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

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

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

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.