Rhinoplasty cast removal caused nose to bleed slightly. Is this normal?

Question

I had my nasal cast removed today, 7 days post operatively. The nurse who removed my cast commented on how "very stuck on" my cast was still. My cast was a plastic cast in 3 sections that could be clicked open at either side then pulled off, instead of using anything to loosen it the nurse just pulled it off my face and this was painful. After removal my nose started to bleed from the left nostril, is bleeding after cast removal normal or could this have damaged my nose and effect my results?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ashmalc,Thanks for your question.Yes, it is possible for the nose to bleed a little after the removal of the cast.  They certainly can stick down quite aggressively.  As long as the bleeding stopped there should be no problem.  Just continue to communicate with your surgeon about this and any anxieties it might have provoked so you can be properly taken care of.Good luck,Dr. Shah

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  This is a difficult question to answer without seeing you in person.  I would contact your surgeon and have them examine you in person to assure that no damage was done with the cast removal.  In general, I haven't seen much damage caused by a cast removal; however, with the bleeding you had it would be difficult to say this for sure.  I hope that this helps, and answers your question!-David Gilpin

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

At 7 days postop, it is not unusual to have some bleeding associated with cast and/or suture removal. However, this should not be persistent. If you find that it is not stopping you should immediately call your rhinoplasty surgeon to find out how best to proceed. It is unlikely that any damage was caused internally from removing the cast but this would be best determined by your surgeon. Best of luck.

Mark Mandell-Brown, MD · Answer

Bleeding is normal because internal incisions are still healing     Everyone uses different casts.    Trust the doctor you selected.     Best wishes for a nice healing process

Rhinoplasty cast removal caused nose to bleed slightly. Is this normal?

Answers (4)