Almost 40 percent of bone injuries in facial trauma patients are nose fractures. The treatment for the fracture commences with primary care involving evaluating the extent of the injury, assessing the reasons for the injury, and understanding the face and nose condition before the injury.
A rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeon can effectively treat nasal fractures.
There are various types of nasal fractures. If left untreated, these fractures can lead to breathing problems and nose deformities such as a crooked nose. A fracture can occur in any location in the “bony pyramid” (the pyramid-like bony structure protruding from the face).
Different types of osteotomy (the practice of rejoining and resetting bones) would be required to treat different types of nasal fractures. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides rhinoplasty to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.
Greenstick Fractures
These fractures impact the nasal bone edges. Greenstick fractures typically develop in children as their bones are still developing and very malleable. For this reason, these fractures are usually partial rather than fully broken bones.
Saddle Deformity
Saddle deformity is a more serious type of nasal fracture as it causes the nasal septum and bridge to disintegrate and become conclave into the face. This fracture gets its name from the saddle-like shape which is visible when the face is seen in profile.
The development of the Saddle deformity occurs due to facial trauma or the disintegration of cartilage because of snorting drugs such as cocaine. The treatment of this condition involves the nose surgeon sourcing cartilage or rib bone tissue from a donor to restore the nasal septum and bridge.
Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking down into three or more pieces. The surgeon will eliminate the extra bone fragments as they can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
The surgeon will align the nasal bones as well. Comminuted fractures usually develop due to severe injuries or in older patients with weakened bones.
Le Fort Fractures
At times, a serious injury can cause damage to the bones behind the nose, called the maxillae. The maxillae consist of two bones that make up the upper jaw and palate offering support to the structure of the nose. These fractures are known as Le Fort fractures and are classified into three types.
Le Fort I fractures develop in a horizontal position and damage the nostril and jawline. Le Fort II fractures affect the maxillae beneath the eye sockets surrounding the nasal bridge.
A Le Fort II fracture leads to damage to the bones in the “bony-pyramid” region. This fracture goes from the nose bridge to the corners of the mouth in an inverted V-shape. Le Fort III fractures cause damage to the bones around the eyes or the orbital sockets.
Positive News
Le Fort fractures are a serious condition requiring prompt treatment as it can lead to long-term damage to the brain and the palate. A skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon can effectively treat these fractures.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other suburbs and towns in this part of California.
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579