Uses of Rhinoplasty Splints By Nimit D on May 12, 2014

Many patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their noses, which is one of the most defining characteristics of the face, are often surprised to witness the effects that a minor change can make. Rhinoplasty is the reshaping or resizing of your nose to better complement the size, shape, and contours of your face. In some cases, a rhinoplasty may be more about improving nasal function than enhancing the nose’s appearance (addressing a deviated septum, for instance). In either case, Ottawa plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Brownrigg, will usually place splints in the nose following your rhinoplasty to help maintain its new shape and promote proper healing.

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, doesn’t follow a specific series of steps, but is a tailored procedure designed to address each patient’s specific condition, needs, and expectations. The point of the procedure is to augment nasal bones and/or cartilage, which can be accomplished a number of different ways, depending on the extent of augmentation needed. As a common facial plastic surgery technique, rhinoplasty can be performed inside the nose, or through a small external incision that allows Dr. Brownrigg to access the target area. In addition to local anesthesia to numb physical discomfort, your doctor may also recommend general anesthesia (administered through inhalation or an IV line) to help you relax throughout the procedure.

About Rhinoplasty Splints

Splints are often a vital part of the recovery process, and help maintain your nose’s new shape by preventing the collapse of its structures after your nose surgery. Typically, rhinoplasty splints come in two variations: external and internal.

External

External splints are more commonly used after a rhinoplasty, and serve three vital functions that facilitate proper healing.

• Keep the nose straight - As the name suggests, and external splint is placed on the outside of the nose. Because rhinoplasty often involves breaking bones and reshaping cartilage, the splint helps keep the manipulated bones and tissues in place as they heal, preventing failure due to collapsed nasal structures.
• Protect the sensitive nose - Your new nose is extremely delicate after surgery, and the slightest impact can lead to debilitating pain, as well as a failed rhinoplasty. An external splint covers and protects the nose from accidental force, such as from a fall, to reduce the risks of impact-related complications.
• Alleviate the swelling - Inflammation, or soft-tissue swelling, is common after any surgery, and an external splint can provide pressure to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Internal

Internal splints, which are placed inside the nose, are typically used following a septorhinoplasty, or surgery to correct a deviated septum. They can;

• Help support the septum after nasal surgery
• Reduce bleeding by compressing the internal skin and mucus membrane
• Assist the inner nasal lining as it heals to the framework of bone and cartilage

Learn More about Rhinoplasty Today

To learn more about rhinoplasty, or to discuss our other facial plastic surgery techniques, schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Brownrigg by contacting our office at your earliest convenience. Our entire team looks forward to helping you achieve your goals and create the look you desire.

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