Ask a doctor

Splint Fell off 5 Days After Surgery

Splint lost tightness around my nose 3 days after my surgery & completely came off on day 5. Do u think since splint came off it'll interfere w/ nose shape? Would my nose looked more narrow/defined if it would've stayed on. Or Does splint coming off affect my swelling only.I tried hard not 2 get splint wet. I would shower but I would'nt get my face wet. do u think the steam from the shower cause the splint to come off. Or maybe the melted ice from my ice pack.

Doctor Answers 3

What to do if your nasal cast falls off early

March 26th, 2011
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It's probably okay that your cast came off a day or two early. I would let your surgeon know just to be sure, though.

The cast is mainly there as protection (like wearing a helmet for your nose).

Web reference: http://www.drlamperti.com/facial-plastic-surgery/rhinoplasty

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD


Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 21 reviews

Splint Off 5 Days after Rhinoplasty

August 29th, 2010
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The splint is normally placed to minimize swelling and protect the nose from external trauma immediately after surgery, but I normally remove it on the 6th post-op day - 24 hours will not make any difference. Be careful until you see your surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Splint came off on day 5 after rhinoplasty, nose surgery

August 27th, 2010
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is OK that the splint came off after 5 days. Some of us routinely remove the splint from the nose on or around day 5 after surgery.

The splint is for protection only. Do not worry, however, please avoid any trauma or sports until evaluated by your surgeon.

Good luck,

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 186 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.