Rhinoplasty Splint Removal: What to Expect and How It Feels

After the rhinoplasty, splints are placed on the nose, which are two aluminium or hard plastic splints. They’re placed either inside or outside of the nose depending on the condition of the nose. They reduce the swelling, bruising, and bleeding during the healing process. 

However, there are some fears of patients around it, such as whether the rhinoplasty splint removal will hurt, if it will change the shape, or cause any bleeding, and so on.

The answer to all these questions, however, is no, except for the bit about discomfort, which can be a matter of pain perception and the pain endurance of the person.  

Some find it comfortable, while some feel mild sensitivity when the removal is done. Let’s learn in detail about when the removal is done, where it’s done, and whether it’s painful or not. 

What Are Rhinoplasty Splints?

Rhinoplasty splint is a type of nose packing that is placed on your nose after rhinoplasty surgery is done. The main use of it is to support the nose, keep it stable, and adapt to the new shape of the nose. The splints also help reduce the swelling and bruising and prevent accidental injuries on the surgical areas.

They come in various materials such as silicone, aluminium, and hard plastic. Initially, you may find them a bit uncomfortable, but when you get used to them, you don’t feel them so much on your nose.

Types of Nose Splints

There are mainly two types of splints. What type is installed depends on the condition of the patient and the surgeon’s choice.

• Internal: The internal splints are attached to your nostrils inside your nose with stitches.
• External: External splints are the hard plastic or metal pieces placed right over your nose. To put them in place, glue, tape, or any adhesive is used, which dissolves after a few days.

Benefits Of Rhinoplasty Nose Splints

The nose splints are used after the surgery because they offer you the following benefits:

• Keep the nose’s new shape stable during healing.
• Reduce swelling and help control bruising.
• Help control bleeding and lower the risk of blood buildup.
• Shield the nose from accidental bumps or pressure during healing.
• Help maintain clear nasal airways for better breathing.
• Prevent unwanted scar tissue from shifting the results.
• Offer gentle support, making the healing process feel safer.

What Is Rhinoplasty Splint Removal?

Rhinoplasty splint removal is a process of removing the splints from the nose after the surgery. It’s a quick, simple process that is done in the surgeon’s office instead of any operating lab. The process of removal is different depending on what splints were placed. 

If it’s an external splint, it’s unwrapped first and then lifted off, carefully removed from the nose. 

If it’s an internal splint, the surgeon carefully removes it from the nostrils by taking out the stitches.

After the nose packing removal process, you may feel your nose is a bit tight or compressed for a few days due to the pressure. But that will subside after a few days when the nose heals and comes back to its normal shape. 

When the removal is done, your surgeon gives you post-care tips, like using tape or avoiding some activities. So, make sure you follow those for faster healing.

When Is Nasal Packing Removed After Rhinoplasty?

The time of the rhinoplasty packing removal depends on the condition of the patient and the requirements of healing. The surgeons know the best time, and they let you know about it already when you get them placed. 

Usually, it’s 1 to 2 weeks when it’s removed. It’s a quick, straightforward procedure that usually takes about an hour.

Is Nasal Packing Removal Painful?

It depends on the pain endurance of the person. Some feel comfortable while getting the splints removed, while some may feel mildly sensitive and experience a strange feeling. 

You may feel some pain during the removal of the internal splints, as they’re stitched to your nostrils. It’s normally not an invasive process, so mild discomfort should be expected only, not significant pain.

Important Things To Remember About Splints

Keep these things in mind to keep your nose protected and also avoid the complications:

• Don’t adjust yourself: Don’t try to remove or adjust the splints yourself. You may displace them, and that could change the outcome of the surgery and may even cause an injury.
• Avoid stretching activities: Avoid doing activities like going to the gym, running, or any other activities that could be harmful to you. Since you have plastic or metal placed on your nose in the form of splints, it could cause injury if too much pressure is applied.
• Follow surgeon’s instructions: To heal faster and get the best results from the splints, please follow all the instructions before and after the rhinoplasty splint removal.

Asli Tarcan- Your Aesthetic Partner

Rhinoplasty splint removal is a process in which the surgeons remove the splints from your nose. They do it by unwrapping or lifting off the external splints, and gently removing and unstitching the internal ones.

The timing of it varies depending on the condition of the nose and its healing time.  Often, just after 1 to 2 weeks of the surgery, the surgeons remove the splints. It’s not an invasive procedure and hence, it doesn’t cause you so much pain. Some patients may only feel mild sensitivity or a little discomfort during the process.

If you’re looking for affordable rhinoplasty splint removal, you can contact the Asli Tarcan Clinic. We offer you safe and pain-free rhinoplasty splint removal services at our clinic. Contact us today.

Can I remove my nasal splints?

No, your surgeon needs to do it because taking them out yourself could mess up the healing.

How do you sleep with a splint in your nose?

It’s best to sleep on your back with your head slightly raised so you don’t bump your nose.

Is packing necessary after rhinoplasty?

It depends. Some surgeons use it to help with bleeding or to support the inside of your nose while it heals.

How long do I wear the rhinoplasty splint?

Most people keep it on for about a week, but your doctor will tell you when it’s okay to take it off.

Can I shower with splints in my nose?

You can, just be careful not to get your face or splint wet. It’s better to wash around your face gently.