When getting rhinoplasty, I only had packing and a splint. Does not everyone get stents put in? What determines this?

Not all Rhinoplasty need a stent to be place inside the nose.  a broken nose or extensive reconstruction determines the use of a stent. Occasionally a stent, which is a firm piece of silicone that acts to stabilize the internal structure of the nose and prevent internal adhesion from forming. The Alar stent is a new method to resolve nasal valve collapse. This stent prevents collapse without the need for cartilage grafts or implants, which leads to quick healing.

Stents are not placed in all patients. When used, stents are placed after there is extensive work done on the septum to make sure the mucosa in the nose heals properly and with less risk of bleeding. Stents come built in with air flow tubes but they usually become clogged after a few days. Packing can work just as well and it is ultimately up to the surgeon to decide which technique they prefer. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon