What to Do After a Traumatic Injury to the Nose
Injuries to the face, especially the nose, are inevitable in sporting events. They can be the result of a collision with an opponent or an accidental blow with a piece of sports equipment. Dedicated athletes know that it is important to see a doctor check the severity of these accidents, but there are still some who delay their visits. In this way, they risk permanent damage not only to the aesthetics of their nose but also to its functionality.
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a common cosmetic procedure and it’s commonly performed on athletes. If you are engaged in competitive, contact sports and have a disproportionate note shape caused by a traumatic injury, accident, or natural causes, a rhinoplasty is a simple surgery that you can get to restore the appearance and full function of your nose with little to no complications.
For traumatic injuries, it’s first important to determine if the nose is broken or if blood may have accumulated inside, known as a hematoma. A hematoma is a serious condition that must be treated urgently by a specialist to prevent further trauma to the head. A displaced bridge of the nose or asymmetry is one of the first signs of external complications of a broken nose, which can lead to breathing difficulties. A nose correction would then be necessary.
In addition, some athletes reach a point where they find that their continued training progress is hindered by breathing problems. Most often, this is a limited ability to breathe in large amounts of air through the nasal passages due to a deviated septum. A rhinoplasty specialist can also determine if a deviated septum is present.
When a Rhinoplasty Recommended
While most patients would want to see a surgeon right away following a nose injury, doctors highly recommend waiting until the swelling and bruising have subsided for the nose to be appropriately examined. Once you have seen some improvement, consult an experienced plastic surgeon who will assess the current condition of the nose to come up with an immediate treatment plan to increase the chances of having a smooth recovery and avoid any long-term effects of a broken nose.
Whether to improve the nose’s appearance or aid in regaining function, the chances of a full recovery with minimal complications are higher when a board-certified surgeon with experience in dealing with sports-related facial injuries comes up with the treatment plan and carries out the surgery.
Rhinoplasty Results Timeline
The average recovery period following a nose job usually lasts up to one year. However, athletes who are eager to get back to training can slowly incorporate cardiovascular exercises into their routine 3 to 4 weeks following the surgery while waiting for the 6-week mark, where the bones of the nose are more stable, and they can resume strength training. It is still advisable to consult your doctor during follow-up consultations to determine if you are fit to get back into training or if protective equipment is needed to avoid any complications during the recovery period.
Improve Nasal Functionality with Rhinoplasty Surgery
Part of being a competitive athlete is having to endure constant strain on the body and possibly dealing with various injuries throughout their career. Rhinoplasty has been proven beneficial in helping athletes involved in contact sports deal with a facial injury and other internal complications of a broken nose. Seeking treatment from an experienced surgeon is vital in ensuring that patients get the proper care and attention in order to have a smooth recovery.
Contact Memorial Plastic Surgery today and experience top-notch rhinoplasty work in the hands of board-certified experts who have performed hundreds of successful life-changing surgeries. Explore your treatment options now by calling 713-633-4411 and scheduling a consultation today.
*This blog is created and maintained for informational purposes only. The images present may not accurately reflect actual cases per individual. Individual cases are unique, and the descriptions and solutions will vary per patient.
