Nasal surgery changes the look of the nose, particularly, straightens the nose and gives it the desired shape. If you have nose surgery, you will have to wear a nose splint on your nose for about 5-7 days. Nose surgery changes the size, shape, angle etc. of the nose. Nasal splints or nose splints are silicon or plastic-like devices which you wear after nose surgery. They are taped to your nose to hold the bone in the position after the surgery.
The purpose of the nose splints is to keep your bone in the new position, reduce swelling and provide protection to the bone while the nose heals from the surgery. You have to be very patient while you have a nose splint on as the bone of your nose is still healing. There are two kinds of nasal splints- Internal splints and External Splints. Internal splints are attached inside your nose with some stitches. On the other hand, External splints are worn outside your nose which can be attached with glue or a bandage.
Uses of Nose Splints
Splints are very important after post-nasal surgery. They provide support and protect the nose while they heal from post-nasal surgery. There are various types of nasal surgery and different types of splints are worn after them. Some of the nasal surgery includes rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, nasal fracture repair etc. The type of nasal splints to be used depends on the type of nasal surgery you just had. Some of the uses of nasal splints are discussed below.
Nasal splints are used to reduce the swelling after the nasal surgery. Swelling which is a common side effect of nasal surgery like rhinoplasty. Nose splints put pressure on the nose and reduce its swelling. After getting nose surgery, a lot of people get scared that they might develop a deformity. Most cosmetic surgeons advise putting nasal splints after surgery so that there is less risk of developing any deformity.
Another use of nose splints would be that it stabilizes the nose in its new position. A nasal splint is used to preserve the shape after the surgery. It helps the nose to maintain its new shape without causing any deformity. It keeps the nose and its lower bone fixed while it is in the healing process.
Bleeding after nose surgery is a common side effect after the surgery. Nose splints help minimise the bleeding. It reduces your chances of getting haemorrhage and hematoma.
Nasal splints are also useful for the protection of the nose against any injury. Nasal splints act as a barrier to protect your nose. You have to be extra careful because your nose is too sensitive after nasal surgery. External nose splint will help you and people living with you be alert to not hurt your nose after surgery.
Internal nasal splints can help you recover fast. They are worn inside the nose (near bone and cartilage) which helps the nose to heal faster.
What is the procedure of Nose Splints?
We know that nasal splints are of two types, internal nose splints and external nose splints. Rhinoplasty is a common type of nasal surgery. In this surgery, external nose splints are used. After this surgery, the nose is bandaged and the external splint is placed over the nose carefully. They help the nose to maintain their shape, angle and size.
Nose SurgeryExternal nose splint is shaped like a trapezoid. The wider side of the external nose splint is placed on the lower part of the nose and the narrower side of the splint goes to the top of the nose. An additional bandage is wrapped around the splint to provide more coverage and protection. They are removed after a few days.
Internal nose splints, on the other hand, are worn inside the nose. After the nasal surgery, the surgeon may put the internal nose splint inside both of the nostrils and then they are stitched inside your nose. Don’t worry! They are temporary, which means you can get it removed after a sweet recovery or within a week. Internal nose splints can be uncomfortable and they can make your nose look a bit wider but it is temporary. Only a doctor can remove your stitches. Don’t try to remove your splints yourself.
What to Expect After Nasal Surgery?
After getting your nose surgery done, you are required to be extra careful and patient. After the surgery, you may experience some side effects like bleeding for 2-5 days, pain inside the nose, fatigue, congestion and discharge etc. These are some temporary side effects which may last for a week or two. You should avoid blowing and straining your nose at all and if you are using any nasal spray, avoid using it.
Doing what your doctor tells you to do is the best thing you can do to recover fast. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid any vigorous exercise which may injure your nose. If you wear glasses, stop wearing them until you are fully recovered. Patience is the key! Be patient and your recovery pace will go higher.
An external nose splint is removed within a week. In the case of internal nose splints, they are kept inside the nose for a few days or a week. You can use a saline spray to reduce mucus around the internal nose splint. They also have small tubes which can help you breathe easier. You should always call a doctor if you feel something is wrong.
Wrapping up
If you’ve had nose surgery and given splints, be cautious with them. It will take a week for you to recover from the nose surgery. Splints can be annoying and even painful because of the stitches but they are important for the safety and maintenance of your nose’s shape. The outcome of the splints will be positive.
Call your doctor ASAP if you feel pain inside your nose, swelling or crooked nose, bleeding from the nose and accidental injury. Don’t try to do anything by yourself. It may harm your nose. Your doctor will guide you according to your problem.
