Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture): When to Be Seen and Why Timing Matters
A broken nose (nasal fracture) is one of the most common facial injuries, often occurring after a fall, sports injury, assault, or accident. While swelling and bruising can make it difficult to assess immediately, early specialist review is crucial to achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we regularly assess and treat nasal fractures for both self-pay and insured patients.
Why You Should Be Seen Around Day 5
Immediately after injury, swelling often masks the true position of the nasal bones. For this reason:
Days 1–3: Too swollen to accurately assess alignment
Around day 5: Swelling has usually reduced enough to assess deformity
By 3 weeks: Nasal bones begin to set and manipulation may no longer be effective
👉 The optimal time for ENT assessment is around day 3-7 after injury.
This allows us to determine whether a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) of the nose is required.
Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA): The 3-Week Window
If the nose is broken and displaced, a simple procedure called MUA of the nasal bones may be recommended.
Key points patients should know:
MUA is most effective within 3 weeks of injury
After this time, the bones heal in the wrong position
Late presentation may mean that formal rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty is required instead
Delays can convert a simple procedure into a much more complex operation.
Symptoms That Suggest a Broken Nose
You should seek ENT assessment if you notice:
A visibly crooked or flattened nose
Persistent nasal blockage after injury
Worsening bruising or swelling
Pain and tenderness over the nasal bones
New snoring or difficulty breathing through the nose
Septal haematoma (a blood collection inside the nose) is rare but serious and requires urgent assessment.
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics
Your consultation may include:
Careful external and internal nasal examination
Nasal endoscopy if needed
Assessment of breathing as well as appearance
Discussion of whether MUA is appropriate
Imaging is rarely required unless there are complex facial injuries.
Self-Pay and Insurance Options
Self-Pay Patients
Rapid access to specialist ENT assessment
Clear, transparent pricing
Timely scheduling to stay within the 3-week MUA window
No GP referral required
Self-pay is often the fastest route for patients who have sustained a recent nasal injury.
Insured Patients
We see patients covered by major UK insurers
Authorisation is usually required prior to treatment
Early contact is essential to avoid delays beyond the 3-week window
Our team can advise on the practical steps to proceed quickly.
Why Early ENT Review Matters
Seeing an ENT specialist promptly:
Improves the chance of successful simple realignment
Reduces the risk of long-term nasal blockage
Minimises the likelihood of needing complex corrective surgery later
If you think you may have broken your nose, do not wait for it to “settle.”
Key Take-Home Messages
Aim to be seen by ENT around day 5 after injury
MUA of the nose must usually be completed within 3 weeks
Both self-pay and insured pathways are available
Early treatment leads to better breathing and cosmetic outcomes
👉 If you’ve sustained a nasal injury, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics as soon as possible to arrange assessment within the optimal treatment window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)
How do I know if my nose is broken?
Common signs include pain, swelling, bruising around the eyes, a visibly crooked nose, and new nasal blockage. Not all fractures look dramatic initially because swelling can hide deformity.
Do I need an X-ray or scan?
No. Nasal fractures are a clinical diagnosis. Imaging is only required if there is concern about more complex facial injuries.
When is the best time to be assessed by ENT?
Ideally around day 5 after injury. By this point swelling has reduced enough to assess alignment accurately, while still leaving time to treat.
What is a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) of the nose?
An MUA is a short procedure where displaced nasal bones are gently realigned under anaesthetic. It is most effective when performed within 3 weeks of injury.
What happens if I wait longer than 3 weeks?
After around 3 weeks, the nasal bones begin to heal in position. At that stage, simple manipulation is often no longer possible and corrective surgery such as septorhinoplasty may be required later.
Is MUA painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local or general anaesthetic. Afterward, discomfort is usually mild and settles with simple pain relief.
Can a broken nose affect breathing even if it looks straight?
Yes. Internal displacement of the septum can cause nasal blockage even when the external appearance looks acceptable.
Do you see self-pay patients?
Yes. We offer self-pay appointments with rapid access, clear pricing, and prompt scheduling to ensure treatment can be completed within the 3-week window.
Do you see insured patients?
Yes. We see patients covered by major UK insurers. Early contact is important, as authorisation delays can push treatment beyond the ideal timeframe.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly for assessment, which is often the fastest way to be seen after a nasal injury.
Where are you based?
We provide consultant-led care at Hampshire ENT Clinics, at Medicana Winchester.