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Splinting and Packing after Rhinoplasty

It’s very common to have splints and packing after rhinoplasty is performed. We do it in Newport Beach typically but every rhinoplasty surgeon will provide some sort of protection after a rhinoplasty by placing a customized, firm plastic or metal splint on the outside of the nose. Managing of the inside nasal passages is more subjective.

A lot of rhinoplasties address only the appearance of the outside and make no major changes to the inside of the nose. However, if breathing is a problem, addressing that issue at the same time as the rhinoplasty is beneficial and we do that frequent for our Newport Beach rhinoplasty patients.  Some examples of conditions that may need a rhinoplasty to help with breathing include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates (usually due to allergy), or chronic sinus infections from structural issues in the nose.  Often the outer defect of the nose causes an internal defect as well. One example is correcting a crooked nose, due to a nasal fracture.  When a nose is broken, most likely the inside will need some attention the septum (the divider between the nostrils) is often affected from the break as well.

More packing is often needed if you do significant work to the inside of the nose.  The packing will help support the changes and ensure that the structure hold up after surgery. Breathing is of high priority, of course, immediately after surgery. Whether or not the nose is packed or not, Newport Beach’s best rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Ali Sajjadian, always makes sure there is adequate support and room for breathing.  Feeling like you have a stuffy nose, however, will be present for the first few days after the surgery.

Packing also allows for control of unusual bleeding, if it happens to occur. It also allows a way to place some internal topical antibiotic ointment to reduce the chance of infection. Some plastic and ear, nose and throat surgeons are reluctant to pack because they are worried that the client will be unhappy because breathing through the nose is limited and more uncomfortable than without the packing.

If you live in the Newport Beach area and are interested in learning more about rhinoplasty, contact our office today. We will be more than happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.