Treating Nasal Trauma in New Jersey & Philadelphia

Item: Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery
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Author: Tatiana Harvey

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Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon, offers expert nasal trauma treatment to restore breathing function, nasal structure, and facial symmetry. This surgery addresses injuries caused by falls, sports, accidents, and physical assault that involve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, difficulty breathing, and a distorted nose shape. Dr. Yamasaki’s exceptional qualifications, extensive experience, and compassionate approach make her a prominent choice for those seeking the highest standard of care for nasal trauma in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

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Nasal Trauma Treatment Overview

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Nasal trauma treatment aims to restore breathing function, nasal structure, and facial symmetry
Common causes of nasal trauma include falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and physical assault
Symptoms of nasal trauma can range from mild to severe and include pain, bleeding, swelling, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a distorted nose shape
Seek nasal trauma treatment if you have persistent nasal swelling your nose appears crooked, and/or you have difficulty breathing through your nose
Treatment options for nasal trauma depend on the type and severity of the injury and can range from wound care to operative procedures

Nasal trauma is a common occurrence that can have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life. Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon, offers professional treatment for nasal trauma to help restore nasal functionality and aesthetics.

Restorative Benefits of Nose Injury Treatment

The treatment of nasal trauma goes beyond simply healing the injury. It also aims to restore the functioning and structure of the nose with the following main goals:

Improved Breathing Function

Nasal injuries can block the nasal passages, leading to breathing difficulties. A primary objective of treating nasal trauma is to correct the obstruction and restore normal breathing through your nose.

Restored Nasal Structure

Trauma can cause nasal fractures or deformities that affect the structure of the nose. Treatment aims to repair this damage, restoring the nose to its original shape and structure.

Enhanced Facial Symmetry

The nose plays a significant role in facial symmetry. Injuries can disrupt this symmetry, leading to a distorted appearance. Treating nasal trauma helps to restore facial balance and symmetry.

What is

What is Nasal Trauma?

Nasal trauma is an injury to the nose or the surrounding areas. This injury can be external or internal, affecting the nasal bones, skin, soft tissue, cartilage, and/or blood vessels. When a break in the nasal bones occurs, this is referred to a nasal fracture (“broken nose”). Nasal trauma can result from various incidents, including falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or physical assault.

Symptoms of nasal trauma can range from mild to severe and can involve pain, bleeding, swelling, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a misshapen nasal shape. If left untreated, nasal trauma can lead to secondary nasal deformities and long-term complications, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.

Early diagnosis through a physical examination and proper management are essential to restoring normal breathing through your nose and minimizing secondary nasal deformities and long-term consequences.

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Types of Nasal Trauma

Nasal trauma can be classified into two main types: external and internal. These two categories encompass a wide range of injuries that can affect the nose’s functionality and appearance.

External Nasal Trauma

External nasal trauma refers to injuries caused by force exerted on the nose from the outside. These injuries can lead to nosebleeds, fractures, lacerations (i.e. cuts), and swelling that can distort the nose’s shape and block nasal breathing. Immediate medical attention is often required to address these issues effectively and reduce the risk of future problems. Timely treatment can significantly improve the recovery process and outcome.

Internal Nasal Trauma

Internal nasal trauma, on the other hand, involves damage to the cartilage (e.g. nasal septum) or blood vessels within the nose. Such injuries may not be immediately apparent and require a thorough evaluation to identify and treat. Ignoring the symptoms of internal nasal trauma can lead to complications. It is therefore critical to seek urgent medical care for any nasal injury.

Reasons

Causes of Nasal Trauma

There are many causes of nasal trauma. The nose is particularly susceptible to injury because of its exposed location on the central face. Common external causes of nasal trauma include:

Falls: Tripping or falling can lead to direct impact on the nose, causing fractures or soft tissue injuries.
Sports Injuries: Contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, rugby, boxing, and martial arts often result in accidental hits to the face and nose.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-impact crashes can cause severe facial trauma, including nasal bone fractures and internal nasal injuries.
Physical Assault: Punches or blows to the face can result in significant nasal damage, including fractures and tissue swelling.

Additionally, internal trauma can occur to the nasal mucosal lining, cause blockages, nasal scarring/narrowing, other internal damage. Some causes of internal nasal mucosal injury include:

Chemical Irritation: Exposure to irritating substances such as toxic fumes, smoke/burns, chemicals, drug abuse, and occupational exposures
Foreign Objects: Small objects inserted into the nose, especially in children.

Who Needs Treatment for Nasal Trauma?

Medical treatment is essential if you experience nose trauma, particularly if the pain or swelling persists beyond three days or if your nose appears crooked. Additionally, if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty breathing through the nose even after the swelling subsides, or develop a fever, seek medical attention promptly. Recurrent nosebleeds are also a concerning symptom that should not be overlooked and necessitate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Before & After Nasal Trauma Correction

NATURAL RESULTS

Referential images, the images used are for illustrative purposes only*

Symptoms of Nasal Trauma

The symptoms of nasal trauma can vary greatly, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the type and location of the injury. Common symptoms include pain, bleeding, clear fluid leakage, bruising, swelling, and difficulty breathing through the nose. More severe cases may result in a distorted nose shape, a loss of sense of smell, and even more serious conditions like meningitis. It is important to seek professional medical attention if these symptoms persist or worsen over time:

Pain and Tenderness

The nose may be extremely sensitive to touch, indicating trauma.

Bleeding

One of the most common symptoms, often accompanied by blood clots.

Clear Fluid Leakage

A sign of a possible skull fracture if the fluid is cerebrospinal fluid.

Bruising

Discoloration around the nose and under the eyes (raccoon eyes) can indicate serious injury.

Swelling

Can obstruct the nasal passages and affect breathing.

Difficulty Breathing

Swelling or blockages can make it hard to breathe through the nose.

Distorted Nose Shape

Visible deformity suggests a fracture or significant cartilage damage.

Loss of Sense of Smell

This can occur with severe trauma or nerve damage.

Serious Conditions

In rare cases, nasal trauma can lead to complications like meningitis, indicating the need for urgent medical care.

Nasal Trauma Treatment Options

Treatment for nasal trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options can range from first aid and home care to medical treatments and surgical interventions.

First Aid and Home Care

Basic first aid and care strategies can be effective for minor cases of nasal trauma. These may include:

Sitting upright and leaning forward for nosebleeds.
Pinching the nostrils shut during a nosebleed.
Refraining from picking or blowing the nose for several hours after a nosebleed.
Applying ice to the affected area for blunt-force trauma.
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
Sleeping with the head raised to reduce swelling.

Medical Treatments

More severe cases of nasal trauma may require professional medical treatment, including:

Cauterization and Packing

Persistent or recurring nosebleeds may be treated with nasal packing or cauterization, which involves sealing off the blood vessels causing the bleeding.

Medications

Medications for nasal trauma may include painkillers, antibiotics to prevent infection, and nasal sprays to alleviate congestion and inflammation.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to repair a nasal fracture, realign displaced bones and cartilage, or address damage to the nasal septum. Surgical intervention is typically recommended for severe breaks, multiple breaks, or breaks that have gone untreated for more than 14 days.

Recovery

Recovering from Nasal Injuries

Recovery from nasal trauma depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment received.

For minor injuries treated with first aid and home care, recovery may be relatively quick and involve managing pain and swelling. For more severe injuries requiring medical intervention or surgery, the recovery process may be longer and involve follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and ensure proper nasal function is restored.

In all cases, it is important to avoid contact sports and other activities that could cause further injury to the nose during recovery.

Cost of Nasal Trauma Treatment in New Jersey & Philadelphia

The cost of nasal trauma treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury and the specific treatment required. Minor injuries treated with first aid and home care may incur minimal costs, while more severe injuries can be more expensive to repair.

Consult with Dr. Alisa Yamasaki to discuss the best course of treatment for your specific situation and get an accurate estimate. Remember that insurance coverage may also play a role in the overall cost of treatment if covered.

Why Choose Dr. Alisa Yamasaki to Treat YOUR Nasal Trauma?

Dr. Alisa Yamasaki is a highly qualified, Harvard-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Choosing her to treat your nasal trauma offers several advantages:

Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon
Board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
B.A. from Dartmouth College and M.D. from Harvard Medical School
Residency training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and leading Harvard hospitals
Renowned fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Michigan
Author of numerous scientific articles, textbook chapters, and conference presentations
Extensive experience in treating a wide range of nasal injuries, from minor to severe cases
A compassionate and dedicated approach to patient care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients.

By choosing Dr. Alisa Yamasaki for your nasal trauma treatment, you can be confident in receiving the highest standard of care and expertise to restore your nasal function and aesthetics.

Request a Consultation for Nasal Trauma

Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, MD, is a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon specializing in reconstructive nasal surgery. With expertise in treating nasal trauma, she helps patients restore both function and aesthetics after injury. Dr. Yamasaki performs complex nasal reconstruction, functional rhinoplasty, and revision procedures to address breathing issues, structural damage, and cosmetic concerns. She serves patients in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Contact Dr. Yamasaki at her New Jersey or Philadelphia offices to request a consultation for nasal trauma. She will assess your specific situation, discuss treatment options, and help you on the path to restoring your nasal function and aesthetics.

Nasal Trauma Treatment FAQs

How is nasal trauma diagnosed?

Nasal trauma is diagnosed through a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination, and, in some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. A healthcare provider will gently press on the outside of the nose and examine the nasal passage for any obstructions or signs of broken bones.

Can nasal trauma heal on its own?

Minor nasal trauma, such as small fractures that haven’t caused the nose to become crooked or misshapen, may heal on their own without professional medical treatment. However, it is important to monitor the injury and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve over time.

How do I know if my nose injury is serious?

After the swelling has subsided, severe pain, difficulty breathing through the nose, persistent or recurring nosebleeds, or a misshapen or crooked nose may indicate a serious nasal injury. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the treatment options for nasal trauma?

Treatment options for nasal trauma depend on the type and severity of the injury. They can range from first aid and home care for minor injuries to medical treatments like cauterization, packing, and medications, or surgical interventions for more severe cases.

When should I seek medical attention for a nasal injury?

Seek medical attention for a nasal injury if the pain or swelling does not improve, the nose appears misshapen or crooked after the swelling recedes, difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds occur, or if you develop a fever. For severe injuries, immediate medical attention is required.

Can nasal trauma cause long-term complications?

While the outlook for nasal trauma is generally good, it can potentially result in long-term complications such as nasal deformities, scarring, or more serious conditions like meningitis. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimizing these risks.

How much does treatment for nasal trauma cost in New Jersey & Philadelphia?

The cost of nasal trauma treatment is typically covered by insurance, depending on the specific benefits included in your insurance plan. Insurance coverage also varies depending on the type and severity of the injury and the specific treatment required. Consult with Dr. Alisa Yamasaki to discuss the best treatment for your situation. Her office will help to determine your insurance coverage details.

What office near me can help with nasal trauma?

Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon, sees patients in her offices in New Jersey and Philadelphia.