Is it normal to wash off my own cast after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I had rhinoplasty. They told me that no follow up appointment is necessary and to have a warm shower, and wash the lawyer cast off my nose on day 5. is this normal procedure?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

I'm sorry. I know every doctor has different ways of doing things. But this is just an incredibly difficult operation, and in my 34 years of operating on noses I've never even heard of someone not scheduling a follow-up appointment. The doctor needs to see how your nose is healing: if there are any impending complications, if there are any clues to a surprising problem with the result, a million things he might see.My advice is to call the office and schedule a time for the doctor to remove the splint himself, and for him to check your nose. I hope you got the message wrong, and they really *do* want to see you at one week. If they really don't, you still need to find a doctor to check you in one week. And tell everyone not to go to the doctor who operated on your nose.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

We like to remove the splint in our office at around one week so we can assess how you are healing but each surgeon is different.

David A. F. Ellis, MD · Answer

The purpose of the cast is to minimize the swelling. It can be removed after 48 hrs but is usually to pain at that time. 5 days is average.  As a surgeon, I like to take the cast off myself as do most surgeons as there can be many questions that the patient may want to ask.It depends on how the cast is attached. The skin of your nose will be very oily so it should come off easily. Use  warm not hot water or go back to your surgeon and have him or his assistant remove it.

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own postoperative management routine.  It is okay to remove your own cast if your surgeon instructed you to do so.  If you are having difficulties, make sure to discuss them with your surgeon or his nurse who likely can help.  Many surgeons do like to see their patients postoperatively to evaluate the result and counsel the patients, but again this may be variable.  Best wishes.

Is it normal to wash off my own cast after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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