Why Do I Have to Wear a Splint on My Nose After Rhinoplasty?

If you have just had rhinoplasty surgery, at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, you will have to wear a splint on your nose for at least 5 to 7 days. In this post, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman explains the essential role the nose splint plays in the rhinoplasty recovery process, and why its crucial you take careful care of your bandaged nose after your nose reshaping surgery.

What happens to your nose during rhinoplasty surgery?

When you have the size and shape of your nose changed, the angle of the bridge may be changed, increased or decreased, and the nostrils may have been narrowed or the tip reshaped. With a closed technique, the incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. In an open technique, the incision is made across the base of the nostrils and nose. In any case, there are incisions inside your nose, and often between your nostrils. The cartilage of your nose has been reshaped; the soft tissues have been separated from the underlying tissues, and the bones have been sculpted and moved. You can now begin to see why the splint is so important – your nose has been through a lot, and is in a very vulnerable state following surgery.

What exactly does a splint do after nose reshaping surgery?

The purpose of the splint taped to your nose is to hold your cartilage and bone in their new position while they heal. This will also minimize swelling, and to protect your new nose. This splint will also be a reminder to be very careful not to bump your nose causing accidental trauma to it. And the splint might also remind your loved ones to be more careful.

How to care for your bandaged nose after rhinoplasty

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman and the entire staff of Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center will instruct you thoroughly about how to care for yourself after your rhinoplasty. Instructions will include using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated. Depending upon your condition and what was involved in your specific rhinoplasty, all the splints, packing, nasal picks, and stitches (if not dissolvable) will be removed in 1 to 3 weeks. By 3 weeks most tissues have accomplished 80% of the healing, so you will not need the splint after that. In fact, it really does not help to leave it on any longer.

A final note about caring for your nose after rhinoplasty

Basically, you have to be very patient. Patients often report that the most annoying thing is nasal stuffiness and the swelling. Just remember, you have to be gentle with your nose because it will be very fragile. If you have realistic expectations and understand that you will see the most change in six weeks, but some of the finer refinements will not be noticed for many months up to one year. So remember, like many cosmetic procedures, the final results of your rhinoplasty will not be completely evident until much farther down the road.

Award-winning Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman has over 30 years of experience performing safe cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures with beautiful, natural-looking results. He is certified by both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and The American Board of Maxillofacial Surgery. Unlike some Arkansas cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Branman is a licensed physician in the states of Arkansas and California. Dr. Branman is affiliated with Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Arkansas Heart Hospital, and the Little Rock Surgery Center.

If you are in the Little Rock area, or are willing to travel, Dr. Branman would love to meet with you in person to discuss your rhinoplasty surgery, aftercare, and results. Just submit a contact form online or give us a call to schedule your consultation!