What do I do if the splint my ENT put on my nose after resetting it comes off? Should I put it back on or is it fine?

Question

After breaking my nose, my ENT reset it and put a splint on it last Tuesday. He wanted me to leave it on for 1 week until I see him again. However, it fell off today. I'm not positive how it was placed on my nose. Should I try to place it back on or leave it alone and just be careful?

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Good morning, and thank you for your inquiry. The splint is placed on the nose for a reason. Usually it is to keep all delicate structures in place. My best advice to you would be to telephone your physician immediately.  Your doctor will know how to proceed from that point. He may tell you to come in to his office for immediate reevaluation. Good luck with this issue.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

If your nose splint falls off and your doctor had wanted it on, then you should contact the doctor to see what to do.  In some of our patients, we tell them that it's preferred but not necessary, so if it falls off it's OK.  In others, I tell my patients that it's mandatory, so it should be placed back on.  You should find out which category  you are in.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Your splint should remain on and should easily fit back in place with tape over the top to hold it in place.  You should contact your ENT surgeon for their advice as well.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that it is best for you to contact your surgeon to determine what he wants you to do. Sometimes it is left toff, and sometimes the surgeon wants to put a new one on.

What do I do if the splint my ENT put on my nose after resetting it comes off? Should I put it back on or is it fine?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal splint

Answer: Nasal splint

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What do I do if the splint my ENT put on my nose after resetting it comes off? Should I put it back on or is it fine?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal splint

Answer: Nasal splint

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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.