Home › ENT Treatments & Tests in Gangnam, Seoul

Nasal Fracture Reduction in Gangnam, Seoul

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

What is nasal fracture reduction?

Nasal fracture reduction is the repositioning of displaced nasal bones after an injury, most often from sports, falls, or accidents. In a closed reduction, the surgeon uses instruments inside the nose and fingers outside to move the fragments back into alignment without skin incisions. The nose is then supported with internal packing and an external splint while the bone begins to set.

Who is it for?

Reduction is for patients with a confirmed nasal bone fracture that has caused a visible deformity or new breathing difficulty. Not every fracture needs treatment; a non-displaced crack with a straight nose and normal breathing may simply heal. The fracture should be confirmed by imaging, and the septum is checked because a displaced septum can also cause a deviated septum.

Timing matters

The ideal window is within 2 weeks of injury, before the bones become fixed in the wrong position. Often the clinic waits a few days for swelling to settle so the alignment can be judged accurately.

How it is done at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a former assistant professor of otolaryngology at Ajou University with training in facial plastic and reconstructive nasal surgery, examines the nose, reviews X-ray or CT images, and uses nasal endoscopy to look for septal injury or hematoma.

• Anesthesia: local anesthesia.
• Time: about 15 minutes.
• Packing: inside the nose for 2 days.
• Splint: external splint for 5 days.
• Discharge: same day.

Recovery and aftercare

Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common and fade over one to two weeks. Sleep with your head elevated and avoid pressure on the nose, including eyeglasses resting on the bridge. The bone is relatively stable at around 2 weeks, but contact sports should wait until the doctor clears you. Keep the splint dry and in place until removal at the clinic.

Risks and limitations

Closed reduction does not always achieve a perfectly straight nose. Residual or later deformity can occur as healing and swelling resolve, and some patients need a rhinoplasty or septoplasty, which is usually considered 6 months or more after the injury. Other risks include bleeding and temporary numbness. Seek urgent care for a septal hematoma (a soft, swollen bulge inside the nose), clear fluid draining from the nose, double vision, or a severe head injury; see our page on nosebleeds for bleeding advice.

Practical information for foreign patients

If you injure your nose while visiting or living in Seoul, message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-5344-4464 or walk in during opening hours; plan for the 2-day packing removal and 5-day splint removal visits. Consultations happen in English, and an English medical certificate helps with insurance claims. Directions are on our location page, and you can read about Dr. Kim Yoo Suk beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after breaking my nose should I be seen?

See an ENT as soon as practical for assessment, ideally within a few days. Reduction works best within about two weeks of injury, before the bones set. Go to an emergency room immediately for heavy bleeding, head injury or clear fluid from the nose.

Do I need an X-ray before nasal fracture reduction?

Yes. The fracture should be confirmed by imaging such as X-ray or CT before reduction. Imaging, combined with an endoscopic exam of the septum, helps the doctor decide whether a procedure is needed and how to perform it.

Will my nose look exactly the same as before?

Many patients regain a good shape, but closed reduction cannot guarantee a perfect result. If a deformity remains after healing, a corrective rhinoplasty can be discussed after six months or more, once the bone and soft tissue have fully settled.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis or a guarantee of results; every treatment carries risks, and suitability is decided only after an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.