What Prospective Patients should know about Rhinoplasty and Deviated Septum Surgery in Los Angeles
Except for those who may have received them following rhinoplasty surgery, most people are not familiar with nose splints. If you’re a part of that group, this article might interest you. Essentially, nose splints are devices that are placed inside or outside of the nose following rhinoplasty or another form of nose surgery. And they consist of two silicone or aluminum pieces, one for each nostril.
Sinus Doctors in LA Discuss Why Patients Need Nose Splints After Undergoing Nose Surgery
Whether a patient undergoes septoplasty to correct breathing problems caused by a deviated septum or rhinoplasty to improve the appearance of the nose, nose splints help speed up healing time and allow the nose to retain its shape. They can also be beneficial for patients who undergo surgery to repair a broken nose. Of course, the benefits of using these devices do not end there. According to most physicians, nose splints are essential when it comes to post-operative care in that they minimize the likelihood of complications that could otherwise stem from a patient’s nose surgery, such as excessive bleeding or blood clots. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that several factors will influence a physician’s decision to recommend either interior or exterior nose splints to a patient following nose surgery.
Rhinoplasty and Deviated Septum Surgery in Los Angeles: Internal vs. External Nose Splints
Now that we have a better understanding of nose splints and why they are needed, let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two types, internal and external. In short, internal nose splints, as the name might suggest, are inserted inside the nasal cavity. Conversely, external splints are placed on the outside of the nose and held in place with medical adhesive. Of the two, external nose splints are the most commonly recommended by physicians following nose surgery. In nearly all cases, a physician will recommend both internal and external nose splints to a patient that has undergone rhinoplasty. Meanwhile, physicians will only recommend internal splints to patients that have undergone septoplasty. According to most sinus doctors in LA, along with speeding up healing, preventing blood clots, and minimizing excessive bleeding, both splint variants offer the following additional benefits after nose surgery:
- Minimizes swelling.
- Reduces post-surgery pain.
- Improves breathing function after surgery.
Specialists in Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty in Los Angeles Discuss How Long a Patient Should Wear a Nose Splint After Surgery
For those who might find wearing a nose splint after nose surgery uncomfortable or find them aesthetically unpleasing, you should know that they don’t have to be worn for too long. In fact, most patients who undergo either rhinoplasty or septum reconstruction in Los Angeles, for example, will be advised by their physicians to wear an external nose splint for two weeks after surgery. Conversely, those instructed to wear an internal nose splint are advised to continue wearing them for about 3 to 7 days after surgery in most cases.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Wearing a Nose Splint After Undergoing Rhinoplasty or Septal Reconstruction in Los Angeles?
According to physicians who specialize in rhinoplasty and septoplasty in Los Angeles, there are a few side effects that come with wearing either an external or internal nose splint following nose surgery, some of which include the following:
- The splints might become coated with dried blood or mucus, which can impede proper breathing.
- The splints, especially internal ones, may cause the nose to appear larger.
- The splints can sometimes cause mild pain or discomfort, especially when engaging in strenuous activities.
All in all, these side effects are generally mild. And most can be abated by taking over-the-counter remedies while patients wait to have their nasal splints removed, according to physicians well-versed in rhinoplasty and septal reconstruction in Los Angeles.
Bottom Line
In summary, while wearing a nose splint after undergoing nose surgery might seem like a nuisance, they contribute to more benefits than complications. And they are an integral part of the healing process after surgery, a sentiment shared by just about every physician that specializes in rhinoplasty and septum reconstruction in Los Angeles. Contact us for sinus surgery in Los Angeles.
