Post Traumatic Rhinoplasty

Injuries to the nose can sometimes require surgical repair by an ENT specialist. Post traumatic rhinoplasty can correct the appearance of the nose or address functional issues such as blockages affecting the airways. The rhinoplasty procedure will be adapted to the patient’s needs in order to achieve the desired results.

Why is it Performed?

Surgery isn’t always required after a nose injury, but it may be necessary if the bones or cartilage have been badly damaged. Problems can occur after an injury if the bones or cartilage have been moved out of place, which can leave the nose looking asymmetrical or misshapen. Another common reason for requiring surgery after an injury to the nose is that patches of cartilage can die if they were deprived of their blood supply for too long due to the formation of blood clots in the nasal passages. The loss of cartilage can result in a deformity known as a saddle nose, where a dip forms in the bridge. Post traumatic rhinoplasty is sometimes carried out for cosmetic reasons. It can restore the shape or symmetry of the nose if the bones or cartilage have been visibly displaced. However, rhinoplasty after an injury can also help to address blockages, breathing problems, snoring or other functional issues. An ENT doctor at the clinic in London can provide personalised advice on whether surgery is the right option following an injury to the nose.

The Procedure

Post traumatic rhinoplasty uses similar techniques to a cosmetic nose job, but the procedure will need to be adapted according to the effects of the injury. Restoring the shape and function of the nose following an injury can be a very complex procedure. The nose will need to be carefully evaluated by an ENT specialist at the clinic in London in order to determine the best course of treatment. The surgery will need to be carefully planned in order to ensure that the desired appearance can be achieved while the function of the nose is also improved or protected. Some corrections can be performed soon after the injury, but in more serious cases it may be necessary to wait six months or more before surgery can be attempted.

The procedure will be carried out under a general anaesthetic and will usually take several hours to complete. The surgeon may need to break and re-set the bone or cartilage in order to correct deviations. Some parts of the bone or cartilage may need to be removed in order to clear the airways. Grafts of bone or cartilage taken from other parts of the body may also be needed in order to rebuild or strengthen the nose and airways. The procedure will be tailored to the patient’s individual needs and explained in detail by the ENT doctor before the operation.

Risks and Recovery

Post traumatic rhinoplasty can be the best treatment option for correcting cosmetic and functional issues after a nose injury. However, rhinoplasty is a significant surgical procedure that will require at least two weeks of downtime for recovery. The operation will cause some swelling, redness and bruising and there is a risk of other temporary side effects such as nosebleeds and numbness. A small number of patients will experience more serious complications, such as infections, alterations to the sense of smell, or allergic reactions to the anaesthetic. It is also possible that the surgery may not be successful, so the form and function of the nose may not be fully restored.

Make an appointment at the Harley Street ENT Clinic to learn more about post traumatic rhinoplasty or to discuss your options for treatment after a nose injury.