Removed the rhinoplasty cast 5 days post op. Will it ruin the outcome?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty using an ear cartilage graft 5 days ago. I had the stitches removed and the cast reapplied on the 4th day and today I took it off by mistake. Will it affect the outcome of my surgery? Would sticking it back on help?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I get generally get a phone call every few months that a patients cast inadvertently came off prematurely following their rhinoplasty surgery. I first tell them to remain calm!  I advise them not to place the cast back on their nose as this can cause harm to the surgical result if not applied properly.  You may have a bit more swelling than if the cast had remained on the entire suggested time but your outcome should be the same.   I would call your surgeon and seek their advice.

Reza Nassab, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Most surgeons will keep the splint on for a week before removal.  This helps maintain the position following any bony work and reshaping.  It is best to discuss with your surgeon rather than trying to place the splint back on yourself.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Your questions is best answered by your surgeon, particularly after he/she has examined your nose. We here can not say what if any damage was done by removing your splint.I do like to have my patients keep the splint on for 7 days. The purpose of the splint is to minimize edema, and help keep things in place after the position of the bones and cartilage in your nose have been altered. When taking the splint off it is very important to be careful so that the skin is not pulled away from the underlying structure of the nose, which is why we do this very meticulously and slowly. I advise you to see your surgeon. Hope this helps.

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

AnxiouslyAwaitingResults,
Thanks for your question.  I would review this with your surgeon as soon as you can.  I would not suggest you reapply the splint yourself.  My reasoning is that only your surgeon knows what level of bony work was done during surgery, and that you are really at a high risk of moving your nasal bones in the process of reapplying your splint if you do it yourself.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You need to review this with your surgeon. I like to keep them on about 7 days or so.................

Removed the rhinoplasty cast 5 days post op. Will it ruin the outcome?

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Removed the rhinoplasty cast 5 days post op. Will it ruin the outcome?

Answers (9)

Answer: Post-rhinoplasty splint

Answer: Post-rhinoplasty splint

Answer: Splint and rhinoplasty

Answer: Splint and rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.