Why Would I Have to Wear Splints at Night for 4 to 6 Weeks After Rhinoplasty?

4-6 weeks IS a long time to be wearing any internal or external splints. In most cases, there is no need for these beyond the first week post-surgery. The one exception would be if there is a high risk of contraction of the nostril but this would typically only result following trauma, cancer surgery or major reconstructive procedure. I hope this information is helpful.

 We only use splints when there is adhesions inside the nose that have been created from prior surgery. When we do use the splints only for this unique application,  they are left in for one week. There  is no other reason to leave splints or packing inside the nose for that length of time for a primary rhinoplasty.

Dear Bbangelle,

Thank you for your question.  Every surgeon has different protocols.  He is probably trying to protect it from you accidentally sleeping on your nose at night.  I have patients sleep in a recliner as long as they can tolerate to avoid accidently turning onto their nose.  The nasal bones are still soft during this period, and could be bent.

Best Wishes, 

Pablo PRichard, MD