Injury to the nasal region of the face can produce damage to both the skin and the deeper nasal structures. Nasal bones and the nasal septum (the wall-like structure in between the nostrils) can be fractured or disrupted. Depending on the extent of injury, other structures within the face may require treatment as well. Some nasal injuries may be very minor and not require operative treatment. Surgical treatment of nasal injuries is performed to repair soft tissues or damaged structures such as broken nasal bones, or displaced nasal septum. Nasal injury repair surgery is intended to minimize potential deformities due to abnormal healing of displaced nasal structures.

Nasal injury repair surgery is most frequently performed using a closed technique in which skin incisions are not necessary. Nasal bones can be elevated and the nasal septum straightened. If the nasal injury is more severe, incisions and more involved surgical techniques may be needed. Surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia.

Timing of nasal injury repair surgery is critical as nasal bone fractures tend to heal quickly.
Nasal injuries may create visible, tactile and functional deformities involving the nose. Future reconstructive surgery may be necessary to treat residual nasal region deformities and functional problems of decreased nasal airway function.

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