Rhinoplasty splint removal - can I do it myself?

Question

I had a open rhinoplasty four days ago and the surgeon told me to remove the splint myself. I have to do it in three days.I read on many boards that this is very dangerous to be done even by qualified nurses and can alter the nose greatly if it's done incorrectly. Could you please tell me if I can do it myself and if so advice on the procedure? Thanks.

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

Hi Ann,
Your nasal splint may be very adherent because of the tape and adhesive that is holding it in place.  You certainly should not force it off.
In my practice I remove all nasal splints myself.  This is generally done 5 to 7 days after surgery.  The process can be anxiety provoking for even the bravest patient.  Over all, it is not really a big deal to get the splint off.  As Dr. Slupchynskyj suggested, getting it wet in the shower will help it to peel right off.  However, the swelling, and changes you will see in the first few minutes after splint removal should be observed, and examined by your surgeon.  This is a time during which sutures, healing, and internal nasal crusting are addressed.  At the very least, I would be sure to have an appointment with your surgeon within a few days of the splint removal.
Good luck.
Dr. T

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Some of the details are missing here. Is there a reason why you cannot see the surgeon or his assistant to have the splint removed? Was this performed out of the country? IF you are hesitant at all, contact the surgeon's office for an appointment to have it removed.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

You should have received instructions from your surgeon, You should call the office and ask him or his nurse how they want you to do this. We remove all of our splints in the office.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Seems like a little brief to be wearing the nasal splint following rhinoplasty. The bones are certainly not stable and the splint can help with keeping some of the swelling down following the surgery. There really is no magic to removing the splint. Steam or water will loosen the adhesive the splint is applied with on your nose and it is unlikely that you will do any harm to your nose.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly acceptable to remove the cast from your nose after rhinoplasty yourself, when instructed by your surgeon. Castings can be removed on day 6 or 7 after the nasal surgery has been performed. It is very simple. All one has to do is to jump in the shower, get the cast wet, peel it off in a vertical direction. At some point, you can still follow up with your surgeon within the first two weeks after the surgery to make sure healing is going in the right direction.

Rhinoplasty splint removal - can I do it myself?

Answers (5)