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THE SEATTLE FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER™
1101 MADISON ST #1280 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98104 | (206) 624-6200
The Facial Plastic Surgery Center
Dr William Portuese - Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Cast Removal – One Week Post Op

There are numerous varieties of rhinoplasty.
While certain nasal operations are closed, others are open.
Some operations change the nose’s bones, while others only affect the nostrils or tip.
The kind of rhinoplasty treatment you receive and ultimately how quickly you recover afterward are determined by your particular nose needs.
When recovering after rhinoplasty surgery with a cast, it’s important to understand what to anticipate, how the cast is removed, and what you can do to recover as quickly as possible.

When Following a Rhinoplasty Would I Need a Nose Cast?

Following a rhinoplasty, many plastic surgeons tape the nose to help reduce nasal edema.
Typically, tape is used for compression during procedures that include the nostrils or the tip of the nose.
The surgeon will place an outer nose cast consisting of metal, plaster, plastic, etc. when bones are purposefully shattered during the rhinoplasty operation (also known as osteotomies).

While the nose swells during the healing process, the nasal cast will retain the bones in the proper position.
In order to ensure that the nasal structure is adequately maintained and that the patient’s nose will recover properly in its new shape, rhinoplasty casts are used.

This external cast is crucial for protecting your surgery results; one week in a cast is nothing compared to the delight your new nose shape will offer for the rest of your life.
Inadequate aftercare during the healing period is the cause of many unsuccessful nose jobs.
Working closely with your surgeon is essential prior to, during, and following the rhinoplasty process because the management of casts differs from case to patient.
If the cast from your rhinoplasty fell off or became wet, they can assist you.

How and when is a nose cast taken off?

Casts are often taken off six to seven days following surgery since it takes time for the nasal bones to mend after a rhinoplasty.
The surgical outcome may be impacted by premature cast removal.
When your cast to be taken off will be determined by your surgeon.

Ask the facial plastic surgeon to remove the cast if at all possible.
If this is not possible, you could try doing it yourself.
Make sure your surgeon is on board before removing the cast.
In this procedure, it’s critical to exercise gentleness.
To progressively loosen the nasal cast, start at the edge and slowly work your way around it.
Wait a day and try again if it is hard to remove.

The cast from a rhinoplasty rarely comes off on its own.
To keep the nose cast in place, the surgeon will use an adhesive.
The likelihood of the rhinoplasty cast coming off increases if you get it wet.
Make an effort not to play or interfere with the cast.
It should remain on if you are careful.
Do not become alarmed if your rhinoplasty cast comes off naturally or becomes wet.
Make an appointment with your doctor, and they’ll put everything back where it belongs!

What to Expect Following Removal of Your Rhinoplasty Cast

Make no snap decisions regarding your nose’s final shape after the cast is taken off; edema from rhinoplasty is frequent after cast removal.
Be patient because post-operative edema can vary from day to day.
For the tissue to settle and the bones to fully mend, it often takes a few months, and it typically takes a full year before you see your ultimate results.
Once more, being patient is essential throughout the recovery period following removal of the rhinoplasty cast.
Call your surgeon if you have any concerns.

Can I Touch My Nose Now That the Cast is Off?

After the cast is removed, you can touch your nose, but do so sparingly.
Ask your surgeon for advice on how to thoroughly clean the skin and massage the nose.
While essential massage and cleaning won’t interfere with your rhinoplasty, excessive contact could slow down the healing process.

Depending on the individual, recovery after rhinoplasty will vary.
Give your nose some time to heal and voice your concerns to your doctor.
You shouldn’t worry about your nose’s swelling or look when the rhinoplasty cast is taken off.
You will get closer and closer to the intended outcome as time goes on.
As you go through the rhinoplasty cast process, give your nose some time to heal and heed your surgeon’s instructions.

 

Pacific Northwest

Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Washington State Medical Association American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Real Self