Rhinoplasty Splints
Dr. Christopher Hove receives a number of questions about rhinoplasty (nose job) recovery from patients in the Philadelphia, PA. Many patients wonder about nose splints. Also known as nasal splints, nose splints are used to help the nose maintain its shape after rhinoplasty. Nasal splints are typically made of silicone or aluminum and are a common part of the healing process.
Let’s go over a few more basics about nasal splints so you have a better understanding of the rhinoplasty recovery process.
Why Are Nose Splints Necessary?
The nose is extremely delicate after a rhinoplasty. Just resting your glasses on the bridge of your nose or sneezing can have adverse effects on the shape of your nose following surgery.
Nasal splints will help your nose remain in one position as you heal, which means better cosmetic outcomes once you have fully recovered from surgery.
Internal and External Nose Splints
There are two kinds of nasal splints:
- External Nose Splints - These splints are placed on the outside of the nose to aid with healing. Everyone who undergoes rhinoplasty and most nasal surgeries will have external splints placed.
- Internal Nose Splints - Internal splints are placed inside of the nostrils to help support the septum. These splints are less common in rhinoplasty and more common in septoplasty, a procedure performed to correct a deviated septum.
Some patients will have both external and internal splints placed. We can discuss that with you during your consultation at our Philadelphia area practice.
The Benefits of Nose Splints After Surgery
The benefits of having nasal splints in place include:
- Maintaining ideal shape for the nose
- Minimizing post-op swelling
- Controlling post-op nosebleeds
- Preventing hepatomas from forming
- Improving breathing after surgery
Even though nasal splints are on the nose itself or inside the nostrils, they do not cause pain or undue discomfort as a patient heals.
How Long Will I Need to Have Nose Splints?
It can vary from patient to patient. In most cases, external splints are worn for about two weeks, while internal splints may be in place for just a week or less. This can also be discussed as part of the consultation process.
Removal of Nose Splints
Removal of nasal splints will occur at one of the post-op follow-up visits to our practice. Dr. Hove will remove the nasal splints carefully, making sure patients are not in pain or distressed at all.
What Should I Do If a Nose Split Comes Loose?
Nasal splints typically do not come loose on their own. If they do, it’s important that you contact our practice as soon as possible so the matter can be dealt with in a timely manner. Do not attempt to remove the splints or adjust them on your own.
What Should I Do If I Have Other Issues During Healing?
If you run into any kinds of issues with your nasal splints of other recovery matters, we advise you to speak with someone on our team. We’ll be able to address these concerns as soon as possible and help you recovery from rhinoplasty with as few complications as possible.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty
If you live in the Philadelphia area and would like to learn more about rhinoplasty and how it can benefit you, be sure to contact an experienced facial plastic surgeon. You can reach the Hove Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Paoli by phone at (610) 647-3727.
