What Are Nose Splints? How Are They Utilized?

What Are Nose Splints? How Are They Utilized?

What are nose splints?

Nose splints are small plastic or silicone appliances adopted to maintain and fix the nose after nasal operation.
It is important to diagnose the symptoms of a broken nose or other conditions that a rhinoplasty may affair splint or other cares.
Putting the splints in place, is almost a plain procedure. Important points about splints are given to the recently operated patients before leaving the hospital, by the surgeon or a nurse.

What are nose splints utilized for?

There are two forms of nose splints: Internal and external.

Internal: Intranasal splints are inserted into the nostrils and attached with some stitches.
External: External nasal splints are placed on the outer surface of the nose, whether with medical tape, bandage or adhesive that is absorbed into the skin after a few days.
Nasal splints have two crucial purposes: first, preserving and keeping the tissue that has just undergone the operation. Second, caring for the nose at the time of healing. 
After some surgeries like: rhinoplasty, septoplasty, sinus surgery and nasal fracture a nose splint is used 
The decision on external or internal splints is decided by the kind of surgery that has been done. Here are some common surgeries that is in need of either an internal or external splint.

How do nose splints work?

Since the size, shape of the nose and the nostrils after surgery are different from those before surgery yet nose splints are used.
The nasal splint protects the new shape and size until the sensitive tissue heals. Also, if the nose is accidentally bumped, the splint protects the nose
Slightly curved tubes that begin at the opening of the nostrils and go in a short distance to the nostrils and extend a short way into the nasal cavity are Intranasal splints. The trapezoidal outer splint is placed on the bridge of the nose from the narrower end so that the later part can cover the lower part of the nose.
You may purchase external nose splints online or at a medical supply store. But these splints are typically used to protect the nose from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks that treat obstructive sleep apnea.

You are better not to buy extra nose splints after surgery. The ones supplied by the doctor or surgeon after the operation are adequate and are better to remain in place until they are not needed.

Expectations after the nasal splint

Nasal splints usually stay in place for about one to two weeks after the surgery. Studies proved slight difference in removing splint in a period of maximum 7 days or keeping it longer.

Here are some important tips about nose surgery with a nasal splint:

•  Change the deck of the cloth over the splint if it is needed and get proper instructions before leaving the hospital.
•  Call your surgeon’s office and claim for instructions as soon as possible If your nose splint unties or falls out after a sneeze in 48 hours of your surgery. If this happens after 48 hours’ posterior your surgery, this isn’t commonly a serious issue.
•  Call your surgeon or ask for immediate medical care if you notice excessive bleeding or have a fever after the operation.
•  Use nasal sprays like Saline to help cutting down mucus expand around an internal splint. Internal nose splints have hollow tubes for effortless breathing, but mucus buildup can still make it rough to breathe.
•  Internal nose splints may be uncomfortable and might make your nose display wider while they are placed. But it is temporary until they are removed.

Conclusion

Whether placed internally or externally, a nasal splint is part of postoperative nasal care. In some cases, external nose splints seem not to be necessary, hence, talk to your doctor about the best approach to care for your nose while it is healing. Although Intranasal splints are not comfortable for a few days, they are helpful in providing a positive end result after surgery.