15 years post op - how would I know if I still have internal stents in my nose? Are stents used for every rhinoplasty?

Question

Backstory: I broke my nose in 2006 and had surgery to reset it. I was a college kid and too lazy to go to my post op appointment and just pulled out the gauze myself. I just watched a horrifying video of internal stents being pulled out post rhinoplasty and it got my thinking... Are internal stents used on all nose surgeries? Is there any possibility that Ive had some crazy stents stuffed up my nose for 15 years? I would know, right?!

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

Occasionally, stents are used to stabilize the nose/septum after septoplasty/rhinoplasty. They are generally a rubberized plastic material. It's highly unlikely that you had them placed along with gauze in the nose as the gauze is generally placed for the same purpose. Stents, if placed, are sutured in place to avoid displacement, a patient pulling them out, or swallowing them! I have seen cases of stents, or similar things, left in the nose for a long period of time. After years, they generally become more brittle and can crack or break. I have seen cases where patients get a lot of crusting (mucus build-up) on such things left in the nose.
Given all of that, I feel it's extremely unlikely that stents are still present in your nose after 15 years. A quick check by an otolaryngologist or nasal plastic surgeon will ensure that and give you absolute peace of mind.

Paige Kennedy, MD · Answer

Stents are often utilized in nasal surgery to provide support and aid in correct healing. Internal nasal splints/stents are used by many surgeons, however they are not used by everyone. Furthermore, there use is situationally dependent. The best way to know if there is any material in your nasal cavity is to have the area examined by your healthcare provider.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Most likely you would know because you can see them!  If you have any doubts, go see an ENT who can scope you in the office.  I heard a crazy story from Europe that one patient had internal splints in for 12 years so it can be well tolerated!  Best Wishes!!

George Bitar, MD · Answer

A stent is not always used after having your nose reset, and the gauze in your nostrils may have acted as the stent/packing.  You would likely be having symptoms if the stents have been there for 15 years.  They would have crusted over and clogged, so it would be difficult breathing out of the nose.  The only way to know for sure is to have someone look inside your nose.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Not all surgeons use stents. If you had stents I’m sure your surgeon would have pulled them out. It’s hard to imagine they are in there now but the only way to be sure is for someone to look in there

15 years post op - how would I know if I still have internal stents in my nose? Are stents used for every rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)