Can bones move during rhinoplasty cast removal? (Photos)

Question

I had my cast removed 7 days after. Can the bones be pulled out during this process? Unfortunately my surgeon was pushing very hard on my right side of nose after removing cast. At least, it felt hard. And a pocket of blood began to form and swell. He had to re-cast me. He has never seen this happen before. It looked skinny in original cast and now looks much wider. I hope it is swelling but I'm concerned the bone moved as well. Does this happen?

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of the cast is done gently. A liquid that dissolves the glue that helps them attach the cast to the skin makes the process easier. After a few minutes the cast typically is removed without difficulty. If the cast is still adherent more Detachol can be applied to ease removal.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. It is certainly quite possible for bones to move at the time of cast removal or with aggressive manipulation of your nose. The nose definitely swells after cast removal so you might just be seeing swelling at this point. I would give it time and get periodic reevaluations by your surgeon for the assurance.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of rhinoplasty splints - the type that we use is easily removed after application of an adhesive solvent called 'Detach-All' - the splint comes off effortlessly.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The nasal bones should not move with a simple cast removal  if it is done properly.  in extreme rhinoplasty surgeon will  know how to remove the cast to prevent any shifting of nasal bones

Tom D. Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, if you had osteotomies during the procedure, it is certainly possible for the bones to move somewhat during cast removal.  However, the bones should be able to be positioned back to their proper positions fairly easily as they are mobile.  Placing another splint on the bones following re-alignment is helpful to further stabilize the bones for longer period of time.  In fact, some surgeons ask their patients to wear nasal splints for up to 2-3 months, just to help set the nose as it heals.  Hope this helps!

Paul Loewenstein (retired) · Answer

Yes it is possible for the bones to move in the process of removing the splint. However, at 7 days it should be easy to set them back into place.  That may have been what your plastic surgeon was doing. If so then that would account for the swelling. My guess is that everything will be fine in the end.

Can bones move during rhinoplasty cast removal? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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