Within 72 hours, the infection can form a septal abscess.Treating a septal hematoma requires it to be incised and drained to prevent avascular necrosis of the septal hyaline cartilage. This will depend on diffusion of nutrients from its attached nasal mucosa.The septum can generally heal within 1 week, without any evidence of the incision. The mucosa will appear healthy and smooth.Secondary infections can be prevented by starting the patient on an antibiotic regimen immediately after the procedure and continuing the treatment while the nasal packs are in place. If an abscess is present, a specimen of the abscess can be sent for culture to ensure that the antibiotics prescribed have provided adequate coverage. Culture-directed therapy can help avert dangerous late sequalae, including the intracranial extension of a septal abscess. If the hematoma is not promptly drained, the septal cartilage may be destroyed. In such cases, a saddle-nose deformity may develop. Prognosis
As long as the septal hematoma is treated promptly, a full recovery is common. If the condition is left untreated and develops complications such as fever, infection, or an abscess, then the nasal septal hematoma is still very treatable if seen by a doctor. If saddle nose is developed, surgery could be required. Epidemiology
Septal hematomas are rare but can effect everyone in every age group. There is no exact number  of the incidence that occur because a lot of the cases will remain undiagnosed.
Nasal septal hematoma is a condition affecting the nasal septum. It can be associated with trauma.A septal hematoma is blood that collects in the space between the septal cartilage and the overlying perichondrium (a cross section of the cartilaginous portion of the nasal septum). A hematoma may deprive the septal cartilage of its blood supply from the overlying mucosa and can lead to permanent sequelae.The septal cartilage has no blood supply of its own and will receives all of its nutrients and oxygen from the perichondrium. An untreated septal hematoma may lead to the destruction of the septum and immediate drainage is necessary. Timely diagnosis and/or treatment of septal hematomas can cause what is called a saddle nose deformity.This condition is more common in children because the septum is thicker and the lining more flexible. Signs and symptoms
A normal nasal septum is rigid and thin. If you have a septal hematoma, your doctor will be able to press it down with a swab as the area will be soft. A quick check in the nose will show any swelling between the nostrils.Symptoms can include:

blockage in breathing
change in nose shape
painful swelling of nasal septum
nasal congestion.On occasion, it is possible for people with a septal hematoma to experience headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. Causes
The most common causes of nasal septal hematomas include:

broken nose (nasal fracture)
medication
surgery or injury to the soft tissue area.In adults, nasal septal hematoma typically occur with significant facial trauma and/or nasal fracture.