When Should You Stop Using a Nostril Retainer After Rhinoplasty?

A nostril retainer, a soft device created with silicone, is placed inside your nostrils after rhinoplasty. The purpose of it is to support the new nasal shape, keep the nasal passages open, maintain symmetry, prevent collapsing, and help the nose heal faster with your desired results.

Many patients are usually concerned with the nostril retainer after rhinoplasty, as it is visible on the nose, causing discomfort initially as well. 

However, considering how incredibly it supports the healing of your nose, all the inconveniences and the pain of wearing it are well worth it. Let’s learn in detail about the nostril retainer, including how it helps with healing, how to wear it, and how to address any concerns.

What Is a Nostril Retainer?

A nostril retainer is a device made of silicone used after rhinoplasty for the proper healing of the nose. It’s lightweight, easy to wear, and easily available in any online stores, medical stores, or even the local markets around you.

The purpose of the nostril holder is to support the nasal structure, prevent collapsing, and also maintain symmetry. Not all patients require this, though, but only some with complex nasal bone or cartilage manipulation during the rhinoplasty.

How Does a Nostril Retainer After Rhinoplasty Support Healing?

A nostril stent after rhinoplasty is important for the proper and healthy healing of your nose. It helps the nose with structural support, swelling control, protection from damage, and prevents collapse. Also, it helps with maintaining the nasal shape and symmetry.

Structural Support

The retainer after rhinoplasty keeps your nasal passages open, which helps maintain the newly created nose shape and also prevents deformation.

Swelling Control

It keeps the nose stabilized, which helps reduce post-operative swelling and makes the recovery more comfortable and faster.

Protection from Damage

This nasal support device also works like a barrier against accidental impact or pressure. It’s especially important in the first healing stages when the nose is too fragile and can easily get indentations or bumps from a touch or a hit.

Prevents Collapsing

The retainer also prevents the nasal passages from collapsing or changing the nasal shape, which promotes tissue recovery for the best surgical results.

How Long Do You Need To Wear a Nostril Retainer After Rhinoplasty?

For how long you need to wear the nostril support device after rhinoplasty depends, but usually, you need to wear it continuously for the first few weeks to help the nasal tissues settle.

However, after that time, you need to only wear it at night for several months or weeks to maintain the shape. Don’t skip even a night, as it can slow the progress and affect the results.

How to Use a Nostril Retainer?

Using a Nostril holder After Rhinoplasty is easy. Just follow these steps:

• The first step is to wash off the retainer carefully with warm water and a gentle soap. It’s important for it to be hygienic and clean to avoid the spread of germs.
• When the retainer is dry, place it slowly into your nostrils without pressing it too hard. Your surgeon must have given you tips on how to wear it, so follow those as well.
• When it’s on and you’re comfortable, let it stay there for as long as your surgeon has suggested.
• When you want to remove the nostril retainer, carefully take it out. If it gets stuck, don’t forcefully try to open it. Contact your surgeon instead, who will advise you on how to remove it safely.
• When you’re done using it, store the retainer in a clean, dry case.

How To Take Care Of Your Nose After Nostril Retainer Holder Removal?

When the Nostril retainer holder is removed, this is how you’ll take care of your nose.

• Carefully clean around your nostrils using a mild soap and water solution.
• Get a mild soap and warm water, and then clean around the nostrils with it to avoid infections.
• Use any moisturizer that is gentle to avoid dryness.
• Apply sunscreen when you go out to avoid the sunlight falling directly on the nostrils, as it’s harmful.
• If you face any abnormal pain or excessive swelling, let your surgeon know about it.

Concerns Of The Patients About Wearing a Nostril Retainer

Main concerns of the patients regarding wearing a nostril retainer are that it appears noticeable on the nose, it causes discomfort in the first days, and inserting and removing it is challenging. Mostly, the patients avoid wearing it due to these inconveniences, which is wrong. 

If you’re prescribed by your surgeon to wear a nostril retainer holder, it means your nose healing requires it. If you skip it, you won’t be able to get the desired results.

So, you must wear it as it will reward you with a natural-looking, well-defined nose that will complement your facial harmony.

Asli Tarcan Clinic: Expert Rhinoplasty For Your Dream Nose

A nostril retainer after rhinoplasty is placed on your nose to help it heal faster and better. It prevents the nasal passages from narrowing, nostrils from collapsing, maintains balance, and keeps the new nasal shape. 

Normally, the surgeons suggest wearing the nostril holder continuously for a week on your nose. After that, you only need to wear it at night to maintain the shape.

You can remove or wear it yourself by following the instructions of your surgeon. Ensure it’s clean and hygienic when you wear it, and gently place it on your nostrils without putting any pressure.

Want to get a well-defined, sharp, and natural-looking nose by fixing its deformities and functional issues? Contact Asli Tarcan Clinic today, where our double board-certified surgeons await you.

Where can I purchase quality nostril retainers?

You can buy nostril retainers from anywhere in your local market, medical stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon.

Why is using a nostril stent important after rhinoplasty?

It’s important as it helps the nose keep its new shape, prevents collapsing, reduces swelling, and also maintains the alignment of the nose.

How long should I wear a nostril holder post-surgery?

You need to wear it for the whole week continuously until the nasal tissues are stabilized. Then you can only wear it at night.