A nose splint is a supportive device placed on or inside the nose after surgery to hold the nasal structures in place while they heal. Think of it as a cast for your nose. Splints come in two forms, internal and external, and the type you get depends on the procedure you’ve had. Most stay in place for about a week before a doctor removes them.
External vs. Internal Splints
External nose splints sit on the outside of your nose. They typically consist of a bandage covering the nose with two strips of metal or plastic running along its length, all held in place with surgical tape. Their main job is to protect the nose’s new shape and keep swelling down. You’ll most often see these after cosmetic rhinoplasty or after a nasal fracture has been set.
Internal splints go inside the nose. They’re made of two thin pieces of silicone or similar flexible material that sit on either side of the septum, the wall of cartilage dividing your nostrils. A single stitch typically holds the two pieces in place. Internal splints stabilize the septum, support the healing tissue, and prevent a common complication called adhesions, where raw tissue surfaces on opposite sides of the nasal cavity stick together and form scar bands as they heal. A meta-analysis of septoplasty outcomes found that splints cut the adhesion rate roughly in half compared to no splint (about 4% vs. 9%).
Some internal splints have small breathing channels built into them so air can still pass through your nose while the splints are in place. Even with these channels, expect your breathing to feel restricted. That’s temporary and resolves once the splints come out.
When Nose Splints Are Used
The most common procedures that call for a nose splint are septoplasty (straightening a deviated septum) and rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons). Splints are also used after nasal fracture repair, turbinate surgery, and some sinus procedures. In septoplasty specifically, internal splints have largely replaced older nasal packing (gauze stuffed into the nostrils), which caused significantly more pain and discomfort for patients.
For external procedures like rhinoplasty, the outer splint protects the reshaped bone and cartilage during the critical first days of healing, when any bump or pressure could shift things out of alignment. For internal work like septoplasty, the splint keeps the repositioned septum stable and prevents the mucosal tissue from collapsing or scarring together. Importantly, research shows that internal splints don’t increase rates of infection, bleeding, or other complications compared to going without one.
How Long You’ll Wear One
Most nasal splints stay in place for about one week. Stanford Health Care’s postoperative guidelines describe splint removal at roughly seven days after surgery. External splints sometimes come off a day or two earlier, while internal splints used after more complex septal work may stay slightly longer at the surgeon’s discretion.
Removal is done in the doctor’s office and takes only a few minutes. Internal splints are pulled out after the holding stitch is cut. Patients often describe a strange pressure sensation during removal, but it’s brief. Many people notice an immediate improvement in airflow the moment the splints are out.
Living With a Nose Splint
The first few days with a splint can be uncomfortable. Your nose will feel congested, and mouth breathing at night is common, which can lead to a dry throat and interrupted sleep. Here’s what helps during that week:
- Saline spray: If you have internal splints with breathing channels, spraying nasal saline (like Ocean Spray) into the channels twice a day keeps them clear of dried blood and crusting. This is the single most important maintenance step. Do not use full sinus rinse kits (like NeilMed squeeze bottles) while splints are in place, as the pressure can cause problems. Stick to gentle spray bottles.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter acetaminophen handles discomfort for most people. Your surgeon may prescribe something stronger, but many patients find they don’t need it beyond the first day or two.
- Decongestant sprays: A topical decongestant can reduce swelling inside the nose and improve airflow through the splint channels. These should only be used for a few days at most to avoid rebound congestion.
- Sleep position: Keeping your head elevated on an extra pillow reduces swelling and makes breathing easier at night.
Avoid blowing your nose, bending over, or doing anything strenuous while the splint is in. Even sneezing should be done with your mouth open to avoid pressure buildup. External splints should be kept dry, so be careful in the shower. If tape edges start peeling, leave them alone rather than trying to re-secure them yourself.
What Splints Are Made Of
Internal splints are most commonly made of medical-grade silicone, which is thin, flexible, and well-tolerated by nasal tissue. Some newer designs incorporate materials that absorb blood and promote clotting, using compounds derived from chitosan (a substance found in shellfish shells) combined with plant-based binders that form a foam-like dressing.
External splints use lightweight aluminum or thermoplastic strips that can be shaped to the nose’s contour. These are covered with padding and secured with hypoallergenic surgical tape. The rigid material provides enough structure to protect the nose from accidental contact while still being light enough to wear comfortably.
Biodegradable splints that dissolve on their own are in development, which would eliminate the need for a removal appointment. These use materials called bioresorbable polymers that the body gradually breaks down. They aren’t yet widely available, but they represent the direction nasal splint design is heading.