Achieving optimal recovery post-operative nasal care is critical after nasal procedures like rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Neglecting it can lead to complications such as infection, prolonged swelling, and serious health risks in certain cases. One specific tool used in post-operative nasal care to facilitate healing is nasal splints.
Nasal splints play a key role in ensuring proper recovery and maintaining surgical outcomes. They have the tendency to offer structural support, reduce complications, and enhance patient comfort during the healing process.
What Exactly Are Nasal Splints?
Nasal splints are medical devices used to protect and stabilize nasal structure following surgery or trauma. Nasal splints for rhinoplasty, septoplasty, sinus surgeries, and nasal fracture repair are becoming popular.
There are two main types of nasal splints depending on their usage position: external nasal splints and internal nasal splints. The former ones are worn outside the nose to protect the shape and reduce swelling, while the latter ones silicone-based are inserted in nostrils to support the septum and reduce bleeding.
Role of Nasal Splints for Recovery
- Stabilizing Nasal Structure
One of the primary functions of nasal splints is stabilization. After nose surgery, nasal tissues become fragile and prone to shifting. Nasal splints have the tendency to provide support, holding newly reshaped structures in place. As a result, they prevent collapse and displacement during the healing period, ensuring optimal results.
Preventing nasal collapse with splints has become a common practice after nose jobs. These splints act as a building framework until the newly reshaped nasal tissues settle and heal.
- Swelling Reduction with Nasal Splints
Nose surgeries inherently lead to swelling and inflammation. Nasal splints have the potential to compress tissues, thereby minimizing swelling and reducing fluid accumulation. By doing so, they contribute to a faster and more comfortable recovery.
- Preventing Bleeding
Tissue modification during nasal surgeries often leads to bleeding and hematoma. Nasal splints apply gentle pressure to minimize bleeding, eventually reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
- Maintaining an Open Airway
Swelling of nasal tissue following surgeries can make breathing difficult. Nasal splints, especially internal ones, have the tendency to help maintain an open airway, thereby ensuring adequate airflow and enhancing patient comfort. Internal splints, for instance, often have built-in breathing tubes which allow patients to breathe easily through nose despite heavy swelling.
- Protect Delicate Nasal Tissues
Nasal splints have the potential to protect nose from accidental bumps or trauma during the healing cycle. This is especially crucial during physical activities or sleep. By protecting delicate nasal tissue, these splints can reduce the chances of complications that could compromise surgical results.
- Prevent Scar Tissue Formation
Advanced nose splints also reduce excessive scar tissue formation or unwanted narrowing of the nasal airway, courtesy of their ability to provide support and prevent movement.
Tips for Patient Care
- Avoid strenuous activities that can put strain on the nose
- Sleep with head elevated to reduce swelling and pressure
- Avoid blowing your nose during the initial days
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions
- Use saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passage moist and clear
- Take prescribed medication for nasal splint pain management
- Follow-up appointments
Nasal splints are essential in post-surgical care for patients undergoing nasal surgeries. These devices keep nose structures in place, allowing them to heal correctly and avoiding deformities. They provide structural support, reduce complications, and improve patient comfort during the healing process. As the number of nose surgeries, including rhinoplasty and septoplasty, continues to increase, so will demand for nasal splints.
Sources:
Stanford Medicine
ACIBADEM Healthcare Group
