Read the practical considerations around all about nose splints and why you may need them, with individual preparation and recovery decisions confirmed by your treating team.
Key points
- Discuss your individual suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating clinician.
- Ask for written preparation and recovery instructions, including your medicines and follow-up.
- Confirm the healthcare facility, full costs and arrangements before booking travel.
On this page
- What is the difference between internal and external nasal splint types?
- What surgeries need nose splints?
- Why are nose splints used?
- What are the benefits of nose splints?
- How to take care of your nose splints
- What are common side effects and risks of nose splints?
- Share this article:
- A practical point for your care
- Plan your next step
- Sources
Rhinoplasty splints or nose splints are two silicone or aluminum devices placed either inside or outside the patient’s nose after a nose surgery. Their functionality is to help patient’s nose maintain its new shape. Regardless of being internal or external, applying nose splints is one of the important steps of post-operative cares which speeds up the recovery process.
Nasal splints are integral part of a rhinoplasty!
What is the difference between internal and external nasal splint types?
There are two types of nose splints. Depending on the nasal surgery, internal or external splints are recommended by the doctor. An internal splint is placed into the nasal cavities. An external splint, which is more common, is attached to the nose by a tape.
What surgeries need nose splints?
There are two main nasal surgeries that require nose splints, rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Rhinoplasty is a nasal surgery which is concerned with either beauty or functionality (or both) of a nose. For this type of surgery, both internal and external splints are applied. Septoplasty is the correction of the cartilage between two nasal cavities, named nasal septum. Internal splints are needed after septoplasty.
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Why are nose splints used?
After nose surgeries, the shape and size of septum, nose, or nostrils change. As they need a special time to maintain their new shape and size, nasal splints are used to protect nose’s new shape and immobilize bones. Although you should be fully aware of the fragility of your nose after the surgery, in case of an accident, splints would protect your nose from possible injuries. They would hold nose’s bones in place to prevent possible changes to the shape of the nose.
What are the benefits of nose splints?
- They prevent the development of hematomas. Internal splints keep a distance between nose skin and its bones at the same time. This distance leaves no room for the pockets of blood, which are called hematomas.
- They help you breathe better after the surgery by loosening the nasal cavities and opening the airway.
- They control bleeding.
- They minimize swelling.
- They cause no pain.
- They are temporary and removable.
How to take care of your nose splints
As using nasal splints is itself a step in rhinoplasty post-operative cares, there are no specific requirements for it. For having a better and easier experience and avoiding crustiness, it is better for you to utilize a saline nasal spray in the nostrils. Be gentle with your nose until it is the right time to visit your doctor and remove your nose splints.
How to take care of your nose splints?
What are common side effects and risks of nose splints?
Nasal splints are not risky. There are a few complications as mentioned below:
- Discomfort
- They may become coated
- They may become loose
- Their removal may cause a strange feeling, but there would be no pain.
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A practical point for your care
Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.[1]
Plan your next step
Read the patient travel guides · Contact SanaMedTour
Sources
[1] NHS: Preparing for surgery — supports the individual-care planning note above. ↑ Back to text
Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.