Rhinoplasty and External Nasal Splinting: Is It Really a Must?

Rhinoplasty is a common and challenging procedure. Lateral osteotomy is routinely performed in most cases. Most of the surgeons have the habit of applying external nasal splints to stabilize the nasal tissues and bone in their new position postrhinoplasty. These splints are widely used despite the absence of any evidence supporting this practice. Moreover, these splints have a lot of disadvantages, so we conducted this study to evaluate the cosmetic result in their absence.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. Medical records of 211 patients operated on for rhinoplasty by the same surgeon from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed. All patients were operated using open technique. After surgery, a Steri-Strips dressing with an overlying layer of surgical tape was applied to the nose without the use of an external nasal splint. Most of the patients were followed up for 18 months. Complication rates, revision rates, and nasal bone widths were recorded.

Complication rates and revision rates were as follows: skin infection 0.99%, skin necrosis 0.99%, and secondary revision 3.48%. Finally 79.60% of patients had a decrease in their nasal bone width postsurgery.

Based on the present study, external nasal splinting postrhinoplasty should not be routinely used. Satisfactory cosmetic results can be obtained while avoiding the complications, cost, and bulky dressings associated with external splints.