Post-op Rhinoplasty: Nasal Tubes?

Packing is different to stenting a nose after surgery. Packing is soft foam or gauze used to control bleeding. Stents are for support. Immediately after surgery the nose is in a weakened state and needs internal support to maintain the septum in the middle and also to press the mucous lining against the septal cartilage.

The tubes your surgeon mentioned are most likely Doyle splints. These are silicone sheets with a tube placed on one side to allow air to flow. You'll know that they're there but they aren't too painful, in my experience. They're usually slid out of the nose a week after surgery - this burns for a few minutes. It certainly not as bad as having the nose packed -- something that used to be done more routinely a few decades ago.

You can check out the below video clip where I discuss this further.

Rhinoplasty (Nose job) is a common operation that is performed in multiple different ways. Depending on what is done, your post-operative management and care may vary. The tubes your surgeon is referring to are "Doyle" splints which help the healing of the septum and the inner nose. Denver splints or aquaplast splints can be applied over tape to protect the nasal bones. All of these are usually removed after a week. Nasal packing is usually removed sooner secondary to the risk of infection. Nasopore or gelfoam can be utilized, which absorb. I hope this helps. Dr. Trussler

As mentioned, Doyle splints are commonly used in the nose after septal surgery.  The idea is that they provide some compression to the septum and prevent septal hematomas (blood clots between the septal mucosa).  However, I personally believe that they do not do this and only unnecessarily cause pain for the patient.  I always place a "mattress" suture back and forth through the septum after septoplasty.  The suture dissolves by itself and therefore does not need to be removed.  This more effectively prevents septal hematoma.  In my experience, eliminating Doyle splints eliminates about 90% of the postoperative pain.  Some patients are absolutely miserable because of the splints.  Finally, studies have been done that show no real benefit to placement of nasal splints in most cases. 

These are called Doyle splints and the purpose of the tube  is as follows :"The NEW Doyle Open Lumen Splint is designed to keep the nasal airway patent while maintaining support of the septum"