Concerns About a Broken (fractured) Nose

• Not all swollen noses have a fracture.
• Even if the nose is broken, in most cases, the only treatment that is needed is cold packs and pain medications.
• Surgery to fix the nose is only needed when the nose is very deformed. Swelling interferes with diagnosis and treatment. It is common practice is to delay fixing nose fractures until the swelling has decreased.
• Looking at the nose after the swelling is gone (day 5 to 7) is the best way to tell if it is really fractured.
• X-rays are often not helpful because 1.) minor fractures are treated the same as a bruise, and 2.) injuries to the cartilage do not show up on x-ray.