In cases of facial trauma, almost 40 percent of bone injuries are nose fractures.
The treatment commences with primary care, which involves evaluating the extent of the injury, assessing the reasons for the injury, and understanding the face and nose condition before the incident. A rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeon can effectively treat nasal fractures.
Not Ideal
There are various types of nose fractures, and these fractures can lead to breathing obstructions and a crooked or deformed nose if left untreated.
A fracture can develop in any place in the “bony pyramid,” which is the pyramid-like bony structure that projects from the face.
Different types of osteotomy (the practice of rejoining or resetting the bones) are necessary for different types of fractures. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide rhinoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Greenstick Fractures
Greenstick fractures develop of the edges of the nasal bones. These fractures typically occur in children as their bones are still developing and are quite malleable. Due to this reason, these fractures are usually partial rather than fully broken bones.
Saddle Deformity
The saddle deformity is a more serious type of nasal fracture that causes the nose bridge and septum to collapse and become conclave into the face. The condition gets its name from the saddle-like shape which is noticeable when the face is seen in profile.
Saddle deformity can occur due to acute facial trauma or the disintegration of cartilage due to snorting drugs such as cocaine. To address this condition, the surgeon will take cartilage or rib bone tissue from a donor to restore the nasal septum and bridge.
Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture causes the bone to disintegrate into three or more fragments. The surgeon will remove the extra bone fragments, which can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Subsequently, the surgeon will align the nasal bones. This condition usually occurs due to severe injuries or in elderly 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 providing support to the nasal structure. These fractures are known as Le Fort fractures and are classified into three types.
Le Fort I fractures develop in a horizontal position and lead to damage to the jaw and nostril line. Le Fort II fractures affect the maxillae beneath the eye sockets in the area surrounding the nasal bridge.
A Le Fort II fracture damages the bones in the “bony-pyramid” area. This fracture extends from the nasal bridge to the mouth corners in an inverted V-shape. Le Fort III fractures cause damage to the bones around the eyes or the orbital sockets.
Le Fort fractures are a serious condition and require immediate medical attention. Delays in treatment can lead to long-term damage to the brain and the palate. An experienced nose surgeon can effectively treat these fractures.
Cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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