Can I take my own plaster off my nose 8 days post-op?

Question

I had open septoplasty surgery done 8 days ago and I still have my cast on, I can’t get an appt with my surgeon till December, can I take the cast off myself? I had to go to my doctors to have my stitches removed today, I have no swelling as I can see or feel, I’m still bruised a little & have blood shot eyes! My nose isn’t hurting but the cast is becoming very uncomfortable, itching & feels very sweaty under there!

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

You should ask your surgeon before you make any changes in the aftercare procedure you were instructed. Especially, if you have a cast on your nose, it should be removed by your surgeon. If it's a band on your nose, you should still consult your surgeon before removing it yourself unless you were instructed otherwise. You should be able to visit your surgeon in times of need, and even if you cannot, maybe you can at least have a phone call and speak to them that way.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Santdeep Paun, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

It seems surprising that you cannot get an appointment to see your surgeon until December if you have just had surgery. You need to explain to the secretary or receptionist that you have the plaster on and need it to be removed. I suspect it is an oversight. 
In theory you can remove it yourself if needs be, dependent on what plaster was applied. Often just getting the plaster wet by putting your head under a shower will loosen it enough to be peel away but I would seek advise from your surgeon before doing anything!

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

It’s tempting and most likely in your case wouldn’t cause any harm but I’ve never heard of a doctor who wouldn’t see you to do this. If there are grafts under your skin you can dislodge them if you don’t take the cast off properly. Good luck

Paul Tulley, MD, MBBS, FRCS(Plastic) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. You should see your surgeon to remove the cast. It’s better that they remove it and they may want to tape the nose to control swelling after it has been removed also.It’s best to recontact your surgeon and speak with the team to ensure this is done for you.Good luck with your treatment.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
My best advice would be to call your surgeon's office and INSIST to be seen for a postoperative appointment or at least be given instructions for appropriate aftercare. Explain that you have plaster on your nose and have been given no instructions. It sounds as if there was miscommunication as postoperative appointments are essential to achieve the best result.
"The squeaky door gets the grease".
Best wishes...

Can I take my own plaster off my nose 8 days post-op?

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Can I take my own plaster off my nose 8 days post-op?

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