Rhinoplasty Splint Removal

Rhinoplasty is the process of reshaping nasal bone and cartilage to enhance nose shape and improve breathing. As a surgical procedure it requires proper care for healing. Rhinoplasty splints are an important part of post-surgical care that maintains the nose shape and helps in recovery.

In this article, find out the role of nasal splints and how to approach rhinoplasty splint removal after the nose has healed.

What Are Nose Splints?

“Nasal splints, also called rhinoplasty splints, are small devices used to maintain nose shape after rhinoplasty surgery.”

These splints are made from metal, plastic, or silicone. The main goal is to support the nasal structure and prevent deformities during the early stages of recovery.

Surgeons use splints in nose after various surgeries such as:

• Rhinoplasty
• Septoplasty
• Alarplasty
• Turbinectomy
• Sinus Surgery

How Do Nasal Splints Help?

Nasal splints aid the healing process in the following ways:

• Support: They keep the cartilage and bone in place after surgery, to stabilize the nose in the right position.
• Protect: Nasal splints protect the nose from injury, accidental trauma, or other complications that may require additional surgery.
• Reduce Swelling: Splints prevent the nose from swelling, bruising, and inflammation.
• Control Bleeding: They control or stop bleeding while reducing pain and discomfort following surgery.
• Prevent Hematomas: They prevent the formation of blood pockets called hematomas when used inside the nose.
• Breathing: Nose splints ensure smooth breathing after surgery.
• Shape: Nasal splints maintain the new shape and structure of the nose.
• Fast Recovery: Rhinoplasty splints speed up the recovery process after surgery.

What Are Different Nasal Splints Types?

The most commonly used types are internal and external nasal splints.

Internal Splints

Internal nasal splints are soft, flexible tube-like stents attached inside the nose with stitches.

• • Stents in the nose support the septum position after surgery.
  • They prevent scar formation and adhesions in the nose.

External Splints

External nasal splints are used outside the nose with medical tapes or bandages to support and protect the nose structure after surgery. They are made from strong materials like thermoplastic.

• • They’re made up of plastic or silicone.
  • They provide easy access to the surgery site.

Note:- External splints are used post-rhinoplasty while internal splints are used after septoplasty and nasal surgery.

What Is Meant By Rhinoplasty Splint Removal?

“Rhinoplasty splint removal is the process in which nose splints are carefully pulled out after removing any adhesive or stitches”

Rhinoplasty splint removal is a quick procedure usually performed 1-2 weeks post-surgery at the clinic where the rhinoplasty was performed. It is not recommended to try it at home.

Rhinoplasty Splint Removal Importance

Nasal splints are used to treat different nose injuries after a nose job. It is essential to remove splints when the nose is healed and can support itself. Splint Removal helps resume normal activities after surgery.

Rhinoplasty Splint Removal Procedure

The timing and procedure of splint removal depend on the type of splint used and the extent of surgery.

Internal Nasal Splint Removal

Splints in the nose are used for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Internal nasal splint removal involves;

• Use of local anesthesia to the nose following the process to cut stitches. 
• These nasal splints are then slid out of the nose.

It can be painful and uncomfortable for some patients but most tolerate it or manage it with medication.

External Nasal Splint Removal

External splints are removed with or without an adhesive remover or a rounded material to remove tape or bandage. The remaining adhesive is washed after the splint removal.

It is a quick procedure and doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. It is advised to remove the splints gently to avoid pain, swelling, or bleeding on the skin after splint removal.

Rhinoplasty Splint Removal – Aftercare Tips

The nose recovers slowly in 3 to 4 weeks. However, it is necessary to follow the post-splint procedure care tips:

• Follow the doctor’s instructions including specific exercises, guidelines, and activity restrictions.
• Start with slow and gentle exercises to aid recovery.
• Use an ice cube to reduce swelling.
• Monitor the signs of infection, swelling, or pus, and if observed, seek the surgeon.
• Blow your nose gently after removing rhinoplasty splints, and ignore if a few blood traces come out.
• Use a nasal rinse or spray to keep the nose moist and minimize bleeding.
• Avoid strenuous activities like that may cause physical trauma to your nose.