Internal nasal splints are thin, flexible devices placed inside the nose following surgical procedures like septoplasty or rhinoplasty. They support and stabilize the internal structures, which are fragile immediately after surgery. A common concern is whether patients can still breathe through the nose while these devices are in place. The splints, combined with post-operative swelling and congestion, restrict the sensation of breathing.
Why Nasal Splints Are Necessary
The primary reason for internal nasal splints is to provide structural support for the septum, the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nasal passages. Following a septoplasty, the splints hold the newly aligned septum in its corrected midline position while the tissue heals. This mechanical stabilization is necessary for achieving improved nasal function and airflow.
These devices also play a significant role in managing two specific post-operative risks. They help to minimize the chance of a septal hematoma, which is a collection of blood between the cartilage and the mucosal lining, by applying gentle compression. Furthermore, the splints act as a physical barrier to prevent synechiae, or internal scar tissue, which develops when healing surfaces touch and adhere. By keeping these surfaces separated, splints ensure the nasal passages remain open after removal.
How Internal Splints Affect Airflow
Patients can typically breathe with nasal splints, but the experience often feels restricted. Many modern splints are designed with small hollow tubes or channels, often called integral airways, to allow for air passage immediately after surgery. These channels facilitate nasal breathing during the initial recovery phase.
Despite these breathing tubes, the sensation of being blocked is common because the narrow passageways easily become obstructed. Post-operative swelling of the nasal lining, along with the accumulation of dried blood, mucus, and crusting, quickly clogs the small airways. When the splint’s channel is blocked, the patient must rely on mouth breathing, which leads to a dry mouth and throat discomfort.
To manage this congestion and maintain some airflow, surgeons typically recommend frequent nasal irrigation, often using saline rinses. Rinsing helps to clean away the debris and crusting that builds up around and inside the splint’s channels, helping to temporarily restore some patency. Patients should expect persistent pressure and a constant sense of stuffiness while the splints remain in place, usually for a few days up to one or two weeks.
What Happens When Splints Are Removed
The removal of nasal splints is a quick procedure performed by the surgeon, often during the first post-operative follow-up appointment. While patients may feel a brief sensation of pressure, the removal is typically not painful.
The immediate effect upon removal is a dramatic improvement in airflow, often described as a sudden rush of air. This instant relief results from the physical removal of the bulky plastic device and the simultaneous cleaning of nasal passages by the surgeon, who clears away accumulated crusting and debris. However, this initial feeling of wide-open breathing may temporarily diminish in the hours following the procedure.
The nasal lining remains swollen after the splints are removed, and residual congestion is normal. Although the splints are gone, full breathing capacity is not achieved immediately, as internal swelling can take several weeks to resolve. Patients should continue frequent saline rinses and other post-operative care to manage remaining crusting and promote optimal healing.