After Rhinoplasty Does Packing Make Your Nose Look Wider Before You Remove It?

Question

ive noticed my nose looks wider after rhinoplasty. i have a splint on and packing inside which Iam instructed to remove in a few hours..will it look smaller when i remove the packing?

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, even a small amount of packing placed in the nasal cavity following rhinoplasty will increase its apparent width. After the packing is removed, some of this will resolve, but even then depending upon what type of rhinoplasty was performed, the nose may appear wide for several months as the swelling (edema) resolves. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The packing may make the nose look wider at certain points.  You also have to factor in swelling, which makes early results look wider.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Yes, removing nasal packing will generally make the nose smaller or narrower. Packing type and shape will vary among surgeons and rhinoplasty procedures. If packing is used for your rhinoplasty, then it is typically removed the next day in the office.

	Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

While nasal packing is not a technique that I use in rhinoplasty, it can definitely make your nostrils look wider as it pushes them outward.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

In general the answer is yes. It depends on the type and amount of packing in your nose. Most surgeons today do not pack the nose or if they do leave it for a short period.

After Rhinoplasty Does Packing Make Your Nose Look Wider Before You Remove It?

Answers (8)