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How Soon Should a Broken Nose Be Treated in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

The two-week window

A nasal bone fracture is the most common facial fracture, often caused by sports, falls, cycling accidents or assaults. If the bones are displaced, they can usually be moved back into position without open surgery, but only before they set. That is why reduction is ideally performed within about two weeks of the injury.

Swelling in the first days can hide the shape of the nose, so doctors often examine early, then plan the reduction once swelling has eased enough to judge alignment, still within that window.

Signs your nose may be broken

• Pain, swelling and bruising across the nose and under the eyes
• A visible bend or flattening
• Nosebleed at the time of injury
• Difficulty breathing through one or both sides
• A crunching feeling when the nose is touched

Urgent warning signs

Go to an emergency department for a nosebleed that will not stop, clear watery fluid from the nose, vision changes, loss of consciousness, severe headache, or a painful swelling inside the nose (a possible septal hematoma, which needs prompt drainage). Head and neck injuries should be assessed first.

How it is treated at our clinic

1. Examination and imaging: the fracture is confirmed by imaging, and the inside of the nose is checked with endoscopy for septal injury.
2. Closed reduction: under local anesthesia, the bones are repositioned in about 15 minutes.
3. Packing: placed inside the nose for two days for support and bleeding control.
4. External splint: worn for five days to protect the alignment.
5. Healing: the bone is reasonably stable at about two weeks; avoid any impact until then and longer for contact sports.

Read more on nasal fracture reduction.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist and rhinology subspecialist who previously taught at Yonsei and Ajou Universities and co-authored the Korean Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery textbook. He assesses both the outer shape and the internal airway, since a fracture can also displace the septum and cause a deviated septum.

Explanations are in English, and an English medical certificate is available for employers, schools or insurers, which can be useful after sports or accident injuries.

Honest expectations

Closed reduction aims to restore alignment and breathing, but some people are left with a slight deformity or ongoing blockage. If that happens, corrective surgery such as rhinoplasty or septoplasty may be considered after six months or more, once healing is complete.

If you missed the window

If more than two weeks have passed, it is still worth seeing an ENT. Even if the bones have set, the doctor can assess breathing and discuss options for later. Clinic details are on the location and hours page.

Related: returning to sport after nasal surgery.

Related questions

Should I see a doctor immediately after breaking my nose?

If there are warning signs such as heavy bleeding, clear fluid or head injury, go to an emergency department. Otherwise, see an ENT within a few days so the fracture can be assessed and reduction planned within the two-week window.

Is nasal fracture reduction painful?

It is done under local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes. You may feel pressure and hear a click as the bones move. Packing for two days and an external splint for five days follow, with pain relief as prescribed.

Will my nose look the same as before?

Reduction aims to restore the previous alignment, and many patients are satisfied, but results cannot be promised. If a deformity remains after healing, corrective surgery can be considered after six months or more.

This answer is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.