What do the splints look like after an open rhinoplasty?

Question

I watched an animated video that made it look like normal tape but that doesn't seem very secure to me.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Splints after rhinoplasty are both external and sometimes internal. The external splints are composed of tape against the skin and then an either metal-foam splint (Denver) or a perforated plastic splint (Aquaplast). These splints hep to protect against external trauma. Internal silicone splints called Doyle splints are secured against the septum to help prevent internal scar formation. All splints, tape and stitches are all commonly removed after one week.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending upon how involved your surgical procedure is and whether or not there is internal work performed nasal splints may be internal and external or only external.  Internal splints are usually made of silastic and external splint material along with taping can vary.  All of these splints are designed to maintain the shape and position of your operated on nose during the crucial first week following rhinoplasty surgery.  They are quite tolerable and cause little discomfort.

Lydia Badia, MD · Answer

The external splint is used to support and protect the nose
after Rhinoplasty surgery.  It usually
involves placing tapes across the bridge of the nose and around the nasal
tip.  This is then covered with a plaster
cast.  Skin adhesive is used to encourage
the splint to remain intact for a week after your surgery.  Sometimes when work is performed on the septum
a thin flexible plastic sheet is used internally to support the structure.  All splints are usually removed at one week
after your surgery.

Metin Kerem, MD · Answer

The splints after an open rhinoplasty are variable upon the extent of surgery. In cases where some internal work is conducted as well, we prefer to insert internal silicone splints with air channels that allow breathing. If we don't touch the septum, we do not use any internal splints. If a bony reshaping is done, a thermoplastic cast is placed over the tapes that cover the nose.If we just perform a tip-plasty, then this cast is not necessary, and the tapes are enough to support the structure.

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Greetings,Many surgeons use both internal and external splints.  Internal splints are sometimes used when work is done inside the nose to correct a deviated septum or breathing problems.  They are long, thin, flexible sheets of soft plastic that are typically left in place for one week.  An external splint or cast is used by many surgeons following open rhinoplasty to provide external stability and to minimize swelling of the soft tissues of the nose.  The cast is usually also removed after one week and is shaped to fit over the outside of the nose.  It is typically held in place with underlying steri strips.  The best way to get the specifics on these questions however is to consult with your surgeon.  Good luck!

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Most surgeons use paper tape or steri strips on top of the nose to hole the skin and soft tissues in proper alignment over the underlying cartilage and bone framework.  Often a plastic or foam/aluminum splint is placed on top of this - especially if the nose has been narrowed by separating the nasal bones from the cheek.  In my experience the tapes stick surprisingly well and it is unusual for the splint/tape to come off prior to the first post-op office visit.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The nasal taping applied at the end of rhinoplasty is the most important part of the “splint” which secures the nasal skeleton in a favorable position for healing. Many surgeons, myself included, place a light aluminum splint atop the nasal tape for a layer of protection, but this may be largely unnecessary. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

The exact external dressing used after rhinoplasty varies from surgeon to surgeon and depends also on what is done (i.e., whether controlled bone fractures are performed).The typical dressing includes steristrip tape. I augment this with skin adhesive to help it stick. On top of the tape I'll often place a moldable plastic cast (aquaplast thermosplint).You can see a photo of what this looks like at my web reference link below.Obviously, your particular surgeon may use a different dressing so you can check with him or her about specifics in your situation.

Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD · Answer

The splint used varies from surgeon to surgeon.  Most use a layer of tape against the skin and a thin splint applied to the tape.  It can be plastic, or aluminum.  Usually it is removed at one week.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

The taping and external cast typically stay on quite securely during recovery. If your surgeon is an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, they will have a tried and true regimen after surgery. Best wishes.

What do the splints look like after an open rhinoplasty?

Answers (17)

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