feeling when the bridge is touched

Causes

Typical causes include contact sports, cycling and skiing accidents, falls, workplace injuries and assaults. Even a seemingly minor knock can shift the bones in children and older adults.

How it is diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim assesses the external shape of the nose and examines the inside with nasal endoscopy to look for septal deviation, bleeding points and a septal hematoma. The fracture is confirmed by imaging; a CT scan shows displacement and any associated facial fractures more clearly than plain X-rays, using the same technology as our sinus CT scan.

Because swelling can hide deformity, the best assessment is often a few days after injury, once the initial swelling starts to settle.

Treatment options

Non-displaced fractures

If the bones are not displaced and breathing is normal, treatment is ice, head elevation, painkillers and protection from further knocks.

Closed reduction

For displaced fractures, nasal fracture reduction realigns the bones using instruments inside and outside the nose, without incisions. At Gangnam Yonsei ENT:

• Ideally performed within two weeks of injury, before bones set
• Local anesthesia, about 15 minutes
• Nasal packing for two days
• External splint for five days
• Bones are usually stable at about two weeks

Avoid contact sports, glasses resting on the bridge and blowing the nose hard until Dr. Kim advises otherwise.

Later correction

Some patients develop a residual crooked nose or a deviated septum after healing. In that case, septoplasty or rhinoplasty can be considered once the bones are fully healed, typically six months or more after injury.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT within the first week if your nose looks different or you cannot breathe well through it. Go to an emergency department immediately for heavy bleeding that will not stop, clear watery discharge after a head injury, vision changes, loss of consciousness, or a painful swelling blocking the nose inside, which may be a septal hematoma.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist, former Yonsei and Ajou professor and co-author of the Korean facial plastic surgery society's textbook. Fracture reduction can often be arranged quickly, with an English medical certificate for insurers or employers. Directions are on our location page.

Frequently asked questions

How soon should a broken nose be fixed?

Closed reduction works best within about two weeks of the injury, before the bones begin to set firmly. Waiting a few days for swelling to settle is often helpful, so an ENT visit within the first week is ideal for planning.

Can I still fix my nose if it has already healed crooked?

Yes, but closed reduction is no longer effective once the bones have set. Correction then requires septoplasty or rhinoplasty, usually planned at least six months after the injury when healing is complete.

Is nasal fracture reduction done under general anesthesia?

At our clinic it is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes. Most adults tolerate it well and go home the same day. Packing stays in for two days and an external splint for five days.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.