When you wake up after a nose surgery and find something stuck in your nose or inside it, it can be a little disconcerting. But don't worry, it's a very important thing that will help your healing process. Today we're talking about this nasal splint that is used after nose surgery. Just like you would put a plaster on a broken arm or leg, this is like a small "cast" that you put on your nose.
Simply put, what is a nasal splint?
Imagine, a nasal splint is a device that helps maintain the new shape of the nose after rhinoplasty, protect it, and help it heal faster. To be precise, this is a support that keeps the nose in place.
Nose surgery is performed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, a single surgery can address several issues. For example:
- Improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose.
- Avoid breathing difficulties.
- Repair deformities caused by injury or fracture.
- Repair damaged tissue.
This splint is usually made of two pieces of plastic. They are also made of materials such as aluminum and silicone. Your surgeon will explain to you what type of splint will be used.
There are two types of nasal splints.
The type of splint you receive will depend on the type of surgery you are having. There are two main types.
1. External Splints: These are placed on the outside of the nose. They are made by placing a bandage over the nose and two pieces of plastic or metal on top of it. They are secured to the nose with surgical tape. The main purpose of this is to maintain the new shape of the nose after surgery and to reduce swelling. This type is often used after nose surgery.
2. Internal Splints: These are placed inside the nose. They are used to keep the septum, the cartilage wall between the nostrils, straight. They are made of two pieces of plastic or a similar strong but flexible material that are inserted inside the nostrils.
To make it easier to understand, let's look at the information about these two types in a table.
| Splint type | Where to install? | Main function |
|---|---|---|
| External Splint | Outside the nose | Protecting the new shape of the nose and reducing swelling. |
| Internal Splint | Inside the nose | Helping to keep the wall between the nostrils (septum) straight. |
What types of surgeries require a nasal splint?
You can expect to be fitted with a splint after surgery that changes the shape and function of your nose. Let's take a look at what types of surgery these are.
Septoplasty
Some people have a deviated septum, a cartilage wall between their nostrils that is not straight. It is slightly deviated. This condition is called a deviated septum . This can cause breathing problems, frequent nasal congestion, and snoring. Septoplasty surgery straightens this deviated septum as much as possible. After this surgery, internal splints are placed to keep the straightened septum in place until it heals.
Rhinoseptoplasty
This is done for people with a more severe case of deviated septum. Here, the deviated wall of the nose is straightened and the outer shape of the nose is changed. The doctor will decide what kind of splint you will need after this surgery.
Rhinoplasty
This is often done for cosmetic reasons to change the shape of the nose. For example, to reduce the size of the nose, change the angle of the nose, or slim the bridge of the nose. After this surgery, an external splint is usually required to protect the newly created nose shape and allow it to heal properly.
What to expect when wearing a splint?
After surgery, you will go home with a bandage or splint on your nose. An external splint may be made of a slightly stronger material and may be like a "cast" that is shaped to fit your face.
Very important: You need to be very careful not to let this splint get wet. Also, if you wear glasses, avoid putting them on until your doctor tells you to. Because the glasses rest on the bridge of your nose, they can damage the splint.
Pain and swelling
It is normal to feel some pain or discomfort after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe a painkiller or tell you to take a medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen. But remember, do not take any medicine on your own without asking your doctor.
Cold packs can help reduce swelling and pain. But don't put anything heavy on your nose. Instead, use something that molds to the shape of your nose, like a bag of green beans from the freezer .
How long does the splint last?
- External splints: Usually need to be worn for about 1-2 weeks.
- Internal splints: These are removed internally after about 3-5 days.
This splint will be removed by your doctor, so don't worry about it.
Very important: Do not remove, move, or adjust this splint yourself for any reason unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so could damage or completely change the new shape of your nose. Therefore, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Take-Home Message
- A nasal splint is a device that protects the nose, maintains its shape, and helps it heal faster after rhinoplasty. It's like a "cast" that's placed on the nose.
- There are two types of nasal decongestants: external and internal. Your doctor will decide which type you need.
- While the splint is in place, take care not to let it get wet. Take medication for pain and swelling as prescribed by your doctor, and apply cold compresses.
- Most importantly: Do not attempt to remove or move the splint yourself unless your doctor tells you to. Follow all instructions exactly.
- If you have any discomfort, unbearable pain, or a problem with the splint, call your doctor immediately.
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