Do you have to wear a splint after nose tip surgery?

Generally, for a tip rhinoplasty, you don't have to wear a splint, however your surgeon may elect to do so to control the edema and swelling and help shape the tip and the supratip break.  If there is a reason you don't want to wear the splint (i.e. going back to work) you should discuss the need for splinting with your doctor. 

Hope that helps.

Christopher C. Chang, MD

Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia

I typically will place an external cast following rhinoplasty surgery which stays in place about a week.  Additionally, if septal work was performed,  internal septal splints are placed to stabilize the septum and help prevent movement.   I also use a nostril mold which helps  stabilize the tip of the nose during healing.  Patients typically wear this continuously for the first week, and then sleep with it for 6-8 weeks, until the tip has become more healed.  This helps prevent shifting, and provides a secure base while healing is occuring

It depends on the surgeon and the extent of surgery whether or not you will need to wear a nasal splint after rhinoplasty. Even in the absence of osteomies/bone cutting, I typically apply a nasal splint for 5-7 days in order to minimize swelling. Even if no splint is worn, taping is typically done and in terms of appearance there is not much of a difference between having the nose taped versus wearing a small splint. Best wishes!