Nose Job: What are Nasal Splints Meant for?

Rhinoplasty surgery, also referred to as nose job or nasal surgery, mostly involves reshaping of the nasal bone and cartilage components. To do this the cosmetic surgeon has to lift the skin off of these structures (this is why the skin swells after the surgery). To see the final results of nose reshaping, one should wait till the skin eventually reattaches to the bone and cartilage. Of course the skin will reattach and the swelling will subside on its own with the lapse of time, but controlling this process is beneficial in terms of the final aesthetic result.

If the swelling stays non-controlled, its recovery time will significantly increase, which would naturally be quite distressing to all patients. Besides, if the skin does not reattach well or a scar forms between the skin and the underlying nasal framework, the change in the nasal shape may never be seen fully.

All nasal surgeries involve taping with or without an overlying splint. The main reason of this nasal dressing is to compress the skin, forcing it to stick back as quick as possible. Compression decreases the amount of swelling that normally occurs. It prevents fluid and scar formation between the skin and the underlying bone and cartilage. Their use is absolutely necessary in rhinoplasty surgery to help the patient get the best possible results. The lesser the swellings stay, the quicker the patient will see the final results!

Contrary to the common misconception, the nasal splints after nose job do not ‘hold the nose together’. They are a means of compression to decrease the swelling and help the skin reattach to the altered framework of the nose. Most cosmetic surgeons will leave splints on the nose for one week after the rhinoplasty. In some cases cosmetic surgeons may even use additional taping during the second week in case of intensive swelling.

If you have planned to undergo rhinoplasty surgery, but still have some unanswered questions and doubts, please schedule a free consultation with nose job surgeon Armen Vartany.