After surgical procedures for rhinoplasty, certain medical tools and devices are used to ensure a healthy healing process. These products are essential for reducing the side effects of surgery and providing comfort to the patient. Products known as nasal splints and nasal tampons serve different functions. They can be used to shape the nose, reduce swelling, and remove excess blood in the nasal area. With their nostril-holding feature, they help the nose maintain a better shape. You can check our content for more information about the nasal tampons to be used after your nose surgery.
What Is a Nasal Splint?
After rhinoplasty and surgical interventions, certain devices are used to shape and stabilize the nose. These medical products, usually made of plastic or silicone, are called nasal splints. Some are designed to work on the inside of the nose, while others function externally. The type of surgical procedure determines the specific use of these splints.
Types of Nasal Splints
Nasal splints vary based on their use, material, and function. Each type serves different purposes during the recovery period. For example, nasal splints help slow blood flow through compression while reducing swelling and edema, supporting the post-surgery healing process.
Nasal splints are ideal for protecting, shaping, and supporting the nose and are commonly used in rhinoplasty, septoplasty, sinus surgeries, and nasal fractures. Some are made of silicone or plastic, while others may be made of aluminum or teflon.
External Nasal Splints
One of the most commonly used types in rhinoplasty is the external nasal splint. These splints help shape and stabilize the nose effectively. They also regulate blood flow and support the nose in an upright position.
After rhinoplasty, an external nasal splint is placed over the nasal bandage. Depending on the surgical procedure and the patient’s condition, a bandage may also be applied over the splint to ensure a secure hold and prevent increased swelling.
The success of rhinoplasty and nasal aesthetic procedures is not determined solely by the surgery itself. Postoperatively, it is essential to maintain the nose’s form to ensure proper alignment with the face. External nasal splints help prevent tissue swelling and preserve the nose’s shape.
Internal nasal structures, such as grafts and nasal bones, can shift after surgery and cause various issues. Nasal splints hold the internal nasal bones and grafts in place; therefore, using high-quality external nasal splints is very important.
Internal Nasal Splints
If internal nasal splints are chosen after surgery, they are used to shape the cartilage and bones inside the nose as a whole. Therefore, internal nasal splints are inserted into the nostrils and cannot be removed until the stitches are taken out. The main difference from external nasal splints is that the internal ones are secured with sutures, as medical tapes are insufficient for the moist and slippery interior of the nose.
Internal nasal splints made of soft, flexible tubes and stents are designed to minimize discomfort inside the nose. They prevent scar tissue and adhesions from forming within the nose after rhinoplasty.
What Are the Advantages of Nasal Splints?
Different nasal splints used after rhinoplasty serve various purposes, all providing significant benefits to the patient post-surgery. These advantages include:
- Stabilizing the nose and aiding the healing of nasal bones.
- Preventing tissue formation within the nasal cavity.
- Reducing the risk of adhesions inside the nose.
- Minimizing the formation of scars within the nasal passages.
- Helping reduce and prevent swelling and edema.
- Decreasing internal nasal bleeding.
- Allowing doctors to monitor the healing process more effectively.
- Ideal for shaping the nose after surgery.
- Facilitating healthy and unobstructed breathing.
- Supporting the nose and nasal bones.
- Essential for nasal valve holders.
What Are the Disadvantages of Nasal Tampons?
Although nasal tampons are frequently used after rhinoplasty, it is important to consider their effect on the patient. While they support the healing process positively, they can also cause discomfort. Having a material inside the nose can create pressure, pain, and a feeling of fullness, which may limit breathing. However, these are temporary side effects, and the tampon’s contribution to preventing complications outweighs these disadvantages.
What Is a Nasal Tampon?
Another option to facilitate comfort and accelerate healing after nasal surgery is the nasal tampon. These products, also known as nasal packing, are designed to absorb blood in the nasal cavity. They act as a soft medical dressing, absorbing fluids and blood from inside the nose.
When researching nasal tampons, you will find that they function as a rhinoplasty tampon. Nasal tampons are used solely to absorb fluids and blood within the nose and reduce moisture. Different materials are used to make nasal tampons, and their use depends on the surgical procedure. Your doctor will determine the appropriate type based on the material used.
Silicone Nasal Tampons
Silicone nasal tampons are soft, flexible, and perforated. They are lightweight and designed to be non-intrusive, applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding and accelerate the healing process. They prevent internal nasal adhesions.
Sponge Nasal Tampons
As the name suggests, sponge nasal tampons are made of sponge material. These tampons help control bleeding and absorb excess blood that may accumulate in the nasal passages after surgery, providing comfort. For comprehensive care, they should be used in conjunction with other types of tampons.
Grooved Nasal Tampons
Grooved nasal tampons are used when significant blood flow occurs, as they provide more effective compression and pressure. When inserted into the nostril and expanded, they apply pressure to the blood vessels to control bleeding, reduce excessive blood flow, and minimize swelling.
Why Should Splints and Tampons Be Used?
Since rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, there is a high risk of complications after surgery. Nasal splints and nasal tampons prevent the patient’s condition from worsening, slow blood flow, and stop postoperative bleeding.
During surgeries such as rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, bleeding from capillaries is common. Even after discharge, patients need to control bleeding, reduce swelling and edema, and prevent tissue formation inside the nose to avoid scarring. Nasal splints and nasal tampons are essential to achieve these outcomes.
After surgery, nasal tampons are placed inside the nose and are usually removed 48 hours after rhinoplasty. In cases of severe bleeding, this period may extend up to 72 hours.
What Are the Advantages of a Nasal Tampon?
Doctors emphasize the importance of using a nasal tampon to control bleeding after surgery. Its numerous benefits significantly contribute to the healing process, making any temporary discomfort negligible. The advantages of a nasal tampon are as follows:
- Prevents adhesions inside the nose.
- Absorbs excess fluid and blood within the nasal cavity.
- Speeds up the healing process.
- Applies gentle pressure to minimize swelling.
- Prevents tissue formation inside the nose after surgery.
- Essential for maintaining nasal airway support.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Nasal Tampon?
Even individuals with healthy noses may find the presence of a foreign object uncomfortable, causing a sensation of pressure or congestion. After surgery, this discomfort can intensify, and the patient may feel the pressure and volume caused by the nasal tampon. However, pain from this pressure can be alleviated with painkillers, and these effects are temporary.
What Happens If Splints and Tampons Are Not Used?
The internal nasal cavity is filled with delicate capillaries, making it sensitive to changes in moisture and prone to potentially uncomfortable wounds. After rhinoplasty and other nasal cosmetic surgeries, splints and tampons are necessary to maintain the structure of the nose. Without them:
- Capillary bleeding inside the nose may increase.
- Swelling can become more severe.
- Tissue and edema may develop inside the nose.
- Adhesions may form within the nasal cavity.
- Ulcers may appear in the nasal passages.
- Even slight pressure can increase bleeding.
- Supporting and shaping the nose becomes difficult, potentially resulting in nasal drooping.
- Breathing may become difficult.
- The desired surgical outcome may not be achieved.
When Are Nasal Tampons Removed After Rhinoplasty?
The duration a nasal tampon remains in place depends on the scope of the surgery and patient-specific factors. Typically, a nasal tampon stays in place for about 24 to 48 hours after rhinoplasty. In exceptional cases or due to patient-specific needs, this period may extend up to 72 hours.
What Should Be Considered When Removing Splints and Nasal Tampons?
Only your doctor should decide when to remove a splint or nasal tampon. During the examination, your doctor will check the inside of your nose. If they determine it needs to stay longer, they may leave it in place. If the procedure goes smoothly, they will remove it quickly with minimal force.
When Is a Nasal Splint Removed After Rhinoplasty?
Before removing a splint, the doctor will examine the patient. If the splint is no longer needed, it will be removed quickly and easily. Splints fixed inside the nose with stitches are generally removed about one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the patient’s condition, once the stitches are taken out.
Is the Removal of a Nasal Tampon Painful?
Contrary to popular belief, removing nasal tampons is not painful. Since nasal tampons do not stick to the nose, they can be removed without discomfort. Silicone nasal tampons may cause slight discomfort during removal, but this is brief and manageable.
How Should the Nose Be Cleaned After Tampons and Splints Are Removed?
After removing a tampon or splint, proper nasal hygiene is important. Even if the nasal fluids and blood have been absorbed, a nasal saline solution should be used to ensure internal cleanliness. Using a clean, sterile syringe, apply saline four to five times into the nasal cavity to prevent dried blood formation.
Is Breathing Possible When Nasal Tampons and Splints Are Used?
Although nasal tampons and splints placed by the doctor occupy some space, they do not completely block breathing. The quality of the nasal tampon or splint can facilitate or hinder breathing. Silicone nasal tampons, in particular, can make breathing easier. Nasal splints generally interfere less with breathing than nasal tampons.
If you have questions about rhinoplasty surgery, you can contact Dr. Hasan’s empathetic and expert team for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Splints and Tampons After Rhinoplasty
Does Sneezing Hurt When a Nasal Tampon Is Placed?
Sneezing does not hurt as long as you do not increase the pressure inside the nose or hit your nose. Since sneezing occurs naturally and cannot be prevented, it does not cause pain.
Does Tampon Use Affect Sleep?
Using a tampon after rhinoplasty can affect your sleep quality and breathing. To prevent post-operative sleep problems, silicone nasal tampons should be used. The holes in the center of the silicone tampon facilitate breathing and also reduce sleep disturbances.
Are Tampons Used During Rhinoplasty Uncomfortable?
You may feel some discomfort due to the fullness and volume in the nose. However, they do not cause pain while in place. On the contrary, they prevent nasal adhesions and help maintain the shape of the nose.
Should Nasal Massage Be Done After Splint Removal?
After rhinoplasty, avoid actions that increase blood flow or cause pressure in the nose until your doctor allows. Nasal massage is recommended to relax the nose and reduce swelling. It is safe to massage the nose after the splint and tampon are removed, and when done at the appropriate time, it can accelerate healing.
Are There Dissolvable Tampons?
Dissolvable nasal tampons are used for simpler medical procedures. Since the procedure is straightforward, dissolvable tampons are preferred. There is no need to remove dissolvable tampons from the nose.
Can a Nasal Tampon Be Cleaned?
The purpose of a nasal tampon is to slow blood flow through compression and fullness while also absorbing blood in the nose. Therefore, cleaning the nasal tampon is not recommended. However, nasal sprays and creams can be used to prevent blockage. Partial cleaning can be achieved with the help of creams and sprays.
What Should I Do If the Nasal Splint Comes Out on Its Own?
A nasal splint may come out on its own when swelling decreases or for other reasons. Stay calm and do not try to reinsert the splint yourself. Contact your doctor and ask them to place it properly. Re-inserting it yourself may result in incorrect positioning and could lead to improper shaping of the nose.
