If you have ever broken your nose, been hit during sports, or experienced another type of nasal injury, you may have noticed that breathing through your nose became more difficult even after the injury itself seemed to heal. Nasal trauma can change the position or structure of the nasal septum, the wall of bone and cartilage separating the two nasal passages. When that wall becomes displaced, it can contribute to a deviated septum and persistent nasal obstruction.
Septoplasty can correct a deviated septum after nasal trauma when the septum is contributing to the breathing problem. The procedure is designed to straighten and reposition portions of a deviated nasal septum that are interfering with the airway. However, not every breathing problem following an injury is caused by the septum alone. Trauma can affect other structures within the nose, which may also need to be evaluated.
For people experiencing ongoing breathing problems after a broken nose or other injury, a thorough examination can help determine what changed and whether septoplasty or another treatment may be appropriate.
Can a Broken Nose Cause a Deviated Septum?
A broken nose can cause a deviated septum if the force of the injury shifts the septum out of its normal position. A fracture can also affect the nasal bones or cartilage surrounding the septum, potentially narrowing one or both nasal passages.
The septum plays an important role in nasal breathing. It separates the left and right nasal passages and contributes to the internal structure of the nose. When it is significantly displaced, the space available for airflow can become smaller.
A deviated septum after a nasal injury may cause:
- Nasal obstruction
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Reduced nasal airflow
- Frequent nosebleeds in some people
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- A visibly crooked or uneven nose in some cases
Not every nasal fracture causes a deviated septum, and not everyone with a deviated septum develops symptoms. Some people have a naturally occurring deviation without significant breathing problems. Others may notice new or worsening symptoms after an injury changes the septum or affects other structures inside the nose.
Also Read: Is Septoplasty Right for You? A Guide to Fixing a Deviated Septum
How Does Septoplasty Correct a Deviated Septum?
Septoplasty is a type of deviated septum surgery intended to improve the nasal airway by straightening the septum. During the procedure, the surgeon works through the nose to access the deviated portions of cartilage and bone. Depending on the anatomy, portions may be trimmed, repositioned, or removed and replaced in a corrected position.
The goal of septum correction is functional: to create more appropriate space for air to pass through the nasal passages.
Septoplasty may therefore be considered when a traumatic deviated septum is contributing to persistent nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing. The procedure does not automatically address every structural problem caused by an injury.
Trauma can also affect the nasal bones, nasal valve, cartilage, or external framework of the nose. If one or more of these structures are contributing to the obstruction, the treatment plan may need to address more than the septum.
It is also important to distinguish septoplasty from rhinoplasty. Septoplasty primarily addresses the internal nasal septum and breathing-related problems. Rhinoplasty modifies the external shape or framework of the nose. In some situations, the procedures may be performed together when both internal function and the external nasal framework need to be addressed.
Septoplasty vs. Other Treatments for Nasal Trauma
When nasal obstruction develops after trauma, the entire nasal airway should be evaluated rather than assuming the septum is the only source of the problem.
Several structures can contribute to impaired airflow:
Septal Deviation
A septal deviation occurs when the nasal septum is displaced toward one side. A significant deviation can narrow a nasal passage and make breathing more difficult.
Nasal Valve Problems
The nasal valve is an important region of the nasal airway. Narrowing, weakness, or structural changes in this area can contribute to obstruction, including after nasal trauma.
Turbinate Enlargement
The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify inhaled air. Enlargement or swelling of the turbinates can reduce the available airway space and contribute to congestion.
External Nasal Deformity
Trauma can change the shape and supporting framework of the nose. A crooked or collapsed external structure may contribute to breathing difficulties even when the septum is not the only problem.
This is why treatment after nasal trauma should be individualized. In some patients, septoplasty may adequately address the structural source of obstruction. In others, additional treatment may be appropriate based on which structures were affected.
Persistent breathing concerns after previous trauma or nasal surgery can sometimes involve a combination of septal deviation, nasal valve narrowing, cartilage changes, or other structural problems. A comprehensive examination can determine whether the septum is primarily responsible or whether multiple factors are contributing.
Also Read: Septoplasty Explained: Restoring Balance to Your Breathing and Wellness
When Is Septoplasty Recommended After Nasal Trauma?
Septoplasty may be considered when a deviated septum is contributing to persistent symptoms or functional problems, particularly difficulty breathing through the nose.
During an evaluation, an ENT specialist may consider:
- The location and severity of the septal deviation
- The degree of nasal obstruction
- The nature and history of the nasal trauma
- Whether the nasal bones or cartilage were also injured
- The condition of the nasal valves and turbinates
- Whether there is an external nasal deformity
- Previous nasal surgery or treatment
- Whether allergies or inflammation may also be contributing to congestion
A physical examination may include looking inside the nose with appropriate instruments or using a nasal scope when additional visualization is needed. The goal is to identify the anatomical factors responsible for the patient’s symptoms rather than deciding on surgery based on the presence of a deviated septum alone.
If breathing problems remain after the initial injury has healed, evaluating the nasal airway can help clarify why they are continuing. Surgery is generally directed at a deviated septum when the deviation is causing meaningful symptoms. A deviation that is not causing problems may not require treatment.
What to Expect From Septoplasty for a Traumatic Deviated Septum
If septoplasty is recommended, treatment typically begins with a detailed discussion of the patient’s symptoms, nasal anatomy, medical history, previous injury, and treatment goals.
The procedure is intended to straighten the portions of the septum that are obstructing airflow. Depending on the anatomy and complexity of the case, the surgeon may trim, reposition, or replace portions of cartilage or bone. In some cases, additional structural procedures may be considered.
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and whether other structures are treated at the same time.
During the early recovery period, patients may experience:
- Nasal congestion
- Swelling
- Mild discomfort
- Temporary changes in nasal airflow
Patients are commonly given postoperative instructions intended to reduce bleeding and swelling during healing. Strenuous activity and nose blowing may need to be restricted for a period after surgery, depending on the procedure and the surgeon’s instructions.
Improvement in nasal breathing is not necessarily immediate. As swelling decreases and the tissues heal, airflow can gradually improve. Results vary from person to person, and some patients may continue to experience symptoms if another source of obstruction is present.
Like other surgical procedures, septoplasty also has potential risks. These can include bleeding, infection, persistent nasal blockage, septal perforation, changes in nasal shape, reduced sense of smell, and other complications. Your surgeon can explain the risks most relevant to your anatomy and planned procedure.
Septoplasty After Nasal Trauma in Los Angeles
If nasal breathing remains difficult after a broken nose, sports injury, accident, or other trauma, the first step is determining which structures were affected.
Dr. Mani Zadeh can evaluate the septum along with the nasal valve, turbinates, cartilage, and external nasal framework to determine what is contributing to the obstruction. This can be particularly important when breathing problems continue after the external injury has healed or when the nose appears crooked or structurally altered.
For some patients, septoplasty may adequately address the problem. Others may need a different or additional approach based on the anatomy involved.
Also Read: Give Yourself the Gift of Better Breathing: What to Expect from Septoplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Broken Nose Cause a Deviated Septum?
Yes. A nasal fracture can shift the nasal septum from its normal position. This can narrow one or both nasal passages and contribute to difficulty breathing.
What Is the Difference Between Septoplasty and Other Nasal Trauma Treatments?
Septoplasty focuses on correcting a problematic deviation of the nasal septum. Other treatments may be needed when trauma has affected the nasal bones, nasal valve, turbinates, cartilage, or external nasal framework. The appropriate treatment depends on which structures are contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
How Long Does Recovery From Septoplasty Typically Take After Nasal Trauma?
Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are performed. Congestion and swelling are common during the early healing period, while improvement in airflow develops as the tissues heal. Your surgeon can provide recovery instructions specific to your procedure.
Are There Risks or Complications Associated With Septoplasty?
Yes. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, persistent obstruction, septal perforation, changes in the external shape of the nose, reduced sense of smell, and other surgical or anesthesia-related complications. Your individual risks should be discussed with your surgeon before treatment.
When Should I See a Los Angeles Specialist for a Deviated Septum After Nasal Trauma?
Consider an evaluation if you continue to experience nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, or other persistent nasal symptoms after an injury. An examination can help determine whether a deviated septum or another structural problem is responsible.
When Breathing Problems Continue After a Nasal Injury
A broken nose or other nasal injury can affect breathing long after the initial swelling and discomfort have resolved. When trauma leaves the septum significantly displaced and that deviation is restricting airflow, septoplasty may be used to correct the obstructing portions of the septum.
The septum is not always the only part of the nose affected by trauma. Changes to the nasal valve, turbinates, cartilage, or external framework can also contribute to persistent obstruction, which is why identifying the actual source of the breathing problem matters before choosing a procedure.
If you continue to have difficulty breathing through your nose after an injury, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Mani Zadeh in Los Angeles to determine what is causing the obstruction and which treatment options may be appropriate.