Rhinoplasty cast removed harshly and painfully. Is this normal or will it affect the shape of my nose?

Question

The doctor couldn't get the tape and cast off easily so when he used tweezers to pull it of, it was so much pressure and pain to my nose. Like will my nose be crooked due to the doctor pulling my cast off with a ton of force like he did?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Well, it's not normal to have frank pain with splint removal, as well as not requiring "a ton of force." Yet, if a forceps was used, it may have been more uncomfortable for you but less potentially damaging to the healing tissues.Timing of splint removal is an issue that has not been discussed. The earlier, the more forceful, and the more adherent (glue, tapes?) a nasal splint is, the more likelihood for potential disruption of the not-yet-healed tissues to cause deformity (crookedness) or bleeding/bruising that could lead to scar tissue formation and loss of cosmetic result.Truthful answer, no one knows whether or not your nose has been damaged. You can and probably should discuss your concerns and your perception of splint removal force and pain with your surgeon, especially if in a few months your nose does not look like you want. Who pays for what? How much will revision cost? When would this be done (1 year is the correct answer for most)?  But get this figured out now, for these are your real concerns, and they should have been discussed prior to your original surgery, IMHO. If not, then now. Do not just hope it will be OK. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

No, this is unlikely to negatively impact your results, but if you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your surgeon. Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure but give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and congratulations on your new nose!  Unfortunately, those nasal splints tend to go on much easier than they come off.  Since your PS removed your splint him/herself I would venture to say that there was not likely any trauma to the nose in the process but if you are concerned I always encourage patients to address their concerns with their PS directly.  I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Unfortunately, those nasal splints tend to go on much easier than they come off.  Since your plastic surgeon removed the splint himself, I feel sure it was done in the most gentle way possible with care.  Discuss your concern with your surgeon at your next appointment.

Rhinoplasty cast removed harshly and painfully. Is this normal or will it affect the shape of my nose?

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Rhinoplasty cast removed harshly and painfully. Is this normal or will it affect the shape of my nose?

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Answer: Rhinoplasty cast removed

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