Nose splint removal involves the removal of nasal splint after nose surgery for total recovery. Injury to the nose from either domestic or car accident, fall, injury from sport can lead to the fracture of the cartilage in the nose. These along with difficulty in breathing may warrant nasal surgery, that is surgery done on the nose. The size and shape of the nose may change after such surgery and as such the new shape and size needs to be maintained while the nose heals.
Nose splints are materials used for the purpose of maintaining the size and shape of the nose after surgery. The type of surgery carried out will determine the type of splint to be used.
WHAT ARE NASAL SPLINTS
Nasal splints are supportive device, usually a small plastic or rigid materials that are used to support and keep the injured cartilages and tissues of the nose together and immobile till it heals.
OTHER USES OF NASAL SPLINT
1. It prevents swellings
2. It serves as a barrier between the nose and external force from the environment, thereby preventing damage to the nose.
3. Nasal splint improves the appearance of the nose
4. Offers protection to the nose after surgery and helps in the healing process of the injured tissues.
TYPES OF SPLINTS
There are types of nasal splints used depending on the type of surgery being carried out.
1. THE EXTERNAL SPLINT: External splints consist of two pieces of plastic held in place with a bandage that covers the nose.They are used for most nasal surgeries or injuries.
2. THE INTERNAL SPLINT: Made of two pieces flexible plastic too, is inserted inside the nose to support the septum. Septum is the bridge between the nostrils. These splints are mostly used after the septum has been reshaped and it maintains the internal structure of the nose.
NOSE SPLINT REMOVAL?
Nasal Splints are removed by doctors and should not be removed by the patient or someone other than the professional unless as instructed by a medical personnel as doing so could damage the shape of the nose or cause more injury to the nose.
HOW LONG SHOULD NASAL SPLINT STAY BEFORE IT IS REMOVED.
External Splint may be left in the nose for a duration of 1-2 weeks. While Internal Splint for 3-5 days before they are removed.
IS NOSE SPLINT REMOVAL PAINFUL?
Nose splint removal is not really painful. It however depends on the kind of splint used. Removal of external nasal splints are mostly not painful. However, removal of internal splints may cause mild irritation. But is often followed by relieve when the splint is completely removed.
WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN YOU WEAR A NASAL SPLINT.
1. It causes discomfort, though temporary as splints are later removed.
2. Sometimes the nose continues to bleed after insertion of splint. When this happens consult your doctor.
3. Nasal splints do fall out as a result of sneezing or other strenuous activities. If it does fall out within 48hours of insertion, do well to get medical assistance from your doctor. It can also fall out because of reduced swelling inside the nose. Though it should not be a cause for alarm, the doctor should be consulted.
4. The dress over the splint needs to be change. Get proper instruction as to how this can be done, while waiting for when the splint will be removed.
5. There are hollow tubes in the splint that makes it easier to breathe with the splints on. Mucus tends to build up in this tubes or around the splint, making breathing difficult.
Use saline spray or rinse gotten from the doctor to reduce mucus that builds up around the internal nasal splint.
WHAT HAPPENDS AFTER NOSE SPLINT REMOVAL
1. Mild pain or discomfort may be felt after nasal splint have been removed. This pain can be relieved by the use of pain reliever or antiinflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen as prescribe by your doctor.
Do not take any pain relieve medication without the doctor’s consent.
2. The nose may also begin to swell after the nasal splint has been removed. This swelling can be reduced with the application of cold packs that are not heavy.
3. Saline rinse gotten from the doctor is used to moisturize and flush out debris that may have hidden under or around the affected region bound by splint. It is also used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the nose.
4. The nose may bleed and drain a little and the cheeks and upper lip may be numb. Consult your doctor when this happens.
5. You may have to keep visiting the doctor for 3-4months for check up. Nasal splint can be worn inside or outside the nose as part of the operative care carried out after surgeries.
The type of splint used on a patient is basically based on the degree or level of injury and the type of surgery carried out.
For Septoplasty, which is surgery performed on the septum, and internal nasal splint is used. While surgeries like, rhinoplasty, a cosmetic surgery that reshapes the nose, an external nasal splint is used.
Whatever the case may be, talk to your doctor about the best nasal splint to use in protecting your nose while it heals, and follow required procedures to ensure effective healing and avoid complications.
CONCLUSION
We have discussed about nasal splint removal in this blog post. We discuss in details what happends after nasal splint removal and some preventive measures to consider while putting on naval splint among others.