Is Nasal Packing Necessary During Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Older rhinoplasty techniques involved more trauma to the nasal tissues and structures, resulting in significant swelling, postoperative bleeding, and bruising. In the past, one of the significant downsides of undergoing nose surgery was the highly uncomfortable rhinoplasty recovery process. To help with these side effects of surgery, surgeons performed nasal packing after rhinoplasty.

The board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, are some of the leading experts in the Jacksonville, FL, area. Their surgical experience, vast knowledge, and conservative approach to creating the most natural-looking rhinoplasty results enable them to have successful outcomes. With modern rhinoplasty techniques performed today, is nasal packing still necessary?

What can rhinoplasty help?

Rhinoplasty  is facial surgery, also known as nose reshaping, to restructure it for either structural or cosmetic issues. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery will customize each procedure so each patient will achieve balance with the rest of their facial features. Besides providing facial symmetry and a better profile, rhinoplasty can help with the following:

• Correct nasal tip asymmetry
• Reduce excessive nasal tip projection
• Straighten a crooked nose
• Correct a structural defect from an injury
• Redefine or reshape a bulbous nasal tip
• Reduce the width of the bridge or correct a nasal bump
• Reduce the length of the nose
• Alleviate breathing issues due to a deviated septum

What is nasal packing?

Nasal packing refers to packing the nasal cavities with gauze or cotton following nose surgery. Many rhinoplasty patients dread the process, as it makes it difficult to breathe through the nose and is uncomfortable until the packing is removed, which in the past could be up to two weeks after surgery. Nasal packing is used to absorb blood, promote clotting, and help prevent complications after rhinoplasty recovery. Today, surgical techniques for this procedure are more refined, resulting in less postoperative bleeding. If nasal packing after rhinoplasty is needed, it is usually removed after a day or two.

Can I remove my own nasal packing?

Today, rhinoplasty recovery is a much simpler process. If nasal packing after rhinoplasty is necessary, patients can remove it at home with family or friends' help approximately two days afterward. The packing is typically cylinder-shaped and about the length of a person's finger, with a string at the end to aid in removal. While nasal packing is no longer commonplace, the nose will still feel uncomfortable and extremely congested. Most patients can generally return to work in about two weeks following surgery. However, the nose is still sensitive and fragile for a few months afterward, and patients need to take extra care when out in public or doing physical activity. Swelling and bruising will dissipate slowly, and results should be fully complete in about 12 months.

Choosing a rhinoplasty expert in Jacksonville, FL

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures performed in the United States. However, it is also one of the most complex and intricate surgeries available. With the interplay between cartilage, skin, and bone and the fact the nose is a prominent facial feature that performs an essential function of breathing, rhinoplasty requires excellent skill, artistry, and surgical experience. Choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your nose surgery should be a top priority and will be a determining factor in achieving successful results. If you live in the greater Jacksonville, FL, area, then we encourage you to schedule  a rhinoplasty consultation at our office in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.