My doctor didn’t use cast or a splint. Is that normal?

Question

I had a rehinoplasty last Wed and my doctor didn’t use caste either splint, he instead put some tape on and packing that I was asked to remove the packing myself at home after 24 hours and leave the tape in place until Sat. He also put a strip under the tape. I was advised to leave the strip in place until it falls itself. I removed the packing and my nose looks wider and bigger than before and I noticed my nostril uneven, my nose trend to the right side.. Is that normal? Please advise

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for this question about your rhinoplasty. Not all rhinoplasty procedures require a cast or splint. The fact that your board certified facial plastic surgeon did not use one is your case does not indicate a problem with your surgery. Unfortunately, without pictures, more detailed information about your pre-surgery anatomy, or more specifics about your procedure, it will be difficult to determine whether your surgery was a successful one. Remember, it can take up to a year to see the final results of your rhinoplasty. Until you have completed your recovery, signs of swelling may still prevent you from seeing the improvements to your nose. If you have lingering concerns about your rhinoplasty, schedule a re-evaluation with the board certified facial plastic surgeon who operated on you. Good luck!
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Not all surgeries require a splint or taping. You should ask your surgeon  why you were not taped or splinted.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Without seeing your pictures taken prior to surgery, it is difficult to comment on your question.  In general, all Rhinoplasties do not require splints / cast.  The decision to use these is at the discretion of the surgeon based on the procedure performed.  This would depend on grafting, osteotomies, and amount of work done on different parts of the nose.  Address your questions to your surgeon at the next follow up visit.  I am sure he or she can help you understand your procedure.

My doctor didn’t use cast or a splint. Is that normal?

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My doctor didn’t use cast or a splint. Is that normal?

Answers (3)

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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.