Post-op Rhinoplasty: Nasal Tubes?

I asked my doctor if he will be putting "packing" in my nose post op, he said no but that he may use two tubes inside my nose. I searched the internet but I cant find any information on that. What are the tubes, how do they work, and are they painful?

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by IvyK in Cleveland, OH

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Stents after nose surgery

Packing is different to stenting a nose after surgery. Packing is soft foam or gauze used to control bleeding. Stents are for support. Immediately after surgery the nose is in a weakened state and needs internal support to maintain the septum in the middle and also to press the mucous lining against the septal cartilage.

Using Nasal Splints after Septum Surgery

To operate on the cartilage and bone wall partition between the nostrils (the septum), its lining must be peeled off exposing the actual wall. Once the procedure is completed, the lining which has the feel of thin wall paper needs to be pushed seamlessly against the septum. The purpose of doing so is to promote scarring and adhesion to the septum ASAP without allowing fluid or blood accumulation in between these 2 linings and the septum (such as a septal hematoma). To achieve this effect... more

Nasal packing or splints after Rhinoplasty

Doyle splints, as they are called, are used to stabilize the nasal septum after septoplasty, or when some of the septal cartilage was taken to help reshape other parts of the nose. They provide a more stable, regular support to the septum than traditional nasal packing. In my experience most patients prefer the splints over the packing, because there is a canal which can allow for nasal breathing (sometimes it can clog though).

Nasal tube splints

The tubes your surgeon mentioned are most likely Doyle splints. These are silicone sheets with a tube placed on one side to allow air to flow. You'll know that they're there but they aren't too painful, in my experience. They're usually slid out of the nose a week after surgery - this burns for a few minutes. It certainly not as bad as having the nose packed -- something that used to be done more routinely a few decades ago. You can check out the below video clip... more

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Doyle and Denver Splints

Rhinoplasty (Nose job) is a common operation that is performed in multiple different ways. Depending on what is done, your post-operative management and care may vary. The tubes your surgeon is referring to are "Doyle" splints which help the healing of the septum and the inner nose. Denver splints or aquaplast splints can be applied over tape to protect the nasal bones. All of these are usually removed after a week. Nasal packing is usually removed sooner secondary to the risk... more

Nasal "tubes" after rhinoplasty

As mentioned, Doyle splints are commonly used in the nose after septal surgery. The idea is that they provide some compression to the septum and prevent septal hematomas (blood clots between the septal mucosa). However, I personally believe that they do not do this and only unnecessarily cause pain for the patient. I always place a "mattress" suture back and forth through the septum after septoplasty. The suture dissolves by itself and therefore does not... more

Open lumen nasal splint allows breathing while packing

These are called Doyle splints and the purpose of the tube is as follows :"The NEW Doyle Open Lumen Splint is designed to keep the nasal airway patent while maintaining support of the septum"

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

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Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty splinting

Hi Ivy, After surgery on the nasal septum (the wall that separates the two nasal airways from each other), a type of silicone splint, called a Doyle splint, may be placed to maintain the alignment of the septum as well as to compress the space created by the surgery. these typically stay in about 5-7 days. That's likely what your surgeon is talking about. It isn't used by every nasal specialist, and some just use sutures alone. A lot depends on the stability of the nose at... more

Nasal tubes perform a similar function to nasal packing or septal splints

Dear IvyK , The purpose of nasal packing is to support the septum, and to place compression on the lining of the septum to prevent fluid/blood build up around the septum. This function may also be served by using various splints and nasal tubes that are commonly used as part of rhinoplasty. In general these devices are very well tolerated and are not painful. They may be uncomfortable if they have hard edges that 'dig in' to the lining of the nose. Surgeons... more

Nasal packing after rhinoplasty which one is right for you

Dear rhinoplasty patient from Cleveland, OH, There are nasal packings (spongy) with silicone tubes in the center that help patient breath through them while providing compression. There are septal splints (with a tube in the center made of silicone) that are used after Septoplasty to keep the septum in the center. Talk to your surgeon and ask him to describe the type material he is planning to use. Good luck.