Is Nasal Packing Necessary Post-Rhinoplasty?
Is Nasal Packing Necessary Post-Rhinoplasty?
Like other forms of surgery, rhinoplasty has its downsides. One of these is the possible bleeding in the nose. This side effect is usually controlled with nasal packing. This technique was mostly used in traditional forms of rhinoplasty as they were highly unrefined and resulted in excessive bleeding after the operation. Nasal packing involves the use of material such as gauze or cotton to absorb the blood. The material used for the process has to be placed in the nasal cavity for a period, meaning the patient will only be able to breathe through the mouth for some time.
In modern times, most surgeons don’t use nasal packing after nose jobs since the process has been improved significantly over the years. The surgeons who still use nasal packing after the procedure will usually have them removed after about two days. Generally, the technique, experience and skill level of the surgeon will determine whether or not you will need to use nasal packing to control bleeding. If you work with highly qualified surgeons, you should not experience bleeding as a side effect. Your nose should be completely dry.
To assist with the recovery, surgeons now use nasal septal splints. These are meant to protect the nose as well as promote optimal healing. Unlike nasal packing, the splints don’t completely block the nostrils.
It is worth noting that your nose will have an uncomfortable and stuffy feeling even without the nasal packing. On the bright side, you will be able to breathe through the nose and will have a lower chance of getting an infection.
How Should You Care for Your Nasal Packing?
If you eventually get nasal packing after the rhinoplasty procedure, you will need to follow specific instructions so that you don’t affect the treatment and your overall health. Here are some essential tips to follow:
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Don’t insert anything into your nose
- Don’t wear any clothes that have to be pulled over your head
- In case you have to sneeze, open your mouth, then do it. That way, you won’t put pressure on the nasal packing and the fragile tissues.
- Sleep on your back and at an elevated angle of about 45 degrees. This can easily be achieved with two fluffy pillows. If possible, you can get a recliner and set it at the said angle.
- Don’t take blood-thinning medications as these can worsen cases of bleeding. Any bleeding you may experience should not last for more than 10 minutes.
- Be careful not to bump into any hard surfaces
- Avoid strenuous activities for about a week
Be sure to visit your doctor on the appointed day for the nasal packing to be removed. Once this is done, you can use saline nasal washes to clean the air passages.
After removing the nasal packing, you shouldn’t expect any bleeding at all. However, in case you injure yourself and end up bleeding, you should lie down with the head in an elevated position and apply light pressure on the sides of the nose. If the bleeding persists after about 10 minutes, you will need to contact your surgeon for further directions.
In addition, you should contact your surgeon if you cough up blood, experience shortness of breath, or have pains in your chest. You should also inform your nurse or surgeon if your pains worsen or if you develop new ones. It is important to continuously monitor your general health. Symptoms of infections should be checked for regularly since these can lead to serious health conditions. An infection will be manifested by swelling, pain, redness, pus draining from the nasal area, and fever.
How Should You Choose a Rhinoplasty Surgeon?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated forms of surgery as it involves a highly functional body part. The procedure should only be carried out by the best surgeons. You can determine the skill level of a surgeon by first checking the extent of their experience. Reputable nose surgeons are also certified by at least one plastic surgeon board. Finally, you should check the before and after pictures of the surgeon’s past patients. These three factors should help you determine whether a certain surgeon can perform a safe nose job that also has an aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Many people have been going for rhinoplasty in recent days as the procedure has grown to become safer and more refined over the years. Presently, most surgeons do not use nasal packing to control bleeding and other nasal contents. The few that do will have it removed after one or two days. Nasal packing is highly uncomfortable since you will even be unable to breathe through the nose for the entire time you have the packing on. You should pick the best surgeons for your nose job as they don’t use nasal packing. Call Dr. Frankel for a professional rhinoplasty on 310.552.2173.