When it comes to sports, facial injuries are extremely common. Whether a ball, bat, or other player hits your face, lacerations and bone fractures occur regularly.
Many players continue to play through the accident or may seek quick repairs in the locker room, rather than seeking medical care from a facial plastic surgeon and/or otolaryngologist, so that they can get back to helping their team.
While few of us are professional athletes, let’s share one patient’s story. Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers is one example. After getting elbowed in the face this fall, Irving headed off to have quick X-rays of his nose and a nasal fracture was confirmed by the doctor.
Rather than see a rhinoplasty surgeon, Irving returned to the court to help his team out in the second quarter.Also recently, the Atlanta Braves’ Paul Janish broke his nose in a freak weightlifting accident. Rather than take time off to have the break surgically repaired, Janish was back out on the field just two days later doing his job as the team’s shortstop and backup second and third baseman.
If you’re playing a sport and break your nose, be smart and schedule an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon. A broken nose affects more than your appearance. It can also lead to breathing problems and possible cartilage damage.
Complications Linked to a Broken Nose
A broken nose may develop a bump where the fracture occurred or heal so that the nose is no longer straight. Some people do not care, but you might find the appearance of your nose affects your confidence and self-esteem, especially if others notice and comment on your nose’s appearance.
A deviated septum is a common issue with a broken nose. The nasal septum is the thin strip of cartilage that divides your nose. If the septum is pushed out of place, it creates a narrower nasal passage and impedes breathing. Medications may help, but surgical correction is the only permanent way to restore proper function.
If blood pools within the nose (septal hematoma) it can block the nostrils and make it hard to breathe through your nose. Left untreated, the hematoma can damage the cartilage. Because of this a septal hematoma should be drained to prevent infection.
What You Need to Know About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty surgeons use one of two techniques. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision made at the bottom of the nose, between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to get the best look at the underlying bone and cartilage structure. Closed rhinoplasty does not provide this degree of visualization because the incision is limited to the inside of the nostril and limits the surgeon’s view.
While most of your healing takes place in two or three weeks, it can take a year for all swelling to subside after a rhinoplasty. Usually, the majority of the swelling is gone after three months, but subtle swelling can remain for a year.
While rhinoplasty is considered one of the more challenging surgeries to perform, choosing the right rhinoplasty surgeon goes a long way in getting you the results you want. Look for a board certified facial plastic surgeon that performs rhinoplasty regularly.
If your doctor only does two or three a month, you may not get the same results as you will with a surgeon who does two or three per week. Ask that surgeon if he or she uses digital imaging to help you see what the surgery will improve.
If you suspect your nose is broken, it’s best to visit a rhinoplasty surgeon before the bone heals. Not only do you avoid complications like infection or cartilage damage, but you also can have peace of mind knowing that the nose will heal without any defects or asymmetrical qualities.
Read these rhinoplasty frequently asked questions to learn more about the surgery and recovery process. Call Dr. Jeffrey Epstein’s office with any additional questions or to see how rhinoplasty can improve your nose’s form and function. Reach the Miami rhinoplasty surgeon by calling (305) 666-5884 in Miami.
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