What Are Nose Splints?
Nasal splints are tiny plastic or silicone tools employed to stabilize the nose following surgical procedures on the nasal region. A nose splint acts like a cast after your surgery. They assist in maintaining the nose’s newly acquired form following specific surgical interventions.
The techniques employed to insert the splints are relatively straightforward. Prior to your discharge from the medical facility, your physician or a nurse should provide instructions on how to maintain them and the duration for which they should remain in position.
What Are the Types Nasal Splint? How Do They Work?
Internal Nasal Splints
The surgeons inserts internal splints inside the nasal cavity and provide support to the internal nasal structures. They can help maintain the shape and alignment of the nasal passages and prevent any collapse or narrowing during the healing process.
External Nasal Splints
The surgeon applies external splints externally on the outside of the nose. External nasal splints can help reduce swelling, provide support, and maintain the shape of the nose.
Septal Splints
We specifically use septal splints to support the nasal septum, which is the central structure dividing the two nostrils. Therefore, we often prefer them after septoplasty or other procedures involving the septum.
Dissolvable Splints
Instead of using traditional plastic or silicone splints, some surgeons may choose to use dissolvable or absorbable splints made of collagen or similar materials. These splints gradually dissolve over time, eliminating the need for removal and reducing patient discomfort during the healing process.
Do You Need to Wear Nose Splints after Rhinoplasty?
A nose splint, or a nasal splint, plays a vital role in the post-operative phase of a nose surgery. Therefore, the answer of this question is a yes.
We recommend following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions regarding the use of nose splints. Our medical team will provide guidance on how to care for them, how long you should wear them, and when we will remove them. It is crucial to adhere to these instructions to ensure proper healing and achieve the desired results.
Can You Breathe with Nose Splints?
Breathing with nose splints can be a bit different than normal breathing. However, it is generally possible to breathe while wearing them.
While nose splints are in place, they may slightly obstruct the nasal passages and affect the airflow. This can cause a sensation of reduced airflow or nasal congestion. However, most nose splints are designed to allow some degree of airflow to ensure you can breathe adequately during the healing process.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon regarding breathing techniques and care while wearing nose splints. Your surgeon may advise you to breathe through your mouth or use saline nasal sprays to alleviate any temporary breathing difficulties. It’s also important to keep the splints clean and free from debris to prevent any additional obstruction.
Remember that the duration for wearing nose splints varies depending on the specific procedure and the surgeon’s recommendation. Once it’s time for removal, you should experience a noticeable improvement in your ability to breathe normally. If you have concerns or experience severe breathing difficulties while wearing nose splints, it’s essential to consult your surgeon for guidance and evaluation.
How Long Do Nose Splints Stay In?
For optimal recovery, it is essential to adhere to the instructions of your surgeon and keep the splint in place until the designated removal time. Typically, your surgeon will remove yoır splints approximately one week after the surgery. Although there may be instances where they need to remain in place for up to three weeks. This duration ensures that the splints fulfill their important function during the healing process.
Does Nose Splint Removal Hurt?
Many individuals undergoing rhinoplasty surgery are often not worried about the immediate post-surgery discomfort. Rather, they are so concerned about the sensation they will experience when the despised nasal splint are removed after the procedure. In the past, the techniques employed for nasal packing instilled a sense of fear and anticipation regarding the painful process of removing the packing or splints.
Nevertheless, the experience is significantly different nowadays. In fact, ClinicExpert patients remark that the removal of nose splint is easy and swift. Many of them express their satisfaction with a sense of relief once the internal and external splints are taken out. The overall process, from beginning to end, is uncomplicated and painless. Obviously, everyone’s pain threshold varies, but most patients do not describe the sensations during nose splint removal as painful or anything similar. They typically mention experiencing minor discomfort or a slight sensation of pressure at most. Additionally, the entire splint removal process only lasts a matter of seconds, so any mild discomfort that may occur is short-lived.