Should I Have Been Given a Cast or Splint After Closed Rhinoplasty? No Bones Were Broken. Just Gauze

Splints are not always needed after a rhinoplasty.  They are general used after an infracture is performed to narrow the bony nasal base.  If the fracture was not performed then the splint is not necessary.  

THe splint is used mainly to keep the bones in place after osteotomy. It may help with initial molding and swelling, but if the bones were not treated, then it is unlikely to be necessary.  Some surgeons will also place it to remind the patient to be careful after surgery.

We doubt that your surgeon forgot. The splint is used to help support the infracture when performed, and to control swelling. There are times, perhaps, with septal repairs and spreader grafts alone that the splint is not needed. You are the lucky one.

Splints, or nasal casts, are only REALLY needed when the nasal bones are broken and osteotomies are performed.  I usually put casts on ALL my rhinoplasties, simply as a reminder to the patient to be careful of their nose in general, but the cast isn't really needed.  Some surgeons may put only tape on the nose in this case, or nothing.  

If the bones are not "moved" with osteotomies, a splint is really not necessary. I usually just tape the nose if no osteotomies are done. However, some surgeons put one on everyone as a reminder to not hit the nose, afford some protection, and keep it out of sight while the swelling is the greatest.

Don't worry about the lack of a splint and get well soon.

Michael Kim, MD