Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ask a Question

Will Removing Nose Splint Early Affect Rhinoplasty Results?

I recently had a Rhinoplasty for narrowing my broad side walls and also for fixing sinus problem. But 3 days after, I took off the splint on my nose because it was irritating me a lot. Is it going to affect the shape of my nose? I can hardly see any difference in my previous and post-surgery nose. Shall I put on the splint back?

Tags:

nose big nose

Comment on this

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by meet_trouble in n delhi

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

Early nasal splint removal by patient can ruin result--Do NOT Do THIS!

Unfortunately, I can state honestly that in the 23 years I have done rhinoplasty surgery, I have had early splint removal by patients ruin the results--requiring reoperation--in 3 of the 4 patients who admitted they did this. I also believe that I may have caused less-than-perfect results by my own removal of nasal splints earlier than would have otherwise been better. I now leave nasal splints on for ten days in most cases. Splints are used to hold the nasal skin in place over the... more

This is highly likely to affect the final result.

I hate to say it, but taking off the cast early--especially if their are splints or packing in the nose or significant swelling in the nose--may well have permanently affected the final result. Most of the time, the cast and taping are actually critical parts of the final stabilization of the nose. If it were me, I would contact my surgeon immediately about this.

You will be more swollen after taking splint off too soon

Most surgeons prefer you to keep the splint on for anywhere from 5 to 7 days or longer after rhinoplasty. The splint helps to protect your nose somewhat from being bumped after surgery. But, the main function of the splint is to reduce swelling of your nose in the immediate period after surgery. Taking the splint off too soon will not usually change your end result but will cause you to have increased swelling for a longer period of time.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Definitely Worth It! - Vancouver, BC

I've always wanted to have rhinoplasty ever since I was a little girl. My nose is the...

Before + After Photos

View 3573 Rhinoplasty photos

Splint Removal PostRhinoplasty

There is no way to tell if you have altered the position of the nasal bones which were likely in-fractured due to your wide nose. You should go to your surgeon IMMEDIATELY to assess if there has been any change and to determine if it should be replaced. DO NOT do this yourself. Again by appling the splint while these in-fractured bones are healing may distort their position.

Nasal Cast/Splint Is Usually An Important

The effect of removing your spint will depend on the techniques that your surgeon used for your nasal surgery. You should schedule and appointment with your surgeon so that he or she can assess your nose and make sure that no negative consequences will arise from removing your splint early. The external splint is a very important part of preserving your surgical result. Most surgeons place surgical tape/steri-strips on the exterior of the nose. This helps do two very important things: (1)... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.