Did Lack of Cast on Nose Cause Bridge to Widen?

Question

Could the position of the bones have been compromised by the absence of cast? I had a rhino/septoplasty 5 weeks ago. The width of the bridge have significantly increased postop despite the fact that my doctor moved the bones closer. Is it possible that the bones did not maintain their new position as I have not been fitted with a cast, only tape removed after 4 days?

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It mainly depends on how well the osteotomy was performed during the surgery.  It has little to do with the splint, eventhough the splint prevents the nasal bones from popping out with the swelling.  But if the nasal osteotomy was not complete the splint will not do much.

	Hope that helps.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Patients who undergo a rhinoplasty often have the bridge of their nose narrowed as part of the procedure. Occasionally, the nasal bones can splay outward during the healing process or as a result of incomplete osteotomies at the time of the procedure. The splint itself will not prevent nasal bone widening. The main purpose of an external splint is to help with swelling and protect the bones for the first week from being banged or inadvertently moved. They do not anchor the bones in the new position. I hope this information helps.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Tape and splint may reduce swelling but cannot keep partially released bones together. Without an examination is is impossible to tell so we can only guess why your bridge is wider. IF the controlled side fractures of the nose were not complete, theoretically the bones could have been pushed in but with memory slowly returned to their old positions. If this is the vase the fractures would need to be redone.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is very possible that the bones have "sprung" a bit back. Sometimes the fracture is not completely performed to "greenstick" the bones.  Sometimes the "greenstick" falls back away as the nose still appears wide.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

If  the bridge has spread, the cast would not have prevented this, but only delayed the movement. If the nasal bones were not completely separated from the surrounding tissue during surgery,  this can occur.  Your surgeon can evaluate and revise, if necessary..

Did Lack of Cast on Nose Cause Bridge to Widen?

Answers (6)

Answer: Osteotomy and nasal width

Answer: Osteotomy and nasal width

Answer: No Cast after Rhinoplasty

Answer: No Cast after Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Did Lack of Cast on Nose Cause Bridge to Widen?

Answers (6)

Answer: Osteotomy and nasal width

Answer: Osteotomy and nasal width

Answer: No Cast after Rhinoplasty

Answer: No Cast after Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.